Megacity Lagos | Heinrich Böll Stiftung

Urban Planning Processes In Lagos

The revised, second edition (2018) of “Urban Planning Processes in Lagos” is the result of a yearlong research process that examines the relation between urban policies, urban interventions, the role of governance, and the different actors in Lagos. The publication shows that Lagos urban policies do not often benefit those at the centre of economic development: the Lagosians – of which a significant number lives below the poverty line.

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Envisioning Challenge

A great percentage of the population in Lagos lives on one or two dollars a day. Uncertainties over land ownership, often followed by demolitions and evictions, do not encourage the urban poor to invest their meager finances into building safe shelters. None of past and present government housing policies had been directed towards these citizens. With this "Envisioning Challenge" we want to reflect how abandoned buildings could contribute to creating safe and affordable shelter for the majority of Lagos residents who live along the poverty line. Applications from multidisciplinary teams are strongly encouraged.

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Open City Lagos

The publication “Open City Lagos”, a cooperation with Nsibidi Institute Lagos and Fabulous Urban Zurich, intends to initiate a public reflection and discourse on the characteristics of an “open city” where the co-existence of different social groups and the richness of cultural diversity come together to foster growth that is diverse, equitable, creative, sustainable and inclusive.

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Makoko Neighborhood Hotspot

The hotspot is an integral part of the Makoko/Iwaya Regeneration plan developed in a participatory approach with the community and local and international professionals. To read more about the colourful opening ceremony and the Makoko/Iwaya Waterfront community

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Makoko-Iwaya Waterfront Economic Opportunities

The Makoko-Iwaya Waterfront regeneration plan is a comprehensive people centered development framework. The major objective is ensuring participation and community ownership. The plan looks at all facets of life and development. This plan, if implemented, could turn Makoko/Iwaya community into a worldwide showcase of a sustainable and flood-resilient lifestyle.

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LAGOS - A CLIMATE RESILIENT MEGACITY?

It is widely expected that Lagos will become the largest city on the African continent within the next ten to fifteen years, surpassing Cairo. Being a melting pot of numerous Nigerian and West African identities, cultures and religions, Lagos has been offering millions of people dreams and hopes for a more prosperous future. As a coastal city with many of its parts lying just above sea level, Lagos faces the additional and peculiar challenge of flooding. Intelligent and innovative strategies are needed to combine the requirements of economic growth and infrastructure development with sustainable urban governance.

The Heinrich Böll Foundation runs the Megacity Lagos programme from a liaison office in the City. Cutting across all projects, our partners emphasise the need to include Lagos citizens in urban planning and implementation processes at the local and State Government level. Our aim is to offer a discussion platform where ideas for a sustainable and equitable Lagos can emerge - so that Lagos would be called not only the biggest but also one of the most liveable cities in Africa.

PUBLICATION

Megacity means mega challenges. This publication looks at answers to Lagos’ pressing questions, such as a rapidly growing population, managing the waste such a huge population produces, adequate and affordable housing at a time when flooding is making land uninhabitable for a substantial part of the year, job creation and transportation. Can Lagos become a model megacity?

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PERSPECTIVES MAGAZINE

This edition of Perspectives asks, “What are sustainable African cities?”. In so doing, it offers a snapshot of Africa’s urban sustainability challenges, ranging from tensions between heritage and urban renewal.

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