The Use of GIS in Development Control Enforcement in Nigeria: Opportunities and Challenges

The Use of GIS in Development Control Enforcement in Nigeria: Opportunities and Challenges

Aminat Temitope Abubakar^1*, Akeem Olawole Muritala², Blessing Ezinne Mbamara³, Owolabi Yakub Popoola⁴

^1,2,4Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Federal Polytechnic Offa, Offa, Kwara State, Nigeria

³Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

*Corresponding Author

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.90400519

Received: 15 April 2025; Accepted: 19 April 2025; Published: 26 May 2025

ABSTRACT

Development control enforcement in Nigeria faces many difficulties due to the continued use of outdated, manual methods. This paper examines both the potential benefits and the challenges of using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to improve how development control is carried out across Nigeria. Deducing from previous literature, the paper suggests several advantages that GIS offers, such as better data management, the ability to detect illegal developments using remote sensing, easier development permit processing and fieldwork with mobile GIS, clearer communication through data visualization, support for evidence-based decision-making, and greater transparency in planning processes. Despite these benefits, the paper also outlines important challenges to adopting GIS in Nigeria. These include poor data quality and access, poor technology infrastructure, lack of trained personnel, legal and institutional limitations, high costs, interoperability issues, resistance to change, and unreliable basic infrastructure. The study concludes that although GIS has the power to transform development control in Nigeria, its success depends on addressing these issues through better funding, improved policies, staff training, and updated development policies. This paper also recommends that future research should explore local governments’ readiness to use GIS, data sharing capabilities among agencies, and how public-private partnerships (PPPs) can help support GIS projects.

Keywords: GIS, Development Control, Enforcement, Development Permit

INTRODUCTION

Development control is the process by which government authorities manage how land is used and how buildings are constructed to make sure they follow approved planning policies, rules, and standards (Booth, 2003; Cullingworth & Nadin, 2006). It regulates land use and planning activities to ensure orderly, safe, and sustainable development in both urban and rural areas (Aribigbola, 2008). Development control is a process that involves implementing planning laws, regulations, and standards that guide physical development according to the approved master plan (Ukoje & Kanu, 2014). In Nigeria, development control is mainly guided by town planning laws and regulations put in place by state governments, along with national-level policies and guidelines (Odumosu & Fagbohun, 2010).

The typical steps involved in the development control process include submitting planning permit applications, getting development permit approvals, monitoring ongoing developments, and enforcing development control regulations through actions like issuing stop-work orders, giving demolition notices, or taking legal action (Ukoje & Kanu, 2014). The main objective of development control is to achieve an aesthetically pleasing and sustainable environment, stop illegal or poorly planned developments, protect people’s health and safety, and ensure effective land use (Aribigbola, 2008; Wahab & Ojolowo, 2018).

Effective development control can prevent unauthorized development, manage urban sprawl, protect environmental resources, ensure public safety, and improve the overall quality of the built environment in Nigeria (Wahab & Ojolowo, 2018). Nigeria has historically struggled with enforcing development control regulations. Rapid urbanisation, alongside weak planning institutions, corruption, inadequate planning infrastructure, and limited public awareness, has resulted in constant violations of planning laws (Agbola & Jinadu, 1997). As a result, many Nigerian cities have seen a rise in informal settlements, unauthorized development, and constant violation of the zoning and building codes. These problems have led to damage to the environment, pressure on infrastructure, a higher risk of disasters, and growing social and economic disparity (Ogu, 2000; Wahab & Ojolowo, 2018). Traditional ways of enforcing development control, which mostly depend on manually working with paper records and on-site inspection, are too slow and outdated to handle the problem (Onaiwu, 2020).

There are many issues affecting the enforcement of development control in Nigeria. These include but are not limited to uncontrolled physical development and its harmful effects on both the environment and economy. Conventional development control enforcement methods are often slow, expensive, open to mistakes and abuse, and lack the ability to analyze spatial data, which is necessary to deal with rapid urban growth (Onaiwu, 2020). Also, there is often no recent or properly mapped data on land use, where property boundaries lie, or which development have been approved. This makes it harder for planning authorities to spot and manage illegal buildings and land use violations (Yahaya & Ishiak, 2013).

However, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are advanced computer systems that are used to collect, store, process, analyze, manage, and display spatial or location-based data (Burrough & McDonnell, 2015; Longley et al., 2015). A GIS brings together hardware, software, data, people, and procedures to work with geographic information (Nolan, 2023). The GIS functions that are especially useful for urban planning and management, include:

1. Spatial Data Acquisition: This involves gathering and entering geographic data from sources like maps, satellite images, aerial photos, GPS surveys, and direct field observations (Heywood et al., 1999).
2. Data Storage and Management: This refers to organizing and keeping spatial and related non-spatial data in a well-structured database that makes it easy to retrieve and update information (Worboys & Duckham, 2004).
3. Spatial Data Analysis: This includes performing different types of analysis on spatial data to get meaningful information, spot trends, and understand spatial relationships. Some common methods are overlay analysis, proximity analysis, network analysis, and spatial statistics (de Smith, 2021).
4. Data Visualization: This is the process of showing spatial data and analysis results using maps, charts, graphs, and reports to help people understand and communicate the findings more clearly (Slocum et al., 2022).

LITERATURE REVIEW

The Role of GIS in Urban Planning and Management

Asides development control, GIS is now an important tool in many areas of urban planning and management around the world (Bhatta & Bhatta, 2010; Malczewski, 2004). Its strength lies in handling and analyzing spatial information, making it extremely useful for a range of tasks such as:

1. Land Use Planning: GIS helps planners create, study, and visualize both current and future land use patterns. This helps guide urban growth in a more sustainable way. It can be used to check if land is suitable for certain purposes, find the best locations for different land uses, and assess how land use changes may affect the area (Hopkins, 1999).
2. Infrastructure Management: GIS supports the mapping, tracking, and managing of infrastructure systems like roads, water supply, electricity, gas, and communication networks. It helps with planning infrastructure, scheduling maintenance, and responding to disasters (Grimshaw, 1999).
3. Environmental Monitoring: GIS is useful in studying and keeping an eye on environmental conditions, including air and water quality, plant cover, and land degradation. It allows for the spatial analysis of environmental data and helps identify problem areas (Hassan et al., 1999).
4. Disaster Management: GIS plays an important role in preparing for and responding to both natural and human-made disasters. It can be used for mapping risks, assessing vulnerabilities, planning evacuation routes, and evaluating damage (Mitchell, 1999).
5. Land Administration and Cadastre: GIS helps maintain clear records of land ownership, boundaries, and land values. Cadastral GIS systems are crucial for land administration, taxation, and resolving land-related disputes (Dale & McLaughlin, 1999).
6. Public Health: GIS can analyze how diseases and health risks are spread across different areas, helping public health officials plan better responses and allocate resources more effectively (Croner, 2003).

What makes GIS especially powerful in all these urban planning applications is its ability to bring together many different types of data from various sources into one spatial system. This makes it easier to carry out detailed analyses, make better decisions, and clearly visualise findings (Tomlinson, 2007).

The State of Development Control Enforcement in Nigeria

Unlike the increasing use of GIS for development control in several developed and developing countries, Nigeria still faces major challenges in enforcing planning regulations, mainly relying on outdated, conventional methods (Ukoje & Kanu, 2014; Onaiwu, 2020). The current situation of development control enforcement in Nigeria can be described by these issues:

1. Manual and Paper-Based Records: Many planning offices in Nigeria still depend largely on manual procedures to handle planning applications, record approved development permits, and keep track of enforcement actions (Aribigbola, 2008). This continued use of paper records leads to slow processes, makes it hard to retrieve or share data, and increases the risk of mistakes or loss of important information (Wahab & Ojolowo, 2018).
2. Poor Coordination Between Agencies: Government agencies responsible for different parts of development control, such as planning board and authorities, Bureau of Land and Housing, and other agencies often fail to work together effectively or share information (Yahaya & Ishiak, 2013). This lack of coordination prevents a unified and efficient approach to monitoring development and enforcing regulations.
3. Limited Capacity to Monitor Developments: Many planning authorities do not have enough trained staff or resources to properly monitor construction and spot illegal developments, especially as urban areas grow rapidly (Onaiwu, 2020). Since physical site inspections remain the main way to monitor developments, they are usually slow, require a lot of effort, and cannot cover large areas efficiently.
4. Legal and Institutional Challenges: The regulations and institutions that enforce development control in Nigeria are often disorganized and not always properly managed (Odumosu & Fagbohun, 2010). The delay in processing building permit cases, and corruption make it even harder to enforce planning regulations effectively (Aribigbola, 2008).
5. Impact of Poor Development Control: The effects of these problems are clear. Many informal settlements have spread, and there are numerous unauthorized buildings that often ignore safety rules. Uncontrolled development has led to environmental damage, overloaded infrastructure, poor public services, and an overall decline in the quality of urban environment (Ukoje & Kanu, 2014).

