By Oyetunde M. Ajayi
Take a walk through many Nigerian cities today and one thing becomes obvious: there are very few public parks and green spaces. Buildings are rising everywhere, roads are expanding, and open lands are quickly disappearing. In cities such as Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Ibadan, finding a clean, safe and accessible public park can be difficult. However, parks and green spaces are not luxuries. They are necessities for healthy and livable cities. Urban green spaces include public parks, gardens, playgrounds, green belts, tree-lined streets, and other open areas covered by vegetation. These spaces may seem ordinary, but they perform important functions that affect our health, economy, and environment. Parks improve physical and mental health. Life in Nigerian cities is becoming increasingly stressful. Long hours in traffic, unemployment, high living costs, and overcrowding create pressure on many residents. Studies around the world have shown that spending time in parks and green environments reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and improves mental health. Parks also encourage exercise. People can walk, jog, cycle, and play games in these spaces. Children can run around safely instead of spending all their time indoors or on electronic devices. Older people can enjoy fresh air and light exercise. In a country where non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, obesity, and diabetes are increasing, creating more parks can help improve public health.
Green spaces help fight climate change. Climate change is no longer a distant problem. Nigerian cities are already experiencing higher temperatures and more frequent flooding. Many urban areas have become “heat islands,” meaning they are much hotter than surrounding rural areas because of too many buildings and too little vegetation. Trees and green spaces help cool the environment. They provide shade and release moisture into the air, reducing temperatures naturally. Trees also absorb carbon dioxide, one of the major gases responsible for global warming. As Nigerian cities continue to grow, planting more trees and preserving open green areas can help reduce the effects of climate change and make cities more comfortable. Parks reduce flooding: Flooding has become a major challenge in many Nigerian cities. Heavy rains often overwhelm drainage systems, destroying homes, roads, and businesses. Green spaces act like natural sponges. They absorb rainwater and allow it to seep into the ground instead of flowing rapidly across concrete surfaces. Parks, wetlands, and vegetated areas therefore reduce the risk of flooding. Unfortunately, many natural green areas in Nigeria have been converted into residential and commercial developments. As a result, cities have lost important natural systems that once helped manage stormwater. Protecting and creating urban green spaces should therefore be part of every city’s flood management strategy.
The real problem of Nigerian cities
Green spaces build stronger communities. Parks are places where people meet, relax, and interact with one another. They bring together children, youths, adults, and the elderly. Families can spend quality time together, and neighbours can develop stronger social connections. Communities with well-maintained parks often experience a greater sense of belonging and social cohesion. Public spaces also encourage cultural events, festivals, and recreational activities that enrich urban life. In many Nigerian cities, there are very few safe places where residents can gather without spending money. Parks provide inclusive spaces that everyone can enjoy regardless of income level.
Parks support the economy. Some people may think that parks are a waste of land that could be used for housing or businesses. In reality, green spaces contribute significantly to the economy. Properties located near parks often increase in value. Beautiful and well-maintained parks attract investors, businesses, and tourists. Recreational facilities create jobs for gardeners, landscapers, security personnel, and maintenance workers. Cities around the world have discovered that investment in parks and green infrastructure yields long-term economic benefits. Nigerian cities can also benefit from such investments.
Children need places to play. Children are among the biggest beneficiaries of urban parks. Unfortunately, many Nigerian children grow up with little or no access to safe playgrounds. Open spaces encourage physical activity, creativity, and social interaction. They help children develop emotionally and physically. Parks also expose children to nature and teach them to appreciate the environment. When children lack recreational spaces, they often play on roads, in drainage channels, or in unsafe areas. This increases their exposure to accidents and other dangers. A city that does not provide spaces for its children is not planning adequately for its future. Nigerian cities are losing their green spaces. Rapid urbanisation is putting enormous pressure on open spaces across the country. Population growth and increasing demand for land have led to the conversion of many parks, gardens, and undeveloped lands into buildings. In some cases, spaces originally designated as parks in city master plans have been taken over by other developments. In others, parks have simply been neglected and allowed to deteriorate. This trend is dangerous. Once green spaces are lost to development, it becomes difficult and expensive to replace them.
What should be done? First, state and local governments should make urban green spaces a priority in city planning and budgeting. Second, planning authorities should enforce development plans and protect lands designated for parks and recreation. Third, every new residential estate should include adequate green spaces and playgrounds. Fourth, governments should plant more trees along streets, schools, and public institutions. Finally, citizens also have a role to play. Communities should participate in tree-planting programmes and protect public parks from vandalism and misuse.
The true measure of a great city is not only the number of its buildings or roads. It is also the quality of life it offers its residents. Parks and green spaces make cities healthier, cooler, safer, and more beautiful. They improve physical and mental health, reduce flooding, support economic growth, and strengthen communities. As Nigerian cities continue to expand, we must avoid the mistake of building cities of concrete alone. We need cities where children can play, families can relax, and nature can thrive alongside development. The time has come to invest seriously in urban green spaces. Nigerian cities do not simply need more buildings—they need more parks.
• Dr. Ajayi is Assistant Chief Town Planning Officer, Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC).