Welcome to Lagos (2010)

Welcome to Lagos is a documentary series that dives into the daily lives of Lagosians, revealing their resilience and ingenuity amidst extreme circumstances.

Lagos, with its 16 million inhabitants, is growing at an astonishing rate. By 2015, it’s predicted to become the third-largest city globally, trailing only Mumbai and Tokyo.

However, despite vast oil resources, Lagos faces significant challenges. Three-quarters of its residents live in slums, and the city’s infrastructure is woefully inadequate.

Power cuts are a daily occurrence, humorously renamed by locals as “Never Expect Power Always” (NEPA). Yet, Lagosians exhibit remarkable adaptability and resourcefulness.

Lagosians are quick-witted economic migrants who turn adversity into opportunity. Nothing goes to waste; everything becomes a commodity.

Architect Rem Koolhaas aptly describes Lagos as “an announcement of the future.”

Amidst extreme underdevelopment, there’s a strange blend of resourcefulness and progress. As half the world’s population now resides in cities, Lagos provides valuable lessons on coping with rapid urbanization.

At the Olusosun rubbish dump, over 1,000 scavengers sift through garbage for recyclable materials. This vibrant community self-organizes, living next to a mosque, a barber’s shop, and even three cinemas.

In Makoko, 300,000 people live on the water, their homes perched above the lagoon. Squatter camps line the beach.

Here, Lagosians navigate life in a stark realm, where every resource matters. Their tailored solutions to daily challenges are both practical and ingenious.

In summary, Welcome to Lagos showcases a city where survival and innovation go hand in hand. Lagosians, facing immense odds, exemplify the human spirit’s resilience. Their story is not merely a cautionary tale but a testament to our shared ability to thrive amidst adversity.