GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS FOR SUSTAINABLE URBAN PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT CONTROL IN CALABAR METROPOLIS, NIGERIA

Objective: This study evaluates the institutional readiness and practical value of Geographic Information Systems for sustainable urban planning, management and development control in Calabar Metropolis, Nigeria. Method: A mixed-method cross-sectional design combined 87 usable questionnaires from staff of seven planning-related ministries, departments and agencies, archival development-permit records for 2013–2018, field observation and construction of a prototype geospatial development-control database in ArcMap 10.0. Results: Although 66.6% of respondents reported good or fair GIS knowledge, 26.4% reported no access to GIS or CAD, and only 4.6% identified development control as an existing GIS application. All respondents regarded GIS deployment as necessary, while approval delays, weak inter-office communication, inadequate staffing, limited political commitment, funding constraints and perceived corruption remained prominent barriers. Recalculation of annual records showed 2,206 applications, of which 1,485 were approved and 721 remained unapproved. Implications: Digital permitting should integrate parcel geometry, setbacks, building lines, document tracking and inspection histories, supported by staff training, governance rules and phased implementation. Contribution: The article converts a technology-readiness survey and prototype into a reproducible institutional pathway for evidence-led development control in a rapidly growing African city for accountable, timely and spatially consistent municipal decision-making in practice.