Effects of Commercial Activities on Urban Environmental Quality in Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria

This study examined the effects of commercial activities on urban environmental quality in Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted, using data from 200 respondents, 12 air quality sampling points, 10 noise monitoring locations, and 15 water sampling sites. Descriptive and inferential statistical tools including regression, correlation, ANOVA, and chi-square tests were used for analysis. Findings revealed that commercial activities significantly degrade environmental quality in Lokoja. Mean concentrations of particulate matter (PM₂.₅ = 61.8 µg/m³; PM₁₀ = 118.6 µg/m³) exceeded WHO limits by over 300% and 200% respectively. Noise levels recorded an overall mean of 83.1 dB, far above the WHO permissible limit of 55 dB. Water quality analysis showed high turbidity (21.9 NTU), elevated BOD₅ (10.9 mg/L), low dissolved oxygen (3.6 mg/L), and high coliform counts (82 CFU/100 mL), indicating severe contamination. Regression analysis showed that commercial intensity significantly predicts environmental degradation (R² = 0.68), with market density (β = 0.41, p = 0.001) and traffic flow (β = 0.38, p = 0.002) being the strongest determinants. Waste analysis indicated that organic waste constitutes 43% of total waste generated, while open dumping remains the dominant disposal method at 39%. The study concludes that high-density commercial activities are major drivers of air, noise, water, and waste pollution in Lokoja. Despite high environmental awareness among respondents (76%), unsustainable practices persist due to infrastructural deficits and weak enforcement. The study recommends improved urban planning, strengthened waste management systems, and stricter environmental regulation to mitigate the adverse effects of commercial expansion. Keywords: Commercial activities, environmental quality, pollution, waste management, Lokoja.