Life In a Floating Slum in Africa – Makoko
20The capital of Nigeria, Lagos, is home to a remarkable yet starkly contrasting community known as Makoko – a floating slum that …
📅 Last updated: 29.12.2025
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
💬 What is Makoko in Lagos?
Makoko is a large, informal floating slum community in Lagos, Nigeria. Built on stilts over the Lagos Lagoon, it is home to thousands of residents who live in wooden houses and navigate the waterways by canoe.
💬 Why is Makoko called a floating slum?
Makoko is called a floating slum because its buildings are constructed on wooden stilts in the water, and many residents live in conditions of extreme poverty with limited access to basic services. The community lacks reliable public infrastructure like sanitation, electricity, and clean water.
💬 How many people live in Makoko?
Estimates vary widely, but it is believed that between 40,000 to 300,000 people live in Makoko. The population is difficult to count accurately due to its informal and densely packed nature.
💬 What are the living conditions like in Makoko?
Living conditions in Makoko are challenging, with homes vulnerable to flooding and residents facing issues like poor waste disposal and a lack of formal utilities. Despite this, it is a vibrant, self-sufficient community with its own economy, schools, and social structures.
💬 Is Makoko being demolished?
There have been repeated threats of demolition by government authorities who cite environmental and urban planning concerns. Some demolitions have occurred, creating uncertainty for residents, but the community continues to persist and advocate for its right to stay.
