REDEEMING THE AESTHETIC BEAUTY OF NIGERIAN CITIES: ISSUES AND CHALLENGES

Nigeria has a unique natural landscape and cultural heritage that have been threatened by overdependence on natural resources and unplanned developments. This study investigates the aesthetic beauty of Nigerian cities. The study adopts a qualitative research method using data from credible scientific journals and publications to determine the state of the Nigerian environment and how the natural environment can be modified by adopting improved architectural and sustainable landscape designs in improving town planning and buildings, promoting inclusive, safe and resilient human settlements as envisioned by Sustainable Development Goal 11. The findings from the study revealed that Nigerian cities are at risk of critical health conditions, depletion of natural resources, and other critical environmental hazards such as flooding and rapid degradation. Thus, improper architectural plans deteriorate the aesthetics and attractiveness of the area to tourists. It was concluded that a strategic framework incorporating social and economic developments in each region will reposition and transform Nigeria's infrastructural developments and town planning, thereby reducing negative impacts, communal conflicts, and poor building plans. This study recommends improving environmental policies to drive the desired change in the restoration of Nigeria's aesthetic beauty.