GIS Applications in Development Control Enforcement (Global Perspective)

The use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in enforcing development control has become increasingly

popular around the world. It offers smart and effective ways to improve how quickly, accurately, and transparently planning authorities can carry out their duties (Stillwell et al., 1999). Several studies show that GIS is being used in various ways:

1. Detecting Unauthorized Developments: By combining high-resolution satellite images and aerial photos with GIS, planners can easily spot and map illegal constructions and unapproved land use changes (Civco et al., 2012; Hussain et al., 2020). GIS tools, like change detection analysis, can automatically highlight new buildings or developments that weren’t approved with the proper permit (Jensen et al., 2005). This helps authorities find and respond to building contraventions early, especially across large urban areas.
2. Creating and Managing Land Use Zones and Regulations: GIS is a valuable tool for building, visualizing, and organizing zoning maps and land-use regulations (Brail, 2001). Planning authorities can use GIS to display zoning codes, limits on building heights, required setbacks, and other development standards on maps. This makes it easier to check quickly if a proposed or existing development is following the right regulations (Nedović-Budić, 2020).
3. Monitoring Development Permit Applications and Approvals: GIS can work alongside systems that manage permit applications to show the location and progress of different development applications on a map (Al-Kodmany, 2012). With this, planning officers can access important information about approved plans, including their exact locations and conditions for approval. This helps them better monitor compliance and take necessary actions (Obermeyer & Pinto, 2007).
4. Supervising Construction and Checking Compliance: Field officers can use mobile GIS apps on devices like tablets or smartphones during site inspection. These tools give them real-time access to spatial data, such as approved building plans and zoning maps (Konjovic, 2007). Officers can also use GPS to locate properties, compare what’s built on the ground with what was approved, and collect field data such as photos that are automatically tagged with location information and stored in the GIS database (Han & Peng, 2003).
5. Supporting Field Inspections and Data Collection: Mobile GIS apps help make inspections faster and more accurate. Inspectors can use digital maps, pre-set checklists, and other built-in tools to gather spatial and attribute data directly on-site (Ferreira et al., 2015). This reduces the need for paper, cuts down on errors, and improves how efficiently inspections are carried out.
6. Making the Process More Transparent and Reducing Corruption: A centralized, spatially organized GIS database that includes all planning regulations, approved development permit, and enforcement methods can make the development control system more transparent (Georgiadou & Reckien, 2018). This can help limit corruption and increase accountability among both planning officials and developers.

Countries like the United Kingdom (for example, in monitoring development in green belt zones), Australia (through the integration of GIS with building permit databases), and several Asian nations (using GIS and remote sensing to track informal settlements) show how GIS can help strengthen development control enforcement (Campbell & Masser, 1994; Shojaei, 2023; Zhang et al., 2015).

Opportunities for GIS in Development Control Enforcement in Nigeria

Bringing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) into Nigeria’s development control enforcement system will open up several promising opportunities to tackle the challenges of traditional approaches and improve how planning regulations are implemented (Adewole, 2021; Chukwuocha & Ac-Chukwuocha, 2014). By using GIS tools for spatial analysis and managing data, planning authorities can work more efficiently, accurately, and transparently when monitoring and enforcing development rules (Eludoyin et al., 2024; Musa & Shabu, 2019).

