Lagos Has One of The Highest Urbanisation Rates In the World.

Lagos, Nigeria, stands as a prime example of a city experiencing one of the world's most accelerated urbanization rates. This megacity's population explosion is fundamentally driven by rural-urban migration, as people are drawn to the perceived economic opportunities and social amenities that the city, as Nigeria's commercial and industrial hub, promises. The annual population growth rate is significantly high, constantly straining the city's resources. This relentless influx has resulted in a massive physical expansion, often unplanned, transforming Lagos into an ever-growing urban expanse.

The sheer speed of this growth has had profound socio-economic consequences, notably exacerbating the disparity between the rich and the poor. While the booming economy has created wealth for a segment of the population, a large portion of new arrivals are left marginalized. This is most evident in the proliferation of sprawling, overcrowded informal settlements or slums, such as Makoko, where residents live in inadequate conditions. These areas are characterized by poverty, lack of access to basic social amenities like clean water and sanitation, and a reliance on the informal economy for survival, often earning below what is needed for a decent living.

​This rapid, often unplanned expansion has placed immense stress on existing public infrastructure which was originally designed for a much smaller population. The infrastructure deficit manifests in several critical areas. One of the most visible challenges is chronic traffic congestion, fueled by a rising number of vehicles and inadequate road networks, which significantly retards economic output and reduces the quality of life. Furthermore, essential services like water supply, power (frequent blackouts), and waste management are severely overstretched, often operating at sub-optimal levels developed decades ago.

​Beyond the physical and economic strains, rapid urbanization in Lagos presents serious environmental and health challenges. The congestion contributes to significant air and noise pollution. Unregulated building and poor drainage, particularly in the low-lying areas, make the city highly vulnerable to flooding, a threat exacerbated by climate change and rising sea levels. The lack of proper sanitation in slums leads to environmental pollution and the easy spread of infectious diseases, adversely affecting the overall public health of Lagosians and contributing to a lower average life expectancy.

Looking ahead, the city is projected to continue its explosive growth, potentially becoming one of the world’s largest megacities. Addressing the challenges requires comprehensive and sustainable urban planning strategies. These must prioritize inclusive development, aiming to reduce urban poverty, improve infrastructure, and create a resilient and environmentally sustainable urban environment. The focus must be on harmonizing growth with sustainability, ensuring that the economic opportunities of the city are accessible to all residents through strategic resource allocation and governance.