Project Abstract

This research aims to provide a comprehensive account of the history of development and demographic change in Lagos State, Nigeria. Lagos State, with its capital at Ikeja, is one of the 36 states in Nigeria and is located in the southwestern part of the country. The state has a rich history that dates back to pre-colonial times when it was a major center for trade and commerce in West Africa. The study will delve into the historical development of Lagos State, tracing its growth from a small settlement to becoming one of the largest and most populous states in Nigeria. It will explore the impact of colonization and the transatlantic slave trade on the region, as well as the influence of British colonial rule on the economic and social development of Lagos. Demographic changes in Lagos State will also be a key focus of this research. The study will examine the factors that have contributed to the population growth of the state, including internal migration from other parts of Nigeria and international migration. The impact of urbanization on the demographic makeup of Lagos State will also be explored, with a particular focus on the challenges and opportunities posed by rapid urban growth. Furthermore, the research will analyze the role of government policies and programs in shaping the development trajectory of Lagos State. It will examine how urban planning initiatives, infrastructure development projects, and social welfare programs have influenced the quality of life for residents of the state. The study will also assess the effectiveness of governance structures in addressing the needs of a rapidly growing and diverse population. In conclusion, this research will provide valuable insights into the history of development and demographic change in Lagos State. By examining the historical context of the state's growth and exploring the factors that have shaped its demographic profile, this study aims to contribute to a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Lagos State in the 21st century. The findings of this research will be relevant for policymakers, urban planners, and researchers interested in the dynamics of development and demographic change in urban areas in Nigeria and beyond.

Project Overview

INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
Lagos is the economic and social “nucleus” of Nigeria and the West African subregion, accounting for 32 per cent of national GDP. It is also one of the fastestgrowing
cities in the world; by 2015, it is expected to be the globe’s third largest city, according to UN estimates. Over the past decades, the city has had to Bcontend with the challenges that accompanied staggering population growth rates.But since 1999, a consistent leadership has guided a reform process hinged on sustainable urban development. Now, Lagos’s transformation is emerging from its former status as an infamous, decaying metropolis into a modern, attractive, and functional city.
Lagos is a classic example of a modern city, having transformed from a small farming and fishing village in the fifteenth century to a burgeoning mega city in
2010, when its population rose to over 10 million people. Until recently, this megacity4 was generally written about in a negative light and frequently satirized. Today, however, the face of Lagos is changing as a result of a series of transformations eected
by a new style of governance adopted from 1999. In the past, scant attention was paid to land-use planning, basic infrastructure, and other public services needed to sustainably accommodate the city’s exploding population growth. One of the most visible manifestations of this was severe tragic congestion, which ultimately led to the relocation of Nigeria’s
political capital from Lagos to Abuja in 1986. Now, new parks are just one sign that Lagos is on a new path towards sustainable urban development. Less
visible signs of local government reform include improvements in basic city services and physical infrastructure.
Since Nigeria returned to democratic governance in 1999, the successive governors of Lagos State have initiated and pursued a knowledge-based approach
to critical reforms. Aside from promoting sustainable development, these reforms also span resource mobilisation, innovative and inclusive approaches to
spatial planning principles, transportation upgrades, provision of educational health care services and facilities, and partnership building with the private
sector in development. As a result of these reforms, Lagos is being transformed into a modern city that ores a high level of services provided by an increasingly efficient city administration.