Background/aim This study investigates the spatial variation in health outcomes in urban Nigeria as a function of this interrelationship as measured by environmental habitat quality in different residential neighbourhoods, the population’s levels of social wellbeing and the distribution of urban service infrastructures in the neighbourhoods.

Methods The study employed primary data to rank the neighbourhoods and measure their levels of social wellbeing and secondary data on the location of healthcare facilities in the study area and clinically-diagnosed cases of malaria as a corollary of health outcomes. The data was analysed using a combination of Principal Component Analysis, Hierarchical Cluster technique, One-Way Analysis of Variance, and Correlation analyses,

Results The study established a bias in the distribution of health facilities against high density residential neighbourhoods populated mostly by the urban poor. Health outcomes were also poorest in these neighbourhoods.

Conclusion Urban planning strategies to address the spatial inequalities in habitat quality and service provision are recommended as these will ultimately address health inequalities in the study area