Professional Practice in Urban Renewal Project Management: Case Studies from Lagos and Kano

Urban renewal project management in Nigeria involves complex interactions between planning authorities, private developers, community groups, and financing institutions, requiring sophisticated professional practice capabilities. This study examines professional practice standards and challenges in urban renewal project management, drawing on comparative case studies from completed or ongoing urban renewal projects in Lagos and Kano. A qualitative case study methodology was employed, gathering project documentation, financial records, and stakeholder reports from two major urban renewal projects: the Ijora Badia waterfront renewal in Lagos and the Kano Old City Area rehabilitation initiative. In-depth interviews were conducted with 16 project managers, planning consultants, financing managers, and community engagement coordinators involved in each project. Project management performance was assessed against criteria including timeline adherence, budget management, community participation, and post-project maintenance arrangements. Findings are expected to reveal persistent challenges in community engagement, resettlement management, coordination among multiple implementing agencies, and post-project sustainability. The Lagos case illustrates private developer-led renewal challenges, while the Kano case highlights heritage-sensitive planning management issues. Recommendations address development of a standardized professional framework for urban renewal project management in Nigeria, mandatory stakeholder consultation protocols, transparent grievance mechanisms, integrated post-project evaluation requirements, and professional certification pathways for urban renewal practitioners. Keywords: Urban renewal, Project management, Lagos, Kano, Professional practice.