Empirical Investigation of Settlement Patterns of Lokoja, Kogi State

The pattern of development of urban land use in relation to topography varies from rural to urban. What distinguishes Lokoja community from other settlements is the topographical nature that surrounds and abounds within the community. In this research work, factors responsible for settlement expansion were investigated. The study derives it data from the fieldwork, survey and observations. Lokoja town was divided into eight zones where questionnaires were administered and the data gathered were analyzed using descriptive and statistical methods (chi square). The analysis shows that there is rapid urban growth indicating a rapid rate of physical development. Our findings in the study show that topography is the major factor that determines the direction of expansion; most houses were found to be clustered at the foot of the hills; road network also avoided steep slopes and become circuitous. Problems associated with the settlement include flooding, erosion facilities and environmental pollution. The essential aspect of the discoveries were some viable potentials and topographical features of the town which need to be adequately harnessed and made used of for the benefit of the community and the state at large.