<![CDATA[Urbanization is currently one of the most pressing environmental issues which cuts across all countries at unprecedented rates and intensities, with far reaching consequences on ecosystems, biodiversity and human wellbeing. This paper assessed urban expansion and land use/land cover changes in Sokoto metropolis, North-western Nigeria using Remote Sensing and GIS. Landsat images of 1990, 1999 and 2015 were processed for LULC classification and change detection using the Maximum Likelihood Classification, Post Classification Comparison techniques and the Land Change Modeler. The classification revealed five broad land cover classes which include Built-up Area, Farmland, Green Area, Open Space and Wetland/Water. The Built-up and Green areas continuously increased while Farmland and Open space decreased throughout the study period. The metropolis expanded radially at a faster rate between 1999 and 2015 with the highest rate of increase (1890.5ha per annum) recorded in the Built-up Area. This implies a doubling time of approximately 30 years at the expense of Farmland and Open space which may be completely exhausted in 40 and 29 years respectively. Infrastructural provision should thus align with the rate and direction of growth and where the Green Area is converted, replacement should be made to ensure continued supply and stability of the numerous ecosystem services green areas provide.]]>
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