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Periodical article | Leiden University catalogue | WorldCat |
Title: | Lagos: The History of British Colonial Neglect of Traditional African Cities |
Author: | Gale, Thomas S. |
Year: | 1979 |
Periodical: | African Urban Studies |
Issue: | 5 |
Period: | Fall |
Pages: | 11-24 |
Language: | English |
Geographic term: | Nigeria |
Subjects: | urban history capitals colonialism History and Exploration Urbanization and Migration |
Abstract: | The most pressing reason for moving the capital of Nigeria to Abuja in central Nigeria was not a political one, but rather the desire to escape from a hopelessly congested Lagos. Through a review of the history of Lagos, the author analyses why it was allowed to become so congested and who is to blame for permitting this situation to develop. Apologists for colonial rule have given the building of cities and ports in Africa as one of the main justifications for such rule. How dedicated were British in fact in constructing a healthy city in what was their largest town in West Africa? Furthermore this study of Lagos helps to understand the Urban crisis in Third World countries. Ref., notes. |