AN EVALUATION OF RESIDENTIAL BUILDING COMPLIANCE WITH ZONING AND DEVELOPMENT CONTROL GUIDELINES IN BADAGRY, LAGOS STATE

Urban expansion in peri-urban areas like Badagry, Lagos State, Nigeria, has intensified challenges related to unplanned development, land use conflicts, and regulatory non-compliance. This study evaluates the extent of residential building compliance with zoning and development control guidelines across five communities in Badagry, Ibereko, Imeke, Ajara Torikoh, Aradagun, and Ajara Topa, using a quantitative questionnaire-based survey. A total of 313 respondents were sampled proportionally from these areas, with data analyzed via descriptive statistics and mean score comparisons (Likert scale analysis). Key compliance indicators included zoning designation, building height, setbacks, and floor area ratio (FAR). Results revealed moderate to high self-reported compliance (grand mean = 3.36), with the highest adherence to height restrictions (mean = 3.49) and the lowest to zoning clarity (mean = 3.32). While respondents generally affirmed conformity to regulations, disparities emerged across communities, with Aradagun (26.52% of respondents) and Imeke (23.00%) showing higher engagement. The findings align with literature highlighting partial compliance in Nigerian urban areas, where major violations are avoided but minor infractions persist due to weak enforcement and limited public awareness. However, self-reported data may overstate actual compliance, underscoring the need for physical audits and GIS validation. The study concludes that while regulatory awareness exists, effective urban governance in Badagry requires enhanced public sensitization, streamlined permit processes, and stricter enforcement. Recommendations include community-inclusive planning, capacity building for local agencies, and digitized monitoring systems to foster sustainable development.