Can Lagos really become the economical powerhouse of West Afric…

Lagos, a southwestern state in Nigeria, is regarded as one of the fastest-growing cities in Africa in terms of infrastructure and business opportunities. The city has become a commercial hub for traders from other cities and neighboring countries.

Lagos state currently has an estimated population of 15,946,000, a 3.63% increase from 2022. The city is already projected to become the most populous city in Africa within the next 50 years. This is expected as many residents of other states are migrating for greener pastures in the city.

While there are many economic and social opportunities in Lagos state, there are also challenges facing the mega city and stopping it from reaching its full potential. In this article, we’ll talk about the opportunities and challenges in the city. We’ll also look at Lagos’s potential to become West Africa’s economic powerhouse.

Lagos state has contributed significantly to the Nigerian economy. Many service industries and manufacturing companies are based in the city, making it one of the most sought cities in the country. Let’s look at some of the opportunities available in this mega city.

Lagos state is known as a no man’s land, as the city is open to everyone willing to start a business or searching for job opportunities. You’ll find better employment opportunities with higher pay from several sectors in the state. Whether you’re looking for formal or informal jobs, you’ll find such opportunities there.

Tertiary jobs such as computing, medical providers, finance, and lawyers are in high demand, allowing people to earn good wages or salaries in the formal sectors. Even cloth vendors have access to big markets to sell their products to customers from different parts of the country and neighboring countries.

One of the major challenges Nigerian citizens face is access to a good electricity system. This has caused many businesses in the country’s rural areas to fail. However, Lagos residents have better access to electricity to carry out their businesses. Generators are also common for backup in case there is a shortage of electricity supply.

Health care in many parts of the country is generally poor despite the improvement the sector is currently experiencing. This has resulted in the death of vulnerable patients who couldn’t access a healthcare center and receive quality treatment. Most sicknesses could be curable if given access to prompt medical attention.

However, Lagos residents have access to quality healthcare services, which are necessary for increasing their life expectancy. You’ll find many big health centers and hospitals in full operation for 24 hours to attend to emergencies. Urgent medical attention is always available, especially when you can afford to pay the medical bills.

Education is vital in molding children into what they intend to become in the future. This aspect is a massive pull factor to Lagos, as many people send their kids to school in the city. The state has more schools and universities than other states of the country. In fact, Lagos state alone has about 11 universities, and boasts 10 out of the top 25 secondary schools in Nigeria, attracting students from several African countries.

While Lagos state is rapidly growing in so many areas, the city still faces some challenges that needs to overcome. Let’s look at some of these challenges.

Politics is at the center of affairs in the management of Lagos state. Most activities in the city rely on political interaction involving nepotism, corruption, and bribery. You must know ‘those at the top’ if you wish to get awarded certain contracts, regardless of your competence. You need ‘long legs’ to get the most out of the state.

These vices have proven to be challenges that need to be eradicated. This will ensure that only a few people do not control the state for their gains. Frequent investigations and subsequent penalties for offenders can improve the system and improve the city.

Lagos is a mega city still struggling to accommodate the massive popular growth. Providing an efficient transportation system is one of the greatest problems faced by Lagos residents. Most workers and travelers spend hours on the road due to high traffic in major road networks. Workers will have to wake up early if they want to go to their offices early. Good transportation systems, including efficient drainage networks, will make it easy for people to reach their destinations on time.

The cost of living in Lagos is considerably high, especially for Lagos Island residents. You’ll see many people living under bridges, in shops/ offices, and along the road as they can’t afford to rent a house. Overcrowding is another problem that creates the gap between the supply and demand of rented dwellings for residents.

Lagos state is already a megacity and a commercial hub for Nigerians and the neighboring countries. The city currently contributes 30% to Nigeria’s GDP, with the potential to contribute more. The Eko Atlantic City project aims to build a commercial and residential mini-city that will solve many unemployment issues in the country. It will also solve the issues of accommodation often faced by many residents.

Another mega project by African’s richest man, Aliko Dangote is proof that Lagos is closer to becoming a supercity for commercial activities in West Africa. The Dangote oil refinery is estimated to cost $18bn and is expected to provide 4,000 direct and 145,000 indirect jobs. The company will double the country’s refining capacity to meet the rising demands for fuel.

Security in the state has greatly improved with the state government’s introduction of several law enforcement agents. For instance, The Lagos State Rapid Squad ensures that the citizens are law-abiding. Also, The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) was created to regulate and control traffic and to reduce the rate of road accidents.

With the many developments experienced in Lagos state, the city is gradually becoming a center of both local and international businesses. The government is also doing everything to ensure the city is conducive for living and businesses.

Keep reading – This is Kenya, by Mirriam Awuor.

You can also read ‘El futuro de Lagos‘ in Spanish.