IMPACT OF RURAL - URBAN MIGRATION ON URBAN DEVELOPMENT IN ABUJA MUNICIPAL AREA COUNCIL (AMAC), F.C.T.

Movement towards the urban centers of a country has been found to be a common element with regards to the population dynamics. These dynamics however have significant economic, cultural, political and social impact on the lives of not only the migrants but also the place of destination. This study is a sociological analysis on the impact of rural urban migration on urban development in Abuja municipal area council, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. A social survey design was adopted. A survey of 348 respondents who reside in the study area was carried out, using the cluster sampling technique involving wards, streets, houses, households and individuals. Primary and secondary data were utilized in the study. The primary data was generated through the use of questionnaires. The questionnaires were analysed quantitatively. The results show that poverty, unemployment, economic disparity, basic social amenities and insecurity are the main causes of migration as well as the fact that rural urban migration has a negative effect on the existing infrastructures in Abuja Municipal Area Council, which includes health care facilities, waste disposal systems, roads and power supply. It is based on this that the study recommends adequate planning by the authorities in charge and strict adherence to regulations and policies. The various organs of government, nongovernmental organizations, public and private stakeholders should involve to work harmoniously through a coordinated agency in the area for effective management of the environmental problems.