Lagos, often praised as Nigeria’s economic and cultural nucleus, has persistently aspired to attain the esteemed label of a mega city.
Infact, the current President, Bola Tinubu in his campaign to take the reigns of power bragged so much about his impact in Lagos and said it would be his template to redesign Nigeria.
However, the Global Liveability Index, challenges the supposed mega status of the City, ranking Lagos as the fourth worst city to reside in. To truly fathom why Lagos might not be worthy of the mega city title, we must contrast it with prominent mega cities like Tokyo, New York City, and Singapore.
Infrastructure stands as the first glaring difference. Tokyo boasts an impeccably efficient transportation system, while Lagos grapples with pothole-riddled roads.
Areas such as Ikotun, Ikorodu, Sagotedo, Lekki-Epe, and more endure humpty dumpty roads that would make the best of Jesus’s Disciples curse under their breath.
Around the city, you’ll find long abandoned infrastructure and swathes of refuse, leading residents to question the efficacy of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration.
I recall holding my breath, till a point of collapse once passing through the Ajah underbridge to Ilaje axis. So much stench for a City.
On the flip side, the perennial battle against floods continues, even in high-priced real estate like Banana Island and Lekki. Mega cities like New York and Singapore prioritize robust drainage systems, while Lagos residents brace for annual flooding. Is this the Lagos, you really brag about?
While you cannot rule out the operations of high fashion gangs in developed cities, one must admit that they have robust law enforcement and community policing that have significantly reduced the influence of criminal elements.
In contrast, Lagos has struggled with the persistence of Agberos, street thugs who sometimes violate the rights of other residents. Unfortunately, this question has been asked several times without answer – How does the Lagos State Government intend to establish a rehabilitation programme for these boys who were failed by the society?
There’s no doubt that Lagos possesses so much potential but it is not the mega city it prizes itself to be. Just like the Yoruba proverb that says “he who has not gone beyond his father’s farm considers it the biggest.”
The Global Liveability Index’s ranking underscores the need to fix infrastructure and public services, improve transportation and rehabilitate agberos and provide stronger law enforcement for this city.
Eko O ni Baje
