Unseen Realities: Life Under The Bridges Of Lagos

Unseen Realities: Life Under The Bridges Of Lagos

Housing and decent accommodation are significant challenges in many urban areas worldwide, particularly in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub, where the population exceeds 22 million. This booming population has led to a severe housing shortage, forcing countless individuals to seek shelter under bridges throughout the city……CONTINUE READING 

On May 1, 2024, Lagos State’s Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, revealed on social media that 86 partitioned rooms were discovered under the Dolphin Estate Bridge in Ikoyi. This revelation elicited varied reactions from the public, with many questioning the living conditions of those residing there.

The under-bridge areas in Lagos often harbor roughnecks involved in criminal activities, including robbery and violence, particularly at night. While these spaces may appear bustling during the day, the true dangers emerge after dark, when the environment becomes increasingly unsafe.

In places like Oshodi, youth gangs gather at night, often including impressionable young boys who wander aimlessly, waiting for opportunities to prey on unsuspecting victims. Car owners whose vehicles break down in these areas risk being overwhelmed by individuals seeking money to “assist” them, or they may face vandalism if they don’t comply.

As night falls, the situation under the bridges transforms; abandoned vehicles, makeshift shops, and kiosks become sleeping quarters for many. The sheer number of individuals sleeping in these conditions, particularly in areas like Mile 2, highlights the acute housing deficit in Lagos.

Children frequently found in these environments often work as bus conductors or engage in other activities to survive. An elderly member of the National Union of Road Transport Workers noted the alarming presence of underage boys working in hazardous conditions alongside reckless drivers.

Many individuals living under the bridges did not choose this life; circumstances pushed them into these precarious situations. Legal expert Mr. Supo Oladeinde emphasized the urgent need for affordable housing in Lagos, calling for a comprehensive housing program to address the crisis. He suggested that the government take inspiration from the late Governor Lateef Jakande’s successful low-cost housing initiatives.

Oladeinde urged both the government and private developers to prioritize building affordable housing to alleviate the plight of those living under bridges. He highlighted that, aside from lacking proper sanitation, these individuals contribute to environmental degradation and public health risks, making it imperative to address this growing issue.