Factors Influencing Residential Neighbourhood Vibrancy in Ibadan Municipality, Nigeria

Neighbourhood vibrancy is increasingly recognised as a key indicator of urban liveability and functional performance, yet its drivers remain context-specific and under-theorised in rapidly urbanising African cities. This study investigates factors shaping residential neighbourhood vibrancy in Ibadan, Nigeria, with attention to spatial variation across core, transition, and suburban zones. A cross-sectional survey of residents was conducted using a structured questionnaire measuring perceived influence of twenty socio-economic, physical, institutional, and activity-based variables. Mean Item Scores (MIS) were used to rank influence levels, while Pearson Product–Moment Correlation analysis examined associations between explanatory variables and a composite vibrancy index. Results indicate that neighbourhood vibrancy in Ibadan is primarily structured by development intensity, with the number of buildings showing an exceptionally strong association with vibrancy. Economic variables—including job opportunities and economic events—also exhibit strong relationships, suggesting that vibrancy is closely tied to livelihood-driven activity systems. Socio-institutional variables such as safety and community initiatives demonstrate moderate influence, while amenity-based variables (green spaces, street art, and recreational points) show weak associations. Spatial analysis reveals a gradient in which core areas are driven by density and employment concentration, transition areas reflect governance-mediated influences, and suburban zones exhibit growing importance of economic events and nightlife. The findings challenge amenity-centric models of urban vibrancy derived from post-industrial contexts and instead support a density–livelihood framework more applicable to Global South urban systems. The study contributes empirical evidence to urban vitality theory and provides policy-relevant insight for planning interventions aimed at enhancing functional urban life in rapidly expanding African cities.