Lagos Slums and Their Environmental Concerns

With more than 20 million residents, Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub, is one of the continent’s fastest-growing cities. Due to the severe housing problem brought on by this fast urbanisation, slums are spreading throughout the city.

Lagos slums lack essential amenities including clean water, sanitary facilities, healthcare, and educational opportunities. They are frequently found in low-lying, flood-prone areas. The majority of the residents are low-income earners, and they deal with issues including forced evictions and subpar living conditions.

Over 60% of Lagos citizens, according to the UN, reside in slum conditions, which are defined by subpar housing, insufficient infrastructure, and restricted access to essential services.

Lagos offers many economic prospects, but slum inhabitants still have to deal with several issues that lower their standard of living. These issues include forced evictions, unemployment, instability, flooding, poor sanitation, a lack of clean water, and inadequate housing.

The main slums in Lagos are examined in this article, along with the causes of their expansion and the urgent issues that slum dwellers face, such as substandard housing, environmental risks, insecurity, and a lack of essential services. Potential remedies to enhance living standards and encourage sustainable urban growth are also covered.

Lagos’s population has grown at an unparalleled rate as a result of both natural rise and rural-urban migration. Many people travel to Lagos in pursuit of greater economic prospects but end up in informal settlements due to the high cost of accommodation.

Among the most well-known Lagos slums are the following:

1. Makoko: An elevated slum situated above the Lagos Lagoon. Makoko, sometimes called the “Venice of Africa,” is home to hundreds of residents who live in floating homes without official access to electricity, clean water, or sanitary facilities.
2. Ajegunle: Known for its dense population and subpar sanitation, this is one of Lagos’ biggest slums. Ajegunle is a centre of unofficial enterprises and cultural innovation despite these obstacles.
3. Oworonshoki: This neighbourhood, which is next to the Lagos Lagoon, is overcrowded, has inadequate drainage, and experiences frequent flooding.
4. Bariga: A heavily populated slum with a high unemployment rate and subpar housing.
5. Ilaje: Another seaside community where people stay in wooden shacks and are subject to regular government demolitions and health risks.

Due to a shortage of reasonably priced housing and lax enforcement of urban planning laws, these slums keep growing.

Major Environmental Concerns in Lagos Slums

• Poor Housing and Overcrowding
• Lack of Clean Water and Sanitation
• Flooding and Environmental Hazards
• Unemployment and Economic Hardship
• Insecurity and Crime
• Lack of Access to Education
• Poor Healthcare and Disease Outbreaks
• Forced Evictions and Displacement
• Limited Political Representation and Social Exclusion

1. Poor Housing and Overcrowding

One of the most pressing issues in Lagos slums is inadequate housing. The majority of slum dwellers live in makeshift houses constructed from wood, corrugated metal sheets, and other salvaged materials. These structures are not durable and offer little protection against harsh weather conditions, such as heavy rains and extreme heat.

Overcrowding is another major problem, as multiple families often share single-room dwellings. Due to the high cost of land and housing in Lagos, many people cannot afford better accommodation, forcing them into slums where they live in cramped spaces. Overcrowded housing increases the spread of infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, respiratory infections, and skin diseases.

2. Lack of Clean Water and Sanitation

Access to clean water and proper sanitation is extremely limited in Lagos slums. Most slum residents rely on untreated water sources such as wells, boreholes, and polluted rivers for drinking and household use.

In waterfront slums like Makoko, residents fetch water directly from the lagoon, which is often contaminated with waste and industrial pollutants. Sanitation facilities are also inadequate, with many slums lacking proper toilets and sewage systems.

Open defecation is common due to the absence of public or household toilets, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and dysentery. The lack of proper waste disposal systems means that garbage is dumped in open spaces and drainage channels, leading to environmental pollution and health hazards.

3. Flooding and Environmental Hazards

Many Lagos slums are located in low-lying, flood-prone areas. Poor drainage systems and unregulated construction worsen flooding, especially during the rainy season. Waterlogged streets, collapsed houses, and destroyed properties are common occurrences in slum areas like Oworonshoki and Bariga.

In waterfront slums such as Makoko and Ilaje, rising sea levels and storm surges pose a significant threat. Many residents live in stilt houses built over water, making them vulnerable to erosion and structural collapse.

Additionally, Lagos experiences severe environmental pollution from industrial waste, vehicle emissions, and domestic waste dumping. Slum dwellers are often exposed to toxic fumes, contaminated water, and poor air quality, leading to respiratory problems and other health issues.

4. Unemployment and Economic Hardship

Many slum dwellers struggle with unemployment and low wages. Most residents work in the informal sector as street vendors, artisans, fishermen, or casual labourers. However, these jobs are unstable and provide little income, making it difficult for families to afford necessities such as food, healthcare, and education.

The lack of vocational training and education limits economic opportunities for slum dwellers, trapping them in a cycle of poverty. Youth unemployment is particularly high, leading many young people to engage in illegal activities such as drug trafficking, armed robbery, and cyber fraud. Without government support or access to financial services, it is challenging for slum dwellers to start businesses or improve their economic status.

5. Insecurity and Crime

Slums in Lagos are often associated with high crime rates due to poverty, unemployment, and lack of law enforcement. Many slum areas have become hotspots for criminal activities such as gang violence, drug abuse, and armed robbery. Ajegunle, Bariga, and Mushin are known for gang-related conflicts, which put residents at constant risk.

The absence of proper policing allows criminals to operate freely, while law-abiding residents live in fear. In some cases, law enforcement officers harass and extort money from slum dwellers instead of providing security. Women and girls are especially vulnerable to sexual harassment, domestic violence, and exploitation, further worsening the insecurity in these communities.

6. Lack of Access to Education

Many children living in Lagos slums do not attend school due to financial difficulties, lack of nearby schools, or the need to work and support their families. Even when schools are available, they are often overcrowded and poorly equipped, with inadequate teaching materials and unqualified teachers.

Without access to quality education, children from slum communities have limited opportunities for upward mobility, trapping them in a cycle of poverty. The high dropout rate among slum children also increases the risk of child labour, early marriage, and criminal involvement.

7. Poor Healthcare and Disease Outbreaks

Healthcare services in Lagos slums are inadequate, forcing residents to rely on traditional healers, unqualified medical practitioners, or self-medication. Public hospitals and clinics are either too far, too expensive, or too overcrowded to meet the needs of slum dwellers.

The lack of healthcare facilities leads to preventable deaths from common illnesses such as malaria, typhoid, respiratory infections, and malnutrition. Poor sanitation and overcrowded living conditions also contribute to frequent disease outbreaks. Women in slum communities face additional challenges during childbirth, as maternal healthcare services are limited, leading to high rates of maternal and infant mortality.

8. Forced Evictions and Displacement

The Lagos State Government has repeatedly carried out forced evictions in slum communities, citing urban renewal and environmental concerns. Thousands of residents have been displaced without proper compensation or alternative housing.

For example, in 2017, the government demolished Otodo Gbame, a waterfront slum, leaving over 30,000 people homeless. Forced evictions often push slum dwellers into worse living conditions, increasing homelessness and social instability. Instead of providing affordable housing, authorities continue to demolish informal settlements, worsening the housing crisis in Lagos.

9. Limited Political Representation and Social Exclusion

Slum dwellers in Lagos often face political marginalization and lack of representation in decision-making processes. Many politicians only engage with slum communities during election periods but fail to address their concerns afterwards.

Due to their low economic status, slum residents are often ignored in urban development plans, leaving them without access to infrastructure, services, and basic rights. Without a strong voice in government policies, slum dwellers remain trapped in poverty and poor living conditions.

Possible Solutions to the Challenges in Lagos Slums

Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital, is one of the most densely populated cities in Africa, with a population exceeding 20 million. Rapid urbanization has led to the proliferation of slums, where over 60% of residents live in informal settlements without adequate infrastructure, sanitation, or security.

Slums such as Makoko, Ajegunle, Ilaje, and Bariga suffer from overcrowding, flooding, unemployment, crime, and lack of basic services like clean water, healthcare, and education. Despite government efforts to modernize Lagos, slum dwellers continue to face harsh living conditions.

Addressing these issues requires comprehensive, sustainable, and inclusive solutions that improve housing, infrastructure, security, employment, and governance. Let’s explore effective solutions to transform Lagos slums into safe, productive, and sustainable communities.

• Affordable Housing Development
• Improved Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Infrastructure
• Flood and Climate Resilience Measures
• Economic Empowerment and Job Creation
• Strengthening Security and Law Enforcement
• Access to Quality Education and Healthcare
• Inclusive Urban Planning and Governance

1. Affordable Housing Development

1.1. Government-Led Housing Initiatives

One of the biggest challenges in Lagos slums is the lack of affordable housing. Many slum dwellers live in makeshift shelters because they cannot afford proper housing. The government should prioritize the construction of low-cost housing units to accommodate low-income earners.

Key strategies:

• Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): The government can collaborate with private developers to fund and build affordable housing projects.
• Subsidized Housing Programs: The government can provide financial assistance to help slum dwellers acquire decent homes.
• Mortgage Reforms: Establishing low-interest mortgage plans for low-income earners can make homeownership more accessible.

1.2. Upgrading Existing Slums

Instead of demolishing slums, upgrading existing structures with better materials, improved drainage, and sanitation can enhance living conditions without displacing residents.

Key strategies:

• Strengthening slum housing with durable materials.
• Introducing zoning and urban planning regulations to improve infrastructure.
• Establishing community land trusts where residents co-own and manage their properties.

1.3. Vertical Housing Solutions

Due to Lagos’ limited land space, vertical housing (high-rise affordable apartments) is a practical solution. By developing multi-story buildings with affordable rent, more people can live in a structured, planned environment.

2. Improved Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Infrastructure

2.1. Providing Access to Clean Water

Many slum dwellers rely on contaminated water sources, leading to outbreaks of waterborne diseases.

Solutions:

• Expanding pipe-borne water networks to reach informal settlements.
• Establishing community boreholes and treatment plants.
• Providing water subsidies to ensure affordability.

2.2. Improving Sanitation Facilities

Most slums lack proper toilet facilities, leading to open defecation and environmental pollution.

Key solutions:

• Constructing public toilets and wastewater treatment plants.
• Encouraging eco-friendly sanitation systems such as bio-digesters.
• Implementing waste collection and recycling programs.

2.3. Waste Management and Recycling

Lagos generates thousands of tons of waste daily, much of which ends up in slums.

Solutions:

• Establishing waste collection points and recycling centres.
• Implementing waste-to-energy programs to convert waste into electricity.
• Encouraging community-led waste management initiatives.

3. Flood and Climate Resilience Measures

3.1. Improving Drainage Systems

Many slums are located in low-lying, flood-prone areas. Poor drainage systems make the problem worse.

Key solutions:

• Expanding and maintaining drainage channels.
• Constructing stormwater management systems.
• Implementing wetland conservation to absorb excess rainwater.

3.2. Relocation from High-Risk Areas

Some slums, especially waterfront communities, are at extreme risk of flooding.

Solutions:

• Providing alternative resettlement areas for residents.
• Offering compensation and housing options for relocated families.
• Establishing floating homes in areas like Makoko, inspired by successful models in the Netherlands.

4. Economic Empowerment and Job Creation

4.1. Skills Training and Employment Programs

Many slum residents work in informal sectors with low income and no job security.

Solutions:

• Setting up vocational training centres for skills like carpentry, tailoring, and ICT.
• Encouraging small business development through micro-loans.
• Partnering with industries to create apprenticeship programs.

4.2. Supporting Informal Economy and Entrepreneurship

Most slum dwellers depend on informal businesses, which lack government support.

Solutions:

• Legalizing and regulating street vending and informal markets.
• Providing access to business loans and financial literacy training.
• Establishing cooperative societies for small business owners.

5. Strengthening Security and Law Enforcement

5.1. Community Policing Initiatives

Crime and insecurity are major concerns in Lagos slums due to gang violence, robbery, and drug abuse.

Solutions:

• Establishing community police units that work closely with residents.
• Implementing conflict resolution programs to reduce gang violence.
• Providing youth empowerment programs to deter criminal activities.

5.2. Street Lighting and Surveillance

Poorly lit areas increase crime rates at night.

Solutions:

• Installing solar-powered streetlights in slums.
• Setting up community watch groups.
• Using CCTV surveillance in high-crime areas.

6. Access to Quality Education and Healthcare

6.1. Expanding Educational Opportunities

Many children in slums cannot attend school due to financial constraints.

Solutions:

• Providing free or subsidized education.
• Establishing community learning centres.
• Introducing vocational training for out-of-school youth.

6.2. Improving Healthcare Access

Many slums lack adequate healthcare facilities, leading to high infant mortality rates and disease outbreaks.

Solutions:

• Building primary healthcare centres in slum communities.
• Deploying mobile clinics for medical outreach programs.
• Subsidizing essential medicines and vaccines for low-income families.

7. Inclusive Urban Planning and Governance

7.1. Participatory Urban Development

Slum dwellers are often excluded from urban planning decisions.

Solutions:

• Involving local communities in decision-making.
• Implementing slum upgrading projects instead of forced evictions.
• Recognizing land tenure rights for slum dwellers.

7.2. Anti-Corruption Measures in Housing and Land Administration

Corruption in land allocation prevents slum residents from accessing legal housing.

Solutions:

• Strengthening land governance institutions.
• Enhancing transparency in land transactions.
• Enforcing anti-land grabbing policies.

Conclusion

The rapid expansion of Lagos slums presents significant social, economic, and environmental challenges. Slum dwellers face inadequate housing, poor sanitation, flooding, unemployment, insecurity, and lack of access to essential services.

However, Solving the challenges of Lagos slums requires multi-faceted, sustainable, and inclusive solutions. Affordable housing, improved sanitation, flood control, economic empowerment, security, education, and healthcare must be addressed collectively.

Government policies, private sector investment, and community participation are key to transforming slums into sustainable urban communities. Rather than viewing slums as obstacles, they should be seen as opportunities for innovation, growth, and inclusive development.

With the right strategies, Lagos can transition from slum proliferation to a model city for urban renewal, ensuring that every resident enjoys a safe, healthy, and prosperous environment.

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