This research is about a slum known as Makoko which is located in the heart of Lagos, Nigeria. The settlement is located partly on land and partly on the Lagos lagoon. Makoko is primarily a fisher folk community characterised with poor housing and environmental conditions. Located at the centre of the city, the slum is seen to expand in population and in the physical boundary. The sprawling slum extends further into the lagoon, as the structures built on top of the lagoon multiply daily; polluting the waters they are built upon. There have been several attempts by the Lagos State government to evict the inhabitants of Makoko and clear the slum. These evictions were only successful in destroying the housing, property and livelihood of those affected, driving them further into poverty. The strategic location of the slum by the Lagos lagoon and in the heart of the city makes the slum target for developers. The poor housing and living conditions in the community give the government a reason to evict the people. However, the slum dwellers have persistently remained in Makoko, as those previously evicted return, those who reside there remain and new migrants flock into the settlement. This research is developed to understand the growth phenomenon occurring in Makoko. It aims to study the various reasons the inhabitants remain in the slum and the importance of the slum to the inhabitants. The study view point is that slum dwellers are intelligent people who would not remain in a location if it does not benefit them in someway. Therefore the study looks at the livelihood assets available in Makoko and its benefit to the people. It also investigates the various ways in which the inhabitants would like to improve their housing conditions and consequently improve their living conditions. The research looks at the slum through the view point of the inhabitants, with the aim of finding out what the inhabitants want, need and wish to have, in order to improve their housing conditions. The research solely focuses on Makoko community and its inhabitants. The research methodology is therefore an explorative and descriptive case study research. The research will eventually recommend the most appropriate strategy for Makoko inhabitants to improve the housing, living and environmental conditions in the settlement. The research objective is to show the reasons for the growth of slums, understand the factors that enhance the growth process and eventually help the inhabitants of the Makoko and other similar slums live a better and healthier lives.

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Eerd, M. van
hdl.handle.net/2105/12140
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies

Fika, O.F. (2008, September). development and consolidation of water communities. The Case study of Makoko the landless slum along Lagos Lagoon, Nigeria.. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/2105/12140