Despite Lagos State boasting a GDP of $259 billion—making it the economic powerhouse of Nigeria—its streets tell a story of prolonged decay and neglect, LagosReporter revealed.
In the bustling heart of Lagos Island, the state’s commercial epicentre, major roads lie in ruins, submerged in dirty floodwater, with no relief in sight.
Streets such as Ojo Giwa, Iga Iduganran, Idumagbo, Jankara, oroyinyin and Aroloya—once pivotal arteries in the city’s business flow—now struggle under the weight of potholes, failed drainage, and years of infrastructural abandonment.
Residents say they have endured these conditions for over a decade, despite countless government promises to revamp the area. “We’ve heard the pledges year after year, but nothing ever changes,” said a shop owner on Idumagbo Street. “Rainy season just makes it worse. You either swim through the street or don’t come out at all.”
This neglect stands in stark contrast to the image of Lagos as a booming metropolis. While the numbers show economic growth, the infrastructure tells a different story—one of stagnation, frustration, and decay.
The government’s repeated announcements of major rehabilitation plans have failed to yield tangible results in these parts of the city.
In an additional report by the news outlets, it further revealed that Lagos Island, despite its historical and economic significance, has been left behind in the state’s development agenda.
The flooding and deteriorating roads do not only affect movement and commerce but also pose serious health risks due to stagnant water and waste accumulation.
With Lagos positioning itself as a global city, residents are demanding action, not more promises. “How can we have a $259 billion economy and still live like this?” one resident asked.
In response to the worsening conditions, some residents expressed hope that Lagos’ leadership would shift focus from self-serving interests to meaningful development that benefits the wider population.
