Balancing Development with Social Equity

Urban housing redevelopment is a key strategy for improving urban infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and economic competitiveness in metropolitan cities such as Lagos, Nigeria. A structured search was conducted in February 2026 across Scopus, Web, JSTOR, African Journals Online, and Google Scholar. This study examines the patterns, drivers, socio-economic impacts, and policy responses associated with housing redevelopment across Lagos metropolis. Thirteen areas with documented cases of redevelopment and gentrification were identified, including Lagos Island CBD, Oworonshoki, Iwaya, Makoko, Maroko, Badia East, Otodogbame, Ilubirin, Eko Atlantic city, Agege, Iponri, Ajah/Lekki corridor, and Surulere Rehousing Estate. Five areas, representing 38% of the total cases, were selected for detailed analysis based on maximum variation, data quality, and relevance to the research objectives. The review found that redevelopment improved land values, urban aesthetics, and service provision. These processes were primarily driven by public-private partnerships, state-led renewal, and private developers, with environmental risk cited in 3 out of 13 cases (23%) to justify displacement. Socio-economic impacts were significant: 9 of 13 cases (69%) reported loss of housing security through eviction, rent hikes, or buyouts; 8 of 13 cases (62%) documented disruption of livelihoods; and 7 of 13 cases (54%) highlighted weakening of social networks. Policy effectiveness was limited, with 10 of 13 studies (77%) reporting failure to prevent displacement. Key gaps included weak enforcement in 6 of 13 cases (46%) and absence of anti-speculation measures in 4 of 13 cases (31%). The study proposed an evidence-based framework combining legal safeguards, in-situ upgrading, participatory planning, and ecological design. It concluded that without enforceable equity measures, market- driven redevelopment deepens inequality in Lagos, with findings transferable to other African cities. Evaluation of Circular Economy in Plastics Waste Management for Sustainable Housing Solution in Ogun State Nigeria Foluke Jegede1*, Adedotun Akinola 2, Eseoghene Ekeh3, Erebor Emekpae 4