Governing From Above
Solid Waste Management in Nigeria's New Capital City of Abuja
Stockholm Studies in Human Geography, No. 17

By Onyanta Adama
December 2007
Stockholm University Press
Distributed By Coronet Books
ISBN: 9789185445677      
223 pages, Illustrated, 6 1/2 x 9 1/2"
$69.50  Paper Original


This doctoral dissertation examines how the symbolic character of a relocated capital city influences and intersects with local conditions to shape the governance structure and relations in service delivery. The focus is on Abuja, the new capital city of Nigeria, and the sector studied is solid waste management. Abuja was planned to avoid the numerous problems facing other Nigerian cities. Contrary to the intention of government and planners, the city now houses the fastest growing slum in the country. There are various possible explanations for these outcomes but this study pays particular attention to the conception of Abuja as a symbol of national unity.


Urban Planning


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