Enclave Urbanism in Jos: Spatial Segregation, Ethno-Religious Conflict, and Housing in a Nigerian City

Authors: *Ezeanah, U. And Moga, M.S.

DOI Info: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21045695

ABSTRACT

The majority of contemporary African towns are characterised by enclave urbanism, which depicts significant social, political, and economic divides in the built environment. This review paper explored the concept of enclave urbanism in Jos, Nigeria, using the lens of urban planning with a focus on overlapping themes, namely housing, ethno-religious tension, and spatial segregation. The paper illustrates how the cycle of Christian-Muslim violence, indigene-settler politics, and inadequate urban governance have turned formerly mixed neighbourhoods into relatively homogeneous ethno-religious enclaves. It explores recent empirical research on Jos as well as the comparative experience of other African and Nigerian cities. Housing markets have been redefined, informal periphery settlements have been established, infrastructure provision has become challenging, and social isolation between groups has been deeply ingrained because of these enclaves. Findings show that both conflict-based and class-based forms of enclave urbanism are demonstrated by Kaduna, Lagos, Johannesburg, Durban and other African cities. Some of the most significant planning and policy consequences are discussed, including conflict-sensitive planning, mixed-settlement policy, inclusive infrastructure provision, and the deliberate creation of shared places that might aid in peacebuilding. The study recommends that to guarantee the creation of inclusive, secure, and resilient urban growth, enclave urbanism in Jos must be addressed.

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