Lagos Nigeria Urbanization on Steroids Nigeria Quick Background

Lagos, Nigeria Urbanization on Steroids!

Nigeria – Quick Background Africa’s most heavily populated country – 175 million (Lagos - 21 million) Economy based largely on oil, but is a hub for West African business as well. Issues with political and social unrest due to historical divide between poor Muslim’s in the North and the more well off Christians in the South.

Geography and Economy - Lagos is a huge city which started on a bunch of islands but has spread dramatically! The CBD (Central Business District) is still the hub of the city and the center of Nigeria’s economy. This is on an island. It is Africa’s largest city and a hub of African business. Around 25% of Nigeria’s wealth is made in Lagos.

Push/Pull Factors - Lagos Dominant push/pull factors are economic reasoning: • Much of country is very poor (push) • Some of the country is very dangerous (push) • Lagos provides employment and business opportunities/potential (pull)

Population Growth - Lagos Population Estimates: • 1970 – 1. 4 million • 2011 – 11. 5 million • 2014 – 21 million • 2015 – 25 million • 2025 – 35 million

Problems - Traffic • Lagos is infamous for its traffic jams, despite having an extensive public transit system. • Major roads into city nicknamed the “go slows”.

Problems – Housing • Lagos known as the “mega-city of slums” • Estimates say that 66% of people live in slums. • Slums are rundown areas of a city lacking proper zoning, infrastructure and safety.

Problems – Green Space As Lagos grows there is more demand for land to develop so green space becomes sought after. Means parks and recreation space are looked at as areas to develop.

SOLUTIONS? ?