Lagos, the economic powerhouse of Nigeria, is a city that never sleeps. It is known for its bubbly nightlife, luxury hotels, restaurants, and abundant commercial opportunities.
Over 20 million people, from different cultural backgrounds, call Lagos home. It is a city that harbors many who seek better opportunities for themselves and their families.
Living in Lagos can be challenging as it is exciting, and it’s not for the faint-hearted. Like any other big city in the world, Lagos has its not-so-glamorous sides.
Living in certain areas of Lagos comes with numerous challenges such as flooding, crime, power outages, traffic congestion, and more.
If you would like to know the places to avoid living in Lagos, then, this article is for you.
7 Worst Places to Live in Lagos
- Mushin
- Ajegunle
- Oshodi
- Makoko
- Bariga
- Ketu
- Isale Eko
Worst Places to Live in Lagos
As a newcomer moving to Lagos, you might be wondering about the worst places to live in the city.
This article will answer that question for you by highlighting the seven most unpleasant neighborhoods to reside in Lagos.
Mushin
Mushin is a bustling area located on Lagos mainland. It is known for its lively atmosphere and constant social activity.
Despite being a highly populated residential area, the area is notorious for its high crime rates. It also faces challenges such as inadequate waste management, poor quality of life, and occasional unrest.
Residents of Mushin are always on high alert, especially during cult clashes. It is not a good place to live if you are a newcomer in Lagos.
Ajegunle
Living in Ajegunle is often described as like living in the ghetto. It is filled with many notorious criminals and touts who make it their duty to disturb the peace and quiet of the neighborhood.
For residents, moving about at night is extremely dangerous as there are little to no security measures put in place to combat these criminals.
Though Ajegunle is surrounded by lagoons the water is not suitable for use because of contamination. The price of living in this area is relatively cheap but it’s not advisable to live in this area of Lagos.
Oshodi
Oshodi is among the most densely populated areas in Lagos, known for its bustling markets and crowded streets. It’s also considered one of the most unsafe places to live in Lagos.
Despite undergoing major infrastructural development in recent years, people still fear walking in the popular marketplace. Oshodi still harbors a large number of touts and pickpockets, and fights can break out in broad daylight without warning.
At night, the situation gets worse, especially on the bridge linking the BRT Bus Terminals.
While some residents enjoy a comfortable standard of living, others may struggle with limited access to basic necessities and a lack of adequate security.
If you have money, avoid living in areas like Oshodi.
Makoko
Makoko is a slum built on stilts in the Lagos Lagoon, facing severe challenges such as flooding, poor sanitation, and a lack of basic amenities such as clean water, healthcare, and proper sanitation facilities.
The area is predominantly inhabited by shady individuals, cultists, and people living below the poverty line, and therefore, it’s advisable to avoid this region.
While the cost of living in Makoko is relatively cheap, it comes with a high risk due to the challenging living conditions and the lack of essential services.
Bariga
Bariga is known for its rowdiness, notorious individuals, periodic fights and outbreaks, and a high incidence of gang-related activities.
It is considered one of the most unsafe areas to live in Lagos.
Residents of Makoko are accustomed to the chaotic environment and have learned to navigate their lives while avoiding harmful situations. However, it’s not advisable to live in Bariga, especially if you have the means to live in a safer area.
Ketu
From criminal activities to cult clashes and fight outbreaks on the street, ketu is one of the worst places to live in Lagos.
It is a bustling and diverse area in Lagos located about