Do you think the lifestyle of the inhabitants of your town or city reflects behavior that is in line with the concept of sustainable development? In your opinion, what should be improved?

Kunle

OUTLINE

What is sustainable developmentFacts about my city: Lagos, NigeriaHow we liveAreas of improvement

What is sustainable development?

Is this obtainable in my city; Lagos? - NO

Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

WHAT IS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT?

FACTS ABOUT MY CITY: LAGOS, NIGERIA

Lagos is the most populous city in Nigeria. Research has shown that Lagos is the second fastest growing city in Africa and the

seventh fastest growing city in the world. Lagos is Nigeria's economic focal point, generating a significant portion of the country's

GDP. The port of Lagos is Nigeria's leading port and one of the largest and busiest in Africa. The high influx of people into Lagos and its ever growing population has increased its

inhabitants anti-sustainable behaviors.

HOW WE LIVE

Over population

Although Lagos state is the smallest state in Nigeria, with an area of 356,861 hectares of which 75,755 hectares are wetlands, yet it has the highest population, which is over five per cent of the national estimate

As at the last census held in 2006, Lagos consisted of about 17.5 million people. In 2012, it was estimated at 21 million people. As such the limited resources of Lagos has become inadequate for its teaming population.

Inadequate drainage system/ flood Most people in Lagos dump refuse into drainages, which sometimes do not get cleared as often as they should. Also, buildings are constructed along natural drainage routes and on flood plains.

HOW WE LIVE cont’d

Air pollutionWithout considering industrial pollution, motor vehicle emissions largely contribute to air pollution. There has also been cases of deaths (families killed in their sleep) from carbon-monoxide emitted by energy generators.

HOW WE LIVE cont’d

Refuse disposal/waste managementAbout 50% of Lagosians still use inappropriate channels to dispose of their waste material. These channels include dumping on railroads, motorways and public parks. Housing structures are also erected on some large waste dumps.

HOW WE LIVE cont’d

Haphazard/ hazardous electrical wiring systemLagos being a commercial nerve center utilizes huge amounts of electricity. This electricity is distributed via electric poles . These poles are subject to poor maintenance and the connections on them are haphazard. Several cases of electrocution are reported yearly.

HOW WE LIVE cont’d

Traffic: An average worker gets stuck in traffic for no less than 3 hours a day. This is a direct cause of overpopulation and inefficient /in effective public transport system.

HOW WE LIVE cont’d

•Tax havens should be created in other cities. This will encourage business and commercial ventures to relocate, effectively diverting migration to such areas. This would ensure an even population spread in the country.

Over population•Mandatory drainage cleaning exercise should be carried out by

inhabitants of Lagos. Also, building plans should be approved in line with the city’s blue print to ensure that houses are not erected on drainage channels. Inadequate

drainage system/ flood

•Usage of eco-friendly automobile (electric cars) should be encourage and vehicles with harmful emissions should be discouraged. Also, alternative sources of power (solar and wind) should be explored as opposed to carbon fuel generators.

Air pollutions

AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT

• The available refuse disposal trucks should be increased to measure up with the population. Also, Lagosians should be sensitized on the benefits of recycling non-biodegradable waste.

Refuse disposal/waste management

•Subterranean electricity distribution should be explored so as to ensure that high tension wires are not exposed to the publicHaphazard/ hazardous electrical

wiring system :

•Other means of public transport should be explored. This should include rail and water. Car pooling should also be encouraged amongst employees working in same organizations.

Traffic

AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT cont’d

The future belongs to those who prepare for it

today

Thank you