Lagos - NEE City

• Where is Lagos?

  • Lagos is a coastal city in the southwest of Nigeria, in West Africa.
  • It lies on the Gulf of Guinea, along the Atlantic Ocean
• Regional Importance of Lagos:


  • Home to 10% of Nigeria’s population
  • History of economic growth – it generates the highest money earned of all states in Nigeria.
  • Lagos is important in providing hospitals, schools and universities and provides employment, leisure and recreation opportunities.
• National Importance of Lagos


  • Lagos is Nigeria’s media centre, with many television channels and newspapers operating in the city
  • Lagos has one of the highest standards of living in Nigeria and Africa.
  • Around 80% of Nigeria’s industry is based in Lagos, and the city generates about 30% of Nigeria’s GDP.
• International Importance of Lagos


  • The city has been the venue for major sporting events such as the African Cup of Nations football tournament.
  • A global city with a substantial and growing foreign-born population
  • Most large corporations and Transnational Corporations (TNCs) have their Nigerian headquarters in Lagos.
• Why has Lagos grown?


  • 1970s oil boom lead to rapid urbanisation due to economic migration
  • Rural- urban migration as a result of lack of jobs and climate in northern Nigeria
  • Natural increase as a result of more young migrants and a youthful population – leading to higher birth rates and lower death rates
  • Political unrest in the North of Nigeria leading to conflict
• What are the social opportunities in Lagos?

  • Better healthcare, more doctors and clinics than rural areas.
  • Free education for the first 9 years; many universities and colleges.
  • Improved access to water and electricity compared to rural areas.
• What are the economic opportunities in Lagos?

  
  

  • Booming economy and improved infrastructure.
  • Port of Lagos is a key hub for oil, gas, and manufacturing.
  • Formal jobs in law, finance, tech; informal jobs like street vending and recycling.
  • Lower unemployment than rest of Nigeria.
• What are the main social challenges in Lagos?

  • Limited access to secondary education; many schools are private.
  • Only 10% of people have treated piped water.
  • Long queues and inaccessible healthcare for many.
• What are the economic challenges in Lagos?

  • Around 40% of people work in informal jobs (e.g. Olusosun landfill).
  • Jobs are often unsafe and poorly paid.
  • High crime rates, including gangs like ‘Area Boys’, and corruption
• What are the environmental challenges in Lagos?

  • Over 5 million cars, causing pollution and brown smog.
  • Only 40% of the 10,000 tonnes of waste is collected.
  • Poor sanitation pollutes water and causes diseases like cholera
• What was the Makoko Floating School? (Social)

  • A sustainable school built from recycled materials to educate slum residents.
  • It collapsed in 2016 due to poor maintenance.
• What does LAWMA (Lagos Waste Management) do and what are its issues?


  • Manages waste collection and disposal in Lagos.
  • Struggles with illegal dumping and inconsistent collection, especially in slums.
• What is the Eko Atlantic Project and what are its criticisms? (Economic)

  • A new coastal city built on reclaimed land, aimed at reducing land pressure and boosting the economy.
  • Provided jobs
  • Criticised for helping the wealthy and displacing the poor.