GIS-Based Analysis of Urban Infrastructure Performance and Spatial Planning Efficiency in Nigerian Cities

This examines the role of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in assessing urban infrastructure performance and spatial planning efficiency across Nigerian cities. Rapid urbanization and population growth have placed immense pressure on existing infrastructure systems transportation networks, water supply, sanitation, and housing—leading to spatial inequalities and reduced service delivery efficiency. Through a GIS-based analytical framework, this research integrates spatial, demographic, and infrastructural datasets to evaluate the spatial distribution, accessibility, and functionality of urban infrastructure. This identifies key spatial patterns of infrastructural inadequacy, particularly in peri-urban areas, where unplanned expansion often outpaces formal planning mechanisms. GIS spatial modeling and network analysis further reveal how infrastructural performance correlates with land-use intensity, urban density, and socio-economic conditions. Findings highlight significant disparities in infrastructure service provision across different urban zones, underscoring the weaknesses of traditional planning approaches that neglect spatial interdependencies. The study proposes that integrating GIS tools into spatial planning processes can enhance decision-making, optimize infrastructure allocation, and promote equitable urban development. Additionally, the research emphasizes the need for data-driven, participatory planning systems that incorporate real-time spatial information to monitor urban growth and manage future expansion sustainably. By demonstrating the effectiveness of GIS in spatial diagnostics, this study contributes to advancing smart, evidence-based urban planning frameworks for Nigerian cities and similar contexts in the Global South.