The Extent of Land Use Changes in Nnewi Metropolitan Area, Anambra State and it’s Planning Consideration

One of the prime prerequisites for better use of land is information on the existing land use patterns and changes in land cover. The land use dynamics of the metropolitan areas present complex challenges and opportunities for sustainable urban development. One major factor that influences effective land use planning and sustainable development but has not been adequately addressed is the absence of a database on the rate of urban growth in most developing countries, Nigeria inclusive. This study focuses on the trend of land use change in Nnewi metropolitan area, which has accelerated the main driver of land use and land cover change with a concomitant effect on the environment. It relied on data generated from remote sensing and geographic information systems to create the map and examine the land cover change in the study area. The classification of land cover using LANDSAT data and land cover transitions for 30 years (1993–2023) were mapped, and the net land cover change was computed. The results showed an increase in the urban built-up area, ranging from 2.24% in 1993 to 20.34% in 2023. The dispersion pattern revealed a large concentration of the built-up spaces to be in the northern region, and the expansion continued from west to south and south-east. The study recommends the need for urban planners to decentralize urban planning and development control with adequate provision of affordable urban facilities at the peripheries of cities in Nigeria. Furthermore, massive integration of green infrastructure in built-up areas is required to mitigate the effects of vegetation loss in the area.