Makoko Waterside the canoe slices through the murky waters of the lagoon, guided by a young man standing at the back, using a long pole to push the vessel between wooden structures propped on stilts. Other canoes drift past—some carrying women selling fish, while others transport children making their way across the settlement. A few are occupied by young men, still in their work uniforms, returning home from jobs in the city. This is the reality of Makoko Waterside, a vast community that has called this unique lagoon setting home for generations.
Makoko Waterside and Lagos Housing Crisis
As the canoe ventures deeper into the heart of Makoko Waterside, the struggles of life here become more visible. There are no modern apartments or luxury flats—only wooden one-room and two-room structures perched precariously above the water. Basic amenities are scarce. Residents must pay N100 each time they use shared facilities for bathing or relieving themselves. “This place has been home to my people since the 19th century,” said Chief Victor Panke, the Baale of Adogbo 1 community. The settlement has deep roots, as generations of Egun fishermen have lived in the Makoko Waterside settlement since the 19th century.
For Monday Isaiah, a driver with a construction company and part-time plumber, Makoko Waterside became a refuge when the city’s rent prices skyrocketed. “I moved here three years ago when rent became impossible to afford in the city,” he explained. The current rent for a room is N5,000 per month (N60,000 annually), while two rooms go for N15,000 monthly (N180,000 annually). New residents are required to pay three years’ rent upfront, along with additional fees for damages, agreements, and agent commissions, ranging from N100,000 to N150,000.
This story is a reflection of Lagos housing crisis, where economic hardship forces individuals like Isaiah into precarious living conditions. Lagos’ housing crisis has led many to seek shelter in informal settlements like Makoko Waterside, as formal accommodation becomes unaffordable. Despite their poor living conditions, residents must still pay rent. Isaiah’s experience is common among Lagos residents who, unable to afford the high rents in the city, turn to shanty communities like Makoko Waterside.
In many parts of Lagos, similar settlements have emerged, particularly along the Lekki-Epe Expressway and other parts of the city. Even in these makeshift homes, residents are still charged rent, underscoring the severity of Lagos’ housing crisis. Many families, unable to afford proper flats, now occupy uncompleted buildings, paying significantly less but living without access to basic infrastructure like running water, electricity, or proper sanitation.
Tessy Opeyemi’s family, for example, moved into an unfinished building in Maya, Ikorodu, after her father lost his job. “We cook outside, fetch water from our neighbors, and charge our phones at their homes,” she said. This situation is not unique to her family, as many Lagosians find themselves in similar circumstances, driven by Lagos housing crisis into alternative housing solutions, despite their substandard conditions.
The Federal Government has acknowledged the depth of Nigeria’s housing deficit. Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, highlighted that Nigeria needs to build 550,000 housing units annually, requiring a N5.5 trillion investment over the next decade to address this crisis. This would help alleviate the strain on urban centers like Lagos, which are facing enormous pressure due to rapid population growth and urban migration.
Lagos State’s efforts to address Lagos housing crisis have included demolishing shanties across the state in a bid to create cleaner, safer environments. However, while demolishing illegal settlements may improve public safety, it also displaces the most vulnerable, many of whom have no choice but to seek refuge in areas like Makoko Waterside. These demolitions must be accompanied by more robust affordable housing alternatives to ensure that displaced residents are not left homeless.
In conclusion, Makoko Waterside is a stark example of the realities facing Lagos residents amid a growing housing crisis. As more people are priced out of the city, informal settlements like Makoko Waterside will continue to grow unless both state and federal governments provide sustainable housing solutions. The ongoing development programs, such as the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates initiative, offer a potential solution, but their success depends on adequate funding, long-term planning, and addressing the root causes of Lagos housing crisis.
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