Better Data Management and Integration

One of the strengths of GIS is its ability to handle different types of spatial and attribute data all in one georeferenced, centralized system (Ezeomedo & Igbokwe, 2018). This includes important data such as property boundaries and ownership (cadastral information), land use zones and activities allowed (zoning regulations), building permits (locations and conditions), infrastructure networks (roads, electricity, etc.), and environmental restrictions (like flood-prone or protected areas) (Tella et Al., 2024). Normally, this information is scattered across different formats and locations, which makes it difficult to access, compare, and use effectively (Tella et Al., 2024).

With GIS, these datasets can be brought together based on their geographic locations, allowing for smooth data sharing, analysis, and use by various departments involved in development control (Ezeomedo & Igbokwe, 2018). For example, planning staff can compare approved building plans with cadastral maps to confirm property lines, or check if proposed buildings meet zoning regulations. This kind of integration speeds up access to information, reduces duplicated efforts, and helps planners make better decisions (Tella et Al., 2024).

Easier Detection and Monitoring of Unauthorized Construction

When GIS is combined with remote sensing tools like satellite images and aerial photos, it becomes a very effective way to spot and monitor unauthorized developments, especially in large urban and semi-urban areas in Nigeria. High-resolution satellite imagery gives updated views of how land is being used, making it easier to identify new buildings or changes that haven’t been officially approved (Hussain et al., 2020). GIS can use change detection techniques to compare images from different times and flag areas where new developments have appeared. This proactive approach is more effective than traditional methods that wait for public complaints or rely on routine site visits, which are time-consuming and often limited in coverage (Odera & Mwaura, 2022). GIS gives planners a clear spatial overview of development activities, helping them decide where to inspect and enforce first, improving how resources are used and discouraging illegal development.

Smoother Permit Processing and Tracking

Using GIS in the permit approval process can make the whole system more streamlined and efficient, from application to approval. Applicants can submit digital plans with location data, and planning authorities can use GIS to automatically check whether the proposed development follows zoning laws, property boundaries, and other spatial regulations (Ismaila & Bokodo, 2017). GIS-based systems can also track permit applications through each step of the review, giving real-time updates to applicants and officials. Once a permit is granted, its spatial details (like the building’s footprint or site plan) can be stored in the GIS database to help with future monitoring and enforcement (Ismaila, 2019). This digital process reduces paperwork, shortens processing times, increases transparency, and makes permit details easier to find and use for enforcement.

More Efficient Site Inspections

Mobile GIS tools are changing the game for field inspections in development control across Nigeria. With mobile devices like smartphones or tablets, inspectors can view real-time spatial data on approved projects, zoning boundaries, and property lines while on site (Hussain et al., 2020). Using GPS, they can easily find locations, compare what they see on the ground to what was approved, and collect field data, such as photos, which is automatically tied to the correct place in the GIS system. This gets rid of the need for handwritten notes and later data entry, saving time and reducing errors. Mobile GIS also helps inspectors plan the best routes and report violations immediately, with accurate location data, so action can be taken faster (Shojaei et al., 2023).

Better Visualization and Public Communication

GIS is excellent at creating maps, layers, and even 3D models that help communicate planning issues clearly to everyone involved. For example, maps that highlight where illegal buildings are most common can help planners and policymakers understand patterns of violations and focus enforcement where it’s needed most (Daniel & Mbon, 2024). Online GIS platforms can also give developers and the public easy access to planning information, like zoning maps and approved developments, making the whole process more transparent. Interactive maps let users search properties, see what rules apply, and check the status of permits (Tella et al., 2024).

Smarter Decisions and Policy Making

GIS supports smarter, evidence-based decisions in development control and can help shape stronger planning policies in Nigeria. By examining where unauthorized developments are happening or how they affect things like infrastructure, planners can better understand urban challenges and come up with targeted solutions. GIS can also simulate what might happen under different policy choices or development plans, helping planners see the effects of their decisions before they’re implemented (Al-Kodmany, 2012). For instance, it can point out the best spots for siting infrastructure based on where growth is expected. This process of planning leads to better long-term policies and smarter use of resources.

