Summary
Lagos, Nigeria’s largest city, is facing a serious housing crisis as rents rise much faster than wages. Many workers cannot afford to live near their jobs and spend hours commuting from cheaper, distant neighborhoods. The city has a shortage of over 3 million housing units due to rapid population growth.
Key Facts
- Lagos has about 22 million people and is Africa’s most populous city after Cairo.
- Around 6,000 people move into Lagos daily, while about 3,000 leave each day.
- Rents have increased dramatically, with some flats costing up to five times more than two years ago.
- The national minimum wage is ₦840,000 per year, which is far less than many rents demand.
- Many residents share apartments or live far from work to afford rent.
- Some workers commute for 2 to 4 hours each day due to high housing costs near the city center.
- Lagos has an estimated housing shortage of more than 3.4 million units.
- The housing problem pushes some workers to consider leaving the city or using informal living arrangements.
