Lagos often touts itself as a “smart city” on par with Zurich or Singapore. Yet, for many residents in Makoko, Ajegunle, and Amukoko, daily life tells a different story, one of overcrowding and neglect. While the city boasts luxury enclaves like Banana Island and Eko Atlantic, its biggest challenge remains genuine urban regeneration, not scattered gentrification.

A model worth studying is Paddington in Central London. Once a tired transport hub, Paddington has been transformed through a £825 million regeneration project into a vibrant residential, commercial, and cultural district, delivering over 1,300 new homes and two million square feet of commercial space.

Ajegunle, like Paddington, is central, historic, and full of potential. Despite producing some of Nigeria’s biggest music and sports stars, the area still struggles with poor planning and congestion. Residents say current upgrades are mere gentrification piecemeal and uncoordinated.

Lagos needs a comprehensive, government-led regeneration plan that invests in infrastructure, housing, and jobs turning Ajegunle into a symbol of inclusive urban renewal rather than exclusion.

By Chuka Uroko

Source: Business Day

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