ACRC Pushes for Research-Driven Urban Change
Lagos is fast approaching a critical point in its urban development. Without serious government investment in affordable housing, the city could face deepening challenges. Dr. Temilade Sesan, Lagos City Manager for the African Cities Research Consortium (ACRC), leads a team working to reverse this trend.
She explained that her role involves coordinating a group of researchers and community leaders with diverse skills from urban planning to media. Their shared goal is to improve services and infrastructure for all Lagos residents, especially in low-income areas often ignored by standard development plans.
Moving from Research to Action
ACRC’s work began in 2022 with a research phase in 12 African cities, including Lagos. That phase revealed urgent problems such as flooding, poor housing, and insecurity. The second phase, launched in 2024, focuses on practical solutions. Lagos now joins four other cities Harare, Nairobi, Kampala, and Accra to test these solutions through small-scale, community-led projects.
One project will tackle water access and sanitation through women-led committees in local neighborhoods. Another will focus on flood resilience in vulnerable areas. These efforts aim to model how cities can deliver services in ways that are inclusive and sustainable.
The Heart of the Crisis: Housing Deficit
Housing remains Lagos’ biggest problem. Dr. Sesan noted that informal settlements, often viewed negatively, are the result of decades of neglect in affordable housing. She warned that middle-income residents also face rising costs, inflexible rental terms, and limited mortgage options. Meanwhile, building material prices keep rising, even as incomes stay flat.
To fix this, the government must fund large-scale housing projects and consider new approaches like public-private partnerships. If this doesn’t happen soon, the housing situation will only get worse.
Looking at the Bigger Picture
ACRC sees Lagos as a city of systems housing, transport, waste, electricity, and water are all connected. Improving one can benefit others. But development is not just about systems. It also depends on who makes decisions and how resources are shared. That’s why the ACRC involves community leaders and political actors in shaping each project.
This approach helps avoid failed projects like broken boreholes, which are often abandoned after donors leave. The ACRC insists that successful change must include both political support and community participation.
Streetlights and Water: Small Fixes, Big Impact
One recent study by the ACRC explored why streetlights in Lagos often fail shortly after installation. The team found that projects work better when local groups help choose the right technology, pricing, and maintenance plans. This method builds a sense of ownership, leading to longer-lasting results.
Another ongoing effort focuses on water and sanitation. In this case, local women will help manage water access through community networks. These local-led structures offer a model that the government could adopt and expand.
Partnerships for Long-Term Growth
The University of Lagos’ Centre for Housing and Sustainable Development leads ACRC’s work in the city. The centre has years of experience in turning research into public policy. Its role is to make sure ACRC’s projects align with the state’s existing development plans.
The centre also supports new researchers, helping build future leaders in urban development. It works with grassroots groups like the Nigerian Slum/Informal Settlement Federation to empower residents and give them a voice in decision-making.
What’s Next for ACRC in Lagos?
Dr. Sesan is especially excited about upcoming flood and water projects in Ajegunle-Ikorodu and Okerube. These will test community-led models in real time. The lessons will be shared with other Nigerian and African cities, encouraging cross-border learning.
For Dr. Sesan, the goal is simple: build strong partnerships that help communities achieve lasting development. She welcomes collaboration with any group that shares this vision of a more inclusive, equitable Lagos.
