The lifestyle of the inhabitants of Lagos, Nigeria does not fully reflect the principles of sustainable development due to several issues. Lagos has a very high population that is growing rapidly, straining resources and infrastructure. A typical Lagosian's lifestyle negatively impacts the environment through practices like improper waste disposal, pollution from vehicles, and lack of recycling. Socially, corruption and poor infrastructure limit access to education and healthcare. Economically, the population relies heavily on imports rather than developing local industry and exports. To better achieve sustainable development, the summary recommends improving access to education and healthcare, promoting recycling and environmental regulations, developing local manufacturing and agriculture, and government policies that encourage a less import-dependent economy.

1. Question G: “Do you think that 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?”
By: Olarenwaju Wilton-Waddell

2. Outline:
• The concept of sustainable development
• Few facts about Lagos
• Overpopulation: A major issue
• The life style of the inhabitants of Lagos in relation to
sustainable development
• My personal opinion of what should be improved

3. Sustainable Development
• “Sustainable development is development that
meets the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to
meet their own needs.”
-World Commission on Environment and
Development (WCED)
• “Sustainable development is the ability of a
country to progress economically, socially and
politically without depleting its natural
resources.”

4. Aspects of Sustainable Development
SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT
ECONOMIC NEEDS
- Continuous Economic
Growth
- Industrial Growth
-Agricultural Growth
-Household Needs
ENVIRONMENTAL
NEEDS
-Pollution
(Contaminated water,
polluted air)
- Natural Resources
- Recycling
SOCIAL NEEDS
- Equity
- Education & Training
-Access to family
planning
- Health Care
- Basic Infrastructure

5. Did you know?
1. Lagos is the smallest state, yet the most
populous city in Nigeria.
2. Lagos is the largest city in Africa.
3. Lagos is the fastest growing city in Africa with a
population of only 7.7million inhabitants in 1990
to a population of over 21million inhabitants
today.
4. The rate of poverty in Lagos is very high, and has
increased 7 fold from 6.27% in 1996 to 47% in
2013

6. Overpopulation: A major issue
- Estimates suggest that by 2020, Lagos will
become the 3rd most populous city in the world.
- High levels of population
growth relative to the
resources available and
infrastructure in place.
- This hinders sustainable
development

7. The lifestyle of Lagosians in relation to
sustainable development:
- To sum it up, the lifestyle of a typical Lagosian reflects poorly on
what sustainable development should resemble in terms of the
environmental, social issues and the economy
- There are many issues. Such as: weak Law enforcement, Bribery
and Corruption, Poor refuse disposal methods (resulting in
pollution), Numerous cars and Unnecessary use of cars (fuel
wastage), Little or no recycling, Dumping of waste near residential
areas (neglect of the environment), High usage of generators,
Improper Hygiene, Import dependent lifestyle

8. Social Issues
 Poor infrastructure: This stems from bribery, corruption and misdirected use of
revenue as government officials embezzle money and diverts funds to their
personal use. Such poor infrastructure includes bad roads, poor power supply,
inadequate health care, poor transport systems.

9. Such corruption and poor infrastructure exacerbates poverty as the poor do not have
access to basic amenities such as health care and basic education.
The results  out of school children.

10. Environmental Issues
 Pollution: The inhabitants of Lagos have a poor attitude towards their
environment and surroundings:
Examples:
1. Dumping of waste near residential areas resulting in pollution.
2. No recycling is being done.
3. Unnecessary use of non-eco friendly cars resulting in excess carbon monoxide in
the air.

11. Economic Issues
 Import Dependent Lifestyle: Majority of the goods used by Lagosians are
imported from other countries. From cars, to clothes to basic food. This is
unsustainable in the long run and harms our domestic markets. In addition, it puts
pressure on our foreign reserves and depletes the value of our currency.

12. What should be improved?
•Government should make basic education and health affordable
and accessible to all inhabitantsSocial Issues
•Government should enforce policies which promote recycling
•There should be more environmental regulations in place
•The use of more environmentally friendly cars should be
encouraged(e.g. Hybrid Cars)
•Alternative modes of transportation can also be used. E.g.
walking or cycling.
•Creating awareness of the importance of hygiene (via
conferences/orientation programmes)
•There should be waste management systems that collect waste
Environemtal Issues
•Major sectors of the economy such as manufacturing and
agriculture which are being neglected should be developed as
these sectors could generate more revenue and provide more
jobs
•Government policies to encourage exports
Economic Issues

13. THANK YOU.