Assessment of Urbanization's Environmental Impact in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria

The rapid growth of Makurdi, a city in Nigeria, is putting a lot of strain on the environment, raising serious concerns about sustainable development. To understand this issue better, a survey was conducted with 150 residents. The study looked at how factors like high birth rates and people moving from rural areas to the city are driving population growth and harming the environment. More than half of the respondents (53.3%) strongly agreed that high birth rates are a major factor, while 50.7% strongly agreed that rural-to-urban migration is also a big contributor to the rising population. This growth has led to several environmental problems, including pollution, deforestation, and loss of natural habitats. Pollution emerged as the top concern, with 84.6% of respondents identifying it as a major issue. Many linked poor air and water quality to inadequate waste management and emissions from industries. Deforestation is another serious problem, with 43.3% agreeing and 42% strongly agreeing that logging and clearing land for urban development are damaging local ecosystems. To tackle these challenges, there’s strong support from the community for solutions like reforestation (53.3% strongly agree) and better waste disposal systems (52.7% strongly agree). Additionally, 53.3% of respondents believe that adopting renewable energy should be part of effective urban planning strategies. These findings highlight the urgent need to manage Makurdi’s growth in a balanced and sustainable way. Protecting natural resources and ensuring the well-being of residents must be a top priority as the city continues to expand. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.