Urbanisation in Lagos: Causes, Impacts and Key Urban Terms
Key Urban Terms
Urban area — a built-up area such as a town or city.
Urbanisation — an increasing proportion of people living in urban areas.
Urban growth — an increase in the number of people living in a city.
Migration — the movement of people from one place to another.
Natural increase — when birth rates are higher than death rates.
Megacity — a city with a population of more than 10 million.
World city — a city with major global influence over finance, business, politics and culture.
Population Movement Within Cities
Suburbanisation
Definition: People move from the inner city to the suburbs.
Causes: More space, gardens, quieter surroundings and better access to family housing.
Consequences: Suburbs expand, commuting increases and inner-city areas may lose residents.
Counter-urbanisation
Definition: People move from urban areas to rural areas.
Causes: Desire for a quieter lifestyle, more space and less congestion; remote working can make this easier.
Consequences: Rural villages may gain residents and businesses, but housing prices may rise and local services may come under pressure.
Re-urbanisation
Definition: People move back into inner-city areas.
Causes: Regeneration, new apartments, improved transport, shops and leisure facilities.
Consequences: City centres become more populated and businesses may benefit. However, rents and house prices may rise, potentially displacing lower-income residents.
Case Study: Lagos, Nigeria
Location: South-west Nigeria, on the coast of West Africa
Country: Nigeria — an emerging economy.
Urbanisation: Lagos has grown rapidly due to rural–urban migration and natural increase.
Importance: A major economic centre with ports, businesses, manufacturing and financial services.
Causes of Rapid Urbanisation in Lagos
Push factors — why people leave rural areas:
- Low wages and few jobs in farming.
- Drought and poor harvests in some regions.
- Limited access to education and healthcare.
Pull factors — why people move to Lagos:
- More jobs in manufacturing, trade and services.
- Better access to schools and hospitals.
- Opportunities to earn higher wages.
Lagos as a Major Business and Commercial Centre
Housing — Makoko
Some residents live in informal housing built on stilts above the lagoon. Overcrowding and inadequate sanitation create health risks.
Traffic and Pollution
Growing numbers of people and vehicles cause congestion, longer journeys and air pollution.
Economic Opportunities
Lagos offers jobs in finance, trade, manufacturing and entertainment, but wealth is unevenly distributed.
Exam Question: Causes of Urbanisation in Lagos
Question: Explain two causes of rapid urbanisation in Lagos. (4 marks)
One cause of rapid urbanisation in Lagos is rural–urban migration. People leave rural areas because of low agricultural wages and limited job opportunities. They move to Lagos because it offers more employment in trade, manufacturing and services.
Another cause is natural increase. Lagos has a young population, and when births exceed deaths, the population grows. This increases the demand for housing, transport and public services.