The role of medium-sized towns in the spatial integration of Nigeria

The relative paucity of medium-sized towns in Nigeria is largely related to the colonial socio-spatial polarization, that was further accelerated by post-independence models of development. However, recent government policies on regional development have resulted in the growth of a few medium-sized towns. This paper traces the evolution of these towns and their functions particularly with regard to the restructuring of population distribution, their contribution as decentralizing points from which growth and modernization impulses diffuse to the surrounding rural hinterland, and as employment centres. In order to achieve a spatially balanced growth in Nigeria, government policies should promote more consistently strategies that will further create and nurture the growth of more medium-sized towns. (DÜI-Hns)