Lagos Urban Planning: Debunking Myths and Stereotypes

All around the world, what constitutes a livable city is constantly in flux,

usually following new cultural, social or technological trends and

discoveries. Our engagement with people on new ways of thinking about

Lagos made one thing clear: government, civil society and the public had

been in thrall to decades-old myths and stereotypes. Generally, it has been

convenient to lay the blame for urban dysfunction on certain, usually

disadvantaged groups of people within society, leading to a mismatch

between the solutions proffered and the real problems. The result is that

those solutions have consistently failed.

This small booklet offers a selection of such stereotypes, all debunked by

writers reflecting on alternative city-making opportunities as we drive

towards more inclusiveness and climate resilience.

Reflect and join the conversation #RethinkingLagos.