ANALYSIS OF THE PROVISION OF URBAN BASE SERVICES IN TUDUN WADA, JOS NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, PLATEAU STATE NIGERIA

ABSTRACT This study investigates the provision, accessibility, and efficiency of urban base services in Tudun Wada, a densely populated and predominantly unplanned residential neighborhood in Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria. The research addresses the multifaceted challenges of rapid urbanization and slum development, which strain essential services such as water supply, sanitation, electricity, transportation, healthcare, and education. Guided by five specific objectives, the study analyzes the spatial distribution of key urban services, assesses the extent of access across different socioeconomic groups, identifies barriers preventing certain groups from accessing these services, evaluates the effectiveness of existing policies and programs, and examines the efficiency of service delivery mechanisms, including resource allocation, infrastructure maintenance, and service provider performance. A mixed-method approach was employed, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. Primary data were gathered through 261 questionnaires, personal observations, and face-to-face interviews with residents of Tudun Wada, which has an estimated population of 139,490 across 2,146 households, covering 169 hectares. Secondary data were sourced from published and unpublished literature, journals, and internet resources to contextualize the findings. Data analysis utilized Excel and SPSS software, employing tools such as Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and a five-point Likert scale to assess significance and relationships between variables. The findings reveal significant disparities in service distribution, with agricultural services being prominent due to the area’s economic reliance, while educational facilities are notably deficient, reflecting infrastructure gaps. Low-income and marginalized groups face substantial barriers, including health/physical limitations, economic inequality, and social/cultural exclusion, while middle- and high-income groups are constrained by lack of information. Existing policies show moderate effectiveness in transportation (average rating: 2.33) but are critically inadequate in addressing water, sanitation, and energy access (average rating: 3.15). Service delivery efficiency is hampered by poor infrastructure maintenance (average: 3.06) and suboptimal service provider performance (average: 3.23), despite relatively better perceptions of resource allocation (average: 2.62). The study confirms the hypothesis that there is a significant relationship between the provision of urban base services and the quality of life of Tudun Wada residents, with inadequate services exacerbating slum conditions and social inequalities. Key recommendations include using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to map and address service distribution gaps, implementing subsidies and mobile service units to enhance access for vulnerable groups, introducing accessible infrastructure and inclusive programs to mitigate barriers, strengthening policy implementation through increased funding and community engagement, and improving service delivery through consistent infrastructure maintenance and provider training. The research highlights the urgent need for sustainable urban planning to address Tudun Wada’s challenges and provides a robust foundation for policymakers, urban planners, and researchers to develop targeted interventions for improving urban base services in similar rapidly urbanizing contexts in Nigeria and beyond. Areas for further study include longitudinal analyses of service provision impacts, comparative studies with other urban areas, and investigations into environmental and institutional barriers to effective service delivery.