Patterns of national and international migration and how this is changing the growth and character of the city.
Migration to Lagos
Lagos’ population is growing rapidly (by 500,000 people every year), largely due to rural-urban migration. This has resulted in the city sprawling into the surrounding countryside, engulfing near-by towns.
The majority of migrants are from within Nigeria, searching for better jobs – incomes are four times higher than in rural areas.
International migration is largely from neighbouring countries (i.e. Chad and Niger). However some migrants come from the USA, the UK and China, being employed by foreign business operating in Lagos, notably the oil industry.
The impact of migration on the character of the city
Lagos used to be a relatively small fishing village, occupied by the Yoruba people. Migration into Lagos from rural areas has brought a wide range of ethnic groups, giving Lagos a very diverse ethnic population.
Migration has resulted in the city becoming very overcrowded, congested and polluted. Population densities are very high.