Greater Transparency and Less Corruption

Using GIS in development control can also boost transparency and help fight corruption in Nigeria’s planning system. A centralized GIS database containing rules, approved projects, and enforcement records makes it easier to track and audit what’s happening. Geospatial framework for permits and enforcement can reduce the chances for biased decisions or corrupt practices. In addition, when development activity and enforcement results are mapped out and visible, it invites more public oversight and accountability (Tella et al., 2024). While GIS on its own can’t eliminate corruption, it makes it harder for misconduct to go unnoticed by improving transparency, consistency, and information access.

Challenges for GIS in Development Control Enforcement in Nigeria

While there are many opportunities to use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to improve development control enforcement in Nigeria, several major challenges still stand in the way of its use and proper implementation (Aina, 1995). Overcoming these challenges is essential to fully utilise the power of GIS for better development control enforcement across the country (Alkan & Bulut, 2010).

Data Availability and Quality

One of the main problems in applying GIS effectively for development control in Nigeria is the lack of accessible and high-quality spatial data. For GIS to work well, there needs to be reliable and current data on things like property boundaries, zoning maps, building permits, and infrastructure (Bhatta, 2010). Unfortunately, in many Nigerian cities especially those growing quickly, cadastral maps are old, incomplete, or even missing entirely. Land use data often has low resolution or inconsistent classification, making it difficult to properly check if a development follows zoning rules. Information about building permits is usually stored in paper form without spatial references, which makes it hard to include in a GIS (Al-Kodmany, 2012). The problem gets worse because many government agencies use different data formats and don’t have systems in place to share data. Even when data exists, it might not be accurate, complete, or up-to-date enough to be useful for enforcing development control. Fixing this issue will require serious investment in gathering data, through aerial surveys, satellite images, and field verification, as well as in cleaning, standardizing, and maintaining it (Daniel & Mbon, 2024).

Technological Infrastructure and Expertise

Another major barrier to using GIS for development control in Nigeria is the lack of proper technology and trained experts. GIS systems need hardware like computers, GPS tools, servers, and plotters, along with software platforms and strong internet connections to store, analyze, and share spatial data (Ferreira et al., 2015). However, many local planning offices in Nigeria don’t have the budget to buy or maintain these technologies. In addition, there’s a serious shortage of skilled GIS professionals who can design, implement, and manage GIS-based systems for development control. This includes skills in collecting spatial data, managing databases, using GIS software, analyzing spatial patterns, and developing applications (Georgiadou & Reckien, 2018). Closing this gap will require targeted training programs for staff and the inclusion of GIS training in academic programs related to urban planning and land administration.

Institutional and Legal Framework

The current legal and institutional frameworks that manage land, urban planning, and technology use in Nigeria also make it difficult to adopt GIS smoothly for development control. There are no clear legal guidelines that support using digital spatial data or GIS for planning enforcement, which can cause confusion and limit the use of GIS-based evidence in court (Musa & Shabu, 2019). Also, weak coordination among government agencies can make it hard to share spatial data or work together effectively using GIS. To fix this, government agencies need to state clear roles, make agreements on data sharing, and collaborative efforts that support joint use of GIS tools. Updating existing planning laws to officially include and encourage GIS use is also key to creating a better development control process (Odera & Mwaura, 2022).

Financial Constraints

Using GIS in development control takes a lot of money, which is required for buying data, getting the right hardware and software, training staff, and maintaining the systems over time. Many local planning departments in Nigeria work with small budgets and have other urgent funding needs (Onaiwu, 2020). Getting enough funding for GIS projects is a serious challenge. To deal with this, authorities may need to look for funds from the federal government, international investment partners, or through revenue from GIS-based services. Showing the long-term value of GIS, such as how it can make planning more efficient and cost-effective can help justify these investments (Odera & Mwaura, 2022).

Interoperability and Data Sharing Issues

Technical problems can arise when different government agencies use different GIS software and data formats, which makes it hard to combine or share spatial data across platforms. This lack of interoperability can create serious barriers to the development control process (Yaakup et al., 2013). To solve this, government agencies need to agree on common data standards, metadata formats, and ways to exchange data. Developing and running interoperable GIS systems will require both technical know-how and coordination between the institutions involved (Shojaei et al., 2023).

Resistance to Change and Organizational Culture

Introducing GIS into development control may face pushback from within government agencies. This can happen because staff who are unaware of GIS benefits, might worry that it will replace their jobs. They can also prefer the manual processes, or are simply resistant to change (Milala et al., 2019). Raising awareness and educating planners about the value of GIS is essential to address these issues. There’s a need for change in the existing management strategies used in local planning authorities, such as involving staff about projects early, offering training, and starting with simple pilot projects. This can help build support for GIS adoption. Strong leadership from top officials and planners are also essential for a successful integration (Ismaila, 2019).

Power Supply and Infrastructure Reliability

Unstable electricity and poor infrastructure, especially internet access, pose practical challenges for consistent GIS use in Nigeria. Power outages can interrupt GIS work, cause data loss, or damage equipment. Poor internet service makes it hard to access online data or use cloud-based GIS tools and share data in real time. Solving these problems depends on serious efforts to improve electricity and internet services nationwide (Georgiadou & Reckien, 2018). In the meantime, planning agencies may need to invest in backup power generators and offline GIS options to keep working despite these challenges.

  I.          Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS): A Case Study

In 2003, Nigeria established AGIS to digitize Abuja’s cadastral and land records into a GIS-based system. Serving as the official geospatial data source for the Federal Capital Territory, AGIS promotes efficient land administration, supports governance, and ensures a reliable, scalable, and sustainable spatial data infrastructure (Bello, 2011).

Development Control Information System

The Development Control Information System (DevCis) is an ICT- based platform developed by the Department of Development Control to streamline the building plan approval process. It allows for online submission, tracking, electronic payment, and internal processing of applications. DevCis aims to enhance efficiency in development control by enabling real-time updates and electronic management of planning authorizations, site inspections, approvals, and enforcement actions. It supports data access through desktops, internet, and mobile devices, making planning services more accessible and transparent (Waziri, 2024).

DevCis offers seven key functions: managing applications, recording site and plan assessments, monitoring enforcement activities, conducting searches, generating reports, and integrating data from the Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS) (Ibrahim et al., 2015). However, DevCis currently lacks a geospatial database for capturing and analyzing georeferenced data. To address this, a pilot geospatial database should be introduced, showcasing how spatial and attribute data integration can improve decision-making and planning in the development control processes (Waziri, 2024).

Limitations of Development Control Information System

The AGIS function in the Development Control Information System only allows viewing of plot ownership, lacking integration with a dedicated geospatial database. Despite the department generating large volumes of geo-tagged field data, these are not properly stored or utilized. This results in data duplication, incorrect spatial analysis, and inconsistent data sharing with other agencies. A robust geospatial database is essential for meaningful planning, forecasting, and data sharing across the Federal Capital Territory (Waziri, 2024).

Currently, the absence of geospatial integration leads to several challenges: inconsistent data across the systems, reliance on slow manual processes, limited spatial analysis capabilities, and inconsistent data updates (Ibrahim et al., 2015). These issues hinder the ability to monitor unauthorized developments, enforce compliance, and support informed decision-making. AGIS, though the official geospatial data hub for the Federal Capital Territory, focuses mainly on land information, and data sharing with the Department of Development Control is one-directional. For efficient urban development, all Federal Capital Territory agencies need interoperable systems feeding into a centralized, real-time GIS platform (Waziri, 2024).

II. Strategies for Maximizing Opportunities and Reducing Challenges

To fully benefit from the opportunities provided by GIS and reduce the challenges that come with its use in enforcing development control in Nigeria, the following strategies are suggested:

1. Creating a National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) and Clear Data Sharing Policies: There is a need to build a strong NSDI with clear rules, procedures, and guidelines for how spatial data is collected, stored, managed, and shared. This system should also make sure that the data is of good quality, accurate, and regularly updated. For GIS to work smoothly across different agencies, proper data-sharing policies are necessary (Shojaei et al., 2023).
2. Funding GIS Equipment, Software, and Staff Training: Planning authorities at every level should budget enough money to buy and maintain GIS hardware and software (Nwadialor, 2014). At the same time, there should be strong investment in training programs to build the skills of workers who will use GIS tools for development control. Training should include both basic GIS skills and advanced topics like spatial analysis and mobile GIS (Ismaila & Bokodo, 2017).
3. Updating Legal and Institutional Frameworks: The current laws and structures that guide development control in Nigeria should be revised to clearly allow and support the use of GIS. This includes making GIS evidence legally acceptable and defining the roles of different agencies in GIS-based projects (Tella et al., 2024).
4. Seeking Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) for GIS Projects: Since many government bodies have limited budgets, working with private companies through public-private partnerships can help develop and apply GIS tools more effectively. These partnerships can offer private expertise and funding to speed up GIS adoption and make the projects more sustainable over time (Odera & Mwaura, 2022).
5. Starting Pilot GIS Projects in Selected Cities: To better understand the advantages and challenges of using GIS, pilot projects should be launched in selected Nigerian cities. These early projects can help gather practical experience and provide useful lessons for expanding GIS use across the country (Daniel & Mbon, 2024).
6. Promoting Awareness and Building Capacity Among All Stakeholders: There should be active efforts to educate stakeholders, including town planners, government leaders, developers, and the general public about the advantages of using GIS in managing development. Training efforts should focus not only on technical staff but also on decision-makers so they can understand and support the use of GIS (Han & Peng, 2003).
7. Creating Reliable Funding Sources for GIS Projects: For GIS programs to last over time, steady and dependable funding must be provided. This could mean setting aside a portion of the urban planning budget for GIS or finding ways to make money from GIS services (Hussain et al., 2020).
8. Fixing Infrastructure Issues: There must be strong action at both the national and state levels to fix poor electricity supply and internet access, which are both essential for GIS to work well (Musa, & Shabu, 2019). Investing in better infrastructure will create the right environment for GIS tools to be successfully used in development control enforcement (Odera & Mwaura, 2022).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have the potential to significantly improve development control enforcement in Nigeria. They can enhance how data is managed and shared, help identify and monitor illegal developments more effectively, simplify permit processing and tracking, and improve field inspections and operations. GIS also improves visualization and communication of planning issues, supports better decision-making, and promotes transparency, helping to reduce corruption. Despite these benefits, several barriers hinder the full adoption of GIS. These include poor data quality and availability, weak infrastructure and limited technical know-how, gaps in legal frameworks, lack of funding, difficulty in data sharing, and unreliable electricity and internet.

However, for this transformation to happen, the challenges holding back progress must be tackled head-on. This means Nigeria needs to make certain investments in building reliable data systems, upgrading technology, and training skilled personnel. Alongside this, supportive policies and institutional reforms must be put in place to make GIS adoption smoother and more effective. If these steps are taken seriously, Nigeria can fully take advantage of what GIS has to offer and create a more efficient, transparent, and sustainable approach to the development control process nationwide. Future research should explore how ready local governments are to use GIS, how data can be better shared among agencies, and how private companies can help support GIS projects.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Because Nigeria has a complex system of governance and faces challenges with infrastructure, it’s important to introduce GIS (Geographic Information Systems) gradually. This gradual process ensures that the system can grow and succeed in the long run. Jumping into full implementation all at once might cause problems, especially if there isn’t enough training, technology, or legal support in place.

Hence, why we recommend these five phases implementation strategy:

1. Create Awareness and Build Capacity: State government should start by informing urban planners and other stakeholders about the benefits of GIS. They should organize workshops, training sessions, and certification programs to help them understand how GIS works and how it can improve development control.
2. Implementation of Pilot Projects in Tier-1 Cities: Launch small test projects in large cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. These cities have better resources and can help test how GIS can be used effectively. These pilot projects will also help to identify technical or policy issues early on.
3. Make Legal and Institutional Changes – The state governments and planning authorities should work together to update outdated planning laws so they allow the use of digital maps, data sharing between departments, and electronic enforcement of building regulations. Strong policies and clear responsibilities between agencies will make the system more effective.
4. Scale-Up with the Help from Public-Private Partnerships: State and local governments should work with private businesses through public-private partnerships (PPPs). These companies can offer technical skills, funding, and support to help bring GIS tools to smaller towns and cities across Nigeria.
5. Monitoring and Evaluation: local planning authorities should establish performance indicators to measure how well the system is working. Collect feedback, monitor progress regularly, and make changes when necessary. This helps the system grow in a way that fits Nigeria’s unique needs and realities.

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