The Use of GIS in Development Control Enforcement in Nigeria: Opportunities and Challenges

Development control enforcement in Nigeria faces many difficulties due to the continued use of outdated, manual methods. This paper examines both the potential benefits and the challenges of using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to improve how development control is carried out across Nigeria. Deducing from previous literature, the paper suggests several advantages that GIS offers, such as better data management, the ability to detect illegal developments using remote sensing, easier development permit processing and fieldwork with mobile GIS, clearer communication through data visualization, support for evidence-based decision-making, and greater transparency in planning processes. Despite these benefits, the paper also outlines important challenges to adopting GIS in Nigeria. These include poor data quality and access, poor technology infrastructure, lack of trained personnel, legal and institutional limitations, high costs, interoperability issues, resistance to change, and unreliable basic infrastructure. The study concludes that although GIS has the power to transform development control in Nigeria, its success depends on addressing these issues through better funding, improved policies, staff training, and updated development policies. This paper also recommends that future research should explore local governments’ readiness to use GIS, data sharing capabilities among agencies, and how public-private partnerships (PPPs) can help support GIS projects.