With sleek high-rises, a waterfront promenade, and yacht-filled marina, Eko Atlantic could help Lagos attract the world's elite. But when it isn't busy demolishing their homes, what is the government doing to improve poor residents' quality of life?
"The state government in Lagos recently released a short, slick video touting Lagos as 'Africa’s Big Apple' which features shots of the glitzy artificial city, known as Eko Atlantic. The video also shows a parade of fast boats, traffic-free roads, glamorous hotel pools, and clothing boutiques," writes Alexis Okeowo. "Eko Atlantic underscores the worry among some Lagosians that their government wants to protect only the city’s rich from rising sea levels."
When the government isn't busy touting its "mega-city dream", it's evicting residents of shantytowns such as Makoko and burning the homes of "a community that lived on the fringes of Bar Beach."
“'The government has not done anything for us yet, so people are trying to improve the environment themselves, bettering their sanitation practices,' Afose Sulayman, a Makoko resident, said. Makoko’s residents lack access to clean water and endure endemic poverty. 'What people really want is the government to help them develop the community, instead of trying to take the land,' Sulayman added."
"Lagos, many say, has made progress in upgrading public services, roads, traffic lights, and green spaces, and is embarking on promising sustainable ventures," notes Okeowo. "Its new mini-city may be an example, attracting investment and tourism. But Victoria Island is only a fraction of the mushrooming metropolis. Will the rest of it be left behind?"
FULL STORY: A SAFER WATERFRONT IN LAGOS, IF YOU CAN AFFORD IT

Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

Placekeeping: Setting a New Precedent for City Planners
How a preservation-based approach to redevelopment and urban design can prevent displacement and honor legacy communities.

San Francisco’s Muni Ridership Grew in 2024
The system saw its highest ridership since before the Covid-19 pandemic, but faces a severe budget shortage in the coming year.

Colorado Lawmakers Move to Protect BRT Funding
In the face of potential federal funding cuts, CDOT leaders reasserted their commitment to planned bus rapid transit projects.

Safe Streets Funding in Jeopardy
The Trump administration is specifically targeting bike infrastructure and other road safety projects in its funding cuts.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
City of Moreno Valley
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland