The Changing Residential Districts of Lagos: How the past has created the present and what can be done about it

Abstract

The position of Lagos as Nigeria’s economic centre was entrenched in its colonial past. This legacy continues to influence its residential areas today. The research work provides an analysis of the complexity surrounding low-income residential areas of Lagos since 1960, based on the work of Professor Akin Mabogunje, who had surveyed 605 properties in 21 communities across Lagos. Based on existing housing amenities, he had classified them as high grade, medium grade, lower grade and low grade residential areas. This research asks: In terms of quality of neighborhood amenities, to what extent has the character of these neighborhoods changed from their 1960 low grade classification? This research is necessary because these communities represent the inner slums of Lagos, and in order to proffer solutions to inherent problems so associated, it is important to understand the role of the colonial origin of these communities in their current circumstances. Lessons for the future can then become clearer.
The study is based on a mixed methods approach suitable for multidisciplinary inquires. Quantitative data is gathered through a survey of the communities; but by including findings from historical records and in-depth interviews with residents, a richer contextual grounding of how colonial policies on residential land use has influenced the present is to be provided. In addition, these narratives will help in capturing how the future of these communities can be shaped for the benefit of the people. This is an ongoing research, results are currently being analysed, findings would be presented at the conference.

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Author Information
Basirat Oyalowo, University of Lagos, Nigeria
Timothy Nubi, University of Lagos, Nigeria
Bose Okuntola, Lagos State University, Nigeria
Olufemi Saibu, University of Lagos, Nigeria
Oluwaseun Muraina, University of Lagos, Nigeria
Olanrewaju Bakinson, Lagos State Lands Bureau, Nigeria

• Category: Humanities - History/Historiography

Posted by James Alexander Gordon

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