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.