LAGOS LOCATION
LAGOS LOCATION
Lagos is the largest city in Nigeria and one of the fastest-growing cities in the world. It is
situated in the southwestern part of Nigeria, along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Lagos
comprises a series of islands and a mainland area, connected by bridges and ferries. Its
The standard of living refers to the level of economic prosperity and comfort experienced by
individuals or households within a society. Standard of living is the utility of life (Pigou
1952), economic provision or “opulence,” which measures the amount and quality of
commodities that the individual is free to use (Deutsch and Silber 1987.
The standard of living in Lagos is highly variable and depends significantly on one's
socioeconomic status. While the city is known for its wealth and economic opportunities, a
large proportion of its population lives in poverty. Wealthier residents enjoy modern
amenities, luxury housing, and access to high-quality healthcare and education. In contrast,
many poorer residents live in informal settlements with limited access to basic services such
Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling economic hub, ranks among the 178 cities globally with the lowest
quality of life, according to the Numbeo Quality of Life Index. This index comprehensively
measures factors like purchasing power, pollution levels, housing affordability, cost of living,
safety, healthcare, commute times, and climate conditions to assess overall well-being. Lagos
scores just 45.3 on this index, reflecting significant challenges. High poverty and income
inequality contribute to disparities in access to basic amenities and economic opportunities,
transportation networks, leading to severe traffic congestion and long commute times.
Insufficient investment in road maintenance and public transport further hampers mobility
and economic productivity. Environmental concerns include high air and water pollution due
to industrial activities and poor waste management. Crime rates, including petty crime, armed
robbery, and cybercrime, undermine residents’ safety and perceptions of living and business
conditions in Lagos. Access to quality healthcare and education remains limited, with
overcrowded public facilities and disparities in educational quality affecting social mobility.
However, It’s important to note, that Lagos is ranked 8th in Africa for healthcare, indicating
According to the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), Lagos ranks as the second-worst city to
live in out of 172 cities worldwide. This ranking considers factors like living conditions,
safety, infrastructure, and access to basic services. Despite these challenges, Lagos thrives
culturally and economically, known for its vibrant arts, music scene, and entrepreneurial
b. Pollution: Air and water pollution are major issues, with emissions from vehicles and
d. Healthcare: While there are high-quality healthcare facilities available, access to these
Despite these challenges, Lagos is also a vibrant city with a rich cultural life, numerous
Lagos is characterized by a mix of planned and unplanned development. Key areas include:
a. Victoria Island and Ikoyi: Known for their affluence, these areas host luxury apartments,
b. Lagos Island: This is the historic heart of the city, home to markets, businesses, and the
c. Mainland Areas: Neighborhoods such as Ikeja (the state capital), Yaba, and Surulere are
d. Slums and Informal Settlements: Areas like Makoko are informal settlements where
Lagos is the economic hub of Nigeria and West Africa, with diverse economic activities