URBAN REGENERATION AND SLUM UPGRADING IN BENIN CITY: A SUSTAINABLE FRAMEWORK FOR THE OGIDA DISTRICT

This study examines urban regeneration and slum upgrading in Ogida District, Benin City, with the aim of developing a sustainable framework that can guide the improvement of living conditions in the area. Ogida is one of the older residential districts in Benin City and over time has experienced significant physical deterioration, inadequate infrastructure, and growing socio- economic challenges that have contributed to its classification as a blighted inner-city neighbourhood. The study was motivated by the absence of a coordinated, community-driven regeneration strategy for the district, despite its well-documented challenges including chronic flooding linked to clay-heavy soils and blocked drainage, deteriorating housing stock, insecure land tenure, and the progressive degradation of the ancient Benin Moat, a UNESCO-listed heritage site that passes through the area. Previous urban renewal attempts in Nigeria, particularly in Lagos and Abuja, have largely relied on demolition and forced relocation, producing displacement without sustainable improvement. This study takes a different position, arguing for in-situ upgrading as the more appropriate and humane approach. A mixed-method research design was adopted. Structured questionnaires were administered to one hundred residents of Ogida District, with a 100% response rate. Direct physical observation of the study area was also carried out alongside a review of relevant documents, policies, and empirical literature. Data were analysed using descriptive statistical methods including frequency tables, percentages, and pie charts. The findings reveal that Ogida has a predominantly young, low-income population, the majority of whom rely on informal economic activities for their livelihood. Housing conditions across the district are poor, with most buildings showing visible signs of deterioration and overcrowding. Basic infrastructure is inadequate, particularly drainage systems, roads, and waste management facilities. Flooding during the rainy season was identified as one of the most serious environmental problems affecting residents. Community participation in development planning is extremely limited, with over 74% of respondents reporting that they have never been consulted about development projects in their area, even though the overwhelming majority expressed willingness to be involved. Based on these findings, the study proposes a sustainable urban regeneration framework for Ogida District built around five pillars: infrastructure and basic services improvement, community participation and indigenous governance, environmental resilience, anti- displacement and social equity safeguards, and phased implementation with community ownership. The framework is designed as a replicable model that can be adapted for similar inner-city settlements across Benin City and Edo State. The study concludes that meaningful regeneration of Ogida requires a coordinated effort involving government agencies, urban planners, traditional community leaders, and residents themselves. Without genuine community involvement and government support, physical improvements alone will not be sustainable. Keywords: Urban Regeneration, Slum Upgrading, Ogida District, Benin City, Sustainable Framework, Community Participation, In-situ Upgrading, Flood Resilience