Urbanisation, Housing Pressure and Environmental Degradation in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State: A Review of Challenges and Policies

Abstract

This review paper synthesises findings from academic literature, government reports, and empirical case studies to examine the interconnections between urbanisation, housing pressure, and environmental sustainability in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The analysis identifies rural underdevelopment, administrative centralisation, infrastructural inequality, and systemic challenges, including weak land governance, inadequate urban planning, and poor environmental management. The study further highlights the implications of these dynamics on social equity, urban resilience, and public health, noting the urgent need for proactive planning and regulatory interventions. In response to these challenges, the paper proposes policy solutions informed by global best practices but tailored to the specific socio-political and ecological context of Yenagoa in Bayelsa State. These include strengthening institutional capacity for urban governance, promoting affordable housing schemes, integrating environmental safeguards into urban planning, and enhancing community participation in decision-making. Ultimately, the paper argues for an integrated and adaptive policy framework that balances urban growth with sustainability goals, ensuring a liveable and resilient future for the Bayelsa State Capital urban population.