4.4.3

Urban Growth in Lagos

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Urban Growth in Lagos

Lagos' state government says the population of Lagos is 17.5 million. The national government claims it is 21 million people. Either way, Lagos is a megacity. It is the largest city in Nigeria.

Lagos' connection with Nigeria and the world

Lagos' connection with Nigeria and the world

  • Lagos was the capital of Nigeria until 1991.
  • Lagos' airport Murtala Muhammed is very well-connected with Africa and the rest of the world. In 2017, it was the 8th busiest airport in Africa by passenger numbers. Having a large airport is also good for business and trade.
  • Lagos is located on the coast and has a large port out of Lagos lagoon.
Demographic and healthcare

Demographic and healthcare

  • The annual rate of natural increase in Nigeria is 25% every 5 years.
  • The life expectancy of someone living in Lagos is 54.5 years. Across Nigeria as a whole, the average life expectancy is 53.4 years.
  • There are more doctors and hospitals in Lagos than in the surrounding rural areas.
Social opportunities from urban growth in Lagos

Social opportunities from urban growth in Lagos

  • In 2010, the adult literacy rate of people living in Lagos was 92% (92% of people in Lagos can read and write).
    • In some rural states, the adult literacy rate was as low as 14% and it was 57% on average in Nigeria.
  • Lagos has clean water supplies, electricity into housing and good entertainment centres and malls.
Economic opportunities from urban growth in Lagos

Economic opportunities from urban growth in Lagos

  • In 2019, Nigerian startups raised $600 million in investor funding.
    • This is 50% of all the startup investment in Africa and most of this funding was negotiated in Nigerian cities.
  • 30% of the Nigerian population works in agriculture.
  • In 2018, the GDP per capita in Lagos was $5,000 (twice the GDP per capita of Nigeria).
  • Lagos is Nigeria's biggest city for banking, investment, and international transactions.
  • Tourists are attracted to the Millenium Park in Lagos.
Housing opportunities

Housing opportunities

  • Despite urban growth, housing in Nigeria is 77% more expensive and food is 26% more expensive in African cities (vs rural areas).
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