NIGERIA'S CORECTION CENTRES AND URBAN SHANTY DEMOLITION IN YENAGOA, NIGERIA

The study examined the socio-economic and psychological implications of the 24-hour notice given to shop owners to quit the custodian center premises they rented and occupied for over eight years. Seventy-three questionnaires were administered through purposive random and snowball sampling methods to evictees of the exercise. Data was analyzed using Cross Tabulation Statistical tool. The study found the duration given to shop owners to leave as inadequate, making many to run into financial costs in dismantling, acquiring new spaces or shops, and paying new rents, as well as loss of rent advance earlier paid. The respondents knew that they could be asked to leave someday but would have preferred at least three-month notice or better still dialogue with them before taking action. The study saw the need to remove the shanties as they defaced the environment and recommend that the custodial centre should timely fence the area to prevent others from moving in. The custodial authority need to abide by the rent legislations specifying conditions for ejecting tenants.