Lagos is home to Makoko, often called the "Venice of Africa

​Makoko is perhaps the most iconic and misunderstood neighborhood in Lagos, Nigeria. Often referred to as the "Venice of Africa," this historic settlement is built almost entirely on stilts over the murky waters of the Lagos Lagoon. Established in the 19th century as a fishing village for migrants from neighboring regions and countries like Benin and Togo, it has grown into a massive community that defies conventional urban planning. To see Makoko is to witness a unique aquatic way of life where the heartbeat of the city moves to the rhythm of the tides.

The architecture and logistics of Makoko are a testament to human ingenuity and adaptation. Thousands of wooden structures, supported by hardwood stilts driven deep into the lagoon bed, form a sprawling grid of "streets" made of water. In this community, the canoe is the primary mode of transportation. From toddlers to the elderly, residents navigate the narrow canals with expert precision, using wooden paddles to commute to work, transport goods, or visit neighbors. Life literally floats here, creating a visual landscape that is both jarring and deeply fascinating compared to the high-rise glitz of nearby Victoria Island.

​Economically, Makoko is a vital hub for the Lagos fishing and timber industries. Most of the men in the community are seasoned fishermen, heading out into the Atlantic or the lagoon in the early hours of the morning, while the women dominate the processing and trade sectors. The smell of smoking fish wafts through the air, marking a production line that feeds a significant portion of the Lagos population. Additionally, the settlement serves as a major transit point for the timber trade, with massive logs floated down from across the region to be processed in the sawmills that line the shore.

​Despite its productivity, Makoko faces significant challenges, particularly regarding social services and government recognition. For years, the community has existed in a precarious legal state, often facing the threat of demolition as Lagos seeks to modernize its waterfronts. However, the residents have shown remarkable resilience. A symbol of this defiance and hope was the famous "Makoko Floating School," an innovative A-frame structure designed to adapt to rising sea levels. While the original prototype eventually collapsed, the spirit of the project remains a blueprint for how floating architecture could provide sustainable education and healthcare in flood-prone urban areas.

To the outside world, Makoko represents the stark contrasts of Lagos a blend of extreme poverty and incredible cultural richness. It is a place where community ties are exceptionally strong and where traditional Egun culture thrives amidst a rapidly changing megacity. As Lagos continues to expand, the story of Makoko serves as a crucial reminder of the need for inclusive urban development. It is not just a "slum" to be cleared, but a unique, self-sustaining ecosystem that embodies the tenacity and "can-do" spirit of the Nigerian people.