Understanding the neglect in Nigeria’s floating slum Makoko

Makoko suffers from a lack of investment in infrastructure and services. The slum is in a flood-prone area, making it difficult to provide basic services such as electricity, water, and sanitation.

The Nigerian government has also failed to invest in the development of schools and other educational facilities, leaving many children and young people with no access to education.

Despite the efforts by some NGOs to develop learning centres, water pollution has increasingly limited the development efforts.

Restricted access to education has forced students to drop out or not to attend at all, leading to high levels of illiteracy and a lack of opportunities.

Government neglect of the slum have been dire. The lack of access to clean water and proper sanitation has led to high rates of disease and illness, with many residents suffering from waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid.

This has greatly affected children who have no access to quality healthcare. The water in the lagoon is polluted with industrial and household waste, with no proper waste management available.

The living conditions in Makoko have also put Gen Z at risk of physical danger. The shacks and houses in the floating slum are often overcrowded and poorly constructed, making them vulnerable to collapse during storms or floods caused by the constant change in weather patterns.

The situation in Makoko slum is a clear example of the consequences of inequality and poverty. The young have been denied the basic rights and opportunities that are essential for their development and prospects.

It is important that the government and other stakeholders take action to address the issues facing the area and ensure access to education, health care, and other basic services. The residents should be given the same rights and opportunities as those living in formal settlements.

The Nigerian government has ignored the residents for years, leaving them to live in poor conditions. Despite its history of resilience and survival, the future of Makoko remains uncertain, as the community continues to struggle.

Nevertheless, we hope the community gets the support it needs to combat the situation at hand.