Lagos Flashcards
(19 cards)
What are key facts about Lagos, Nigeria?
Lagos is Nigeria’s largest city, located on the Gulf of Guinea. Though no longer the capital (Abuja took over in 1991), it’s the country’s economic powerhouse and Africa’s most populated city.
Why is Lagos important regionally and nationally?
Provides key services (health, education, jobs). Generates highest income of Nigerian states. Hosts 80% of industry and 30% of GDP. Hub for media, finance, trade, and film.
What makes Lagos globally important?
West Africa’s main financial & ICT hub. 80% of West Africa’s flights land here. 5th busiest port in Africa. Hosts global trade fairs and sporting events. High standard of living.
How has Lagos’s population changed over time?
Under 1M in 1960 → 4M in 1990 → 12M in 2015 → 16.5M in 2024. Including surrounding areas, estimates exceed 20M.
What are the main causes of population growth in Lagos?
Rural-urban migration (due to push/pull factors) and high natural increase (due to a youthful population).
What are the push and pull factors driving migration to Lagos?
Push: Poor rural services, climate change, low farm income, land shortage, unrest (e.g., Boko Haram).
Pull: Better jobs, higher pay, urban lifestyle, improved services.
What are the two main reasons for Lagos’s population growth?
Rural-urban migration – driven by push and pull factors.
Natural increase – due to a youthful population and high birth rate.
What attracts people to move to Lagos?
Better healthcare and education
Access to electricity and clean water
More schools, universities, and jobs
Economic opportunities: construction, finance, film, ports, informal work
What economic opportunities are available in Lagos?
obs in construction (e.g. Eko Atlantic)
Finance, government, manufacturing, ports, fishing
Nollywood film industry
Informal sector jobs (e.g. street vending, recycling)
Why are people leaving rural Nigeria?
Few jobs and low farm wages
Land shortage and poor services
Oil pollution in Niger Delta
Insecurity from Boko Haram and political unrest
How has urbanisation helped Nigeria develop overall?
Urbanisation, especially in Lagos, has led to improved life expectancy, wealth, healthcare, education, and job opportunities, helping raise national development levels above rural averages.
How has urbanisation improved access to services in Lagos?
Better access to doctors, clinics, and hospitals than rural areas
Free basic education for first 9 years
Over 10 universities and many training colleges
Lagos is a major pull factor for education and health access
How does Lagos compare to rural areas in terms of resources?
More reliable water supply, served by wells, taps, and vendors
Wealthy areas have piped water
Lagos Water Corporation supplies 12M people
2020 Water Master Plan aims to meet growing demand
How is Lagos addressing energy issues?
80% of people rely on polluting diesel generators
Frequent power cuts impact industry and services
Future Proofing Lagos aims for 100% energy access
At least 20% of future energy to come from renewables
What drives economic growth in Lagos?
Infrastructure improvements (roads, transport, services)
Attraction of major corporations and TNCs
New formal sector job opportunities due to urbanisation and investment
What has been the impact of industrial growth in Lagos?
Job creation and rising income levels
A growing, skilled workforce
Expansion of the service sector
Strong market demand from a large population
Example of the multiplier effect in action
What is Lagos’s contribution to Nigeria’s economy?
Contributes 30% of Nigeria’s GDP
Home to most of Nigeria’s industries
Eko Atlantic project: new city for 250,000 people, 150,000 jobs
Finance, media, manufacturing, and trade all centered in Lagos
What are the pros and cons of Lagos’s informal economy?
Pros:
Provides income where formal jobs are lacking
Jobs like vending, recycling, repair work
Cons:
No job security or benefits
Poor working conditions
Health and environmental risks (e.g. Olusosun landfill)
What role does the Olusosun landfill play in Lagos?
Largest dump in Africa, supports 1,000+ residents
Workers sort 3,000 tonnes/day for recyclables
Toxic fumes and fires are major hazards
Future plan: generate 25MW electricity from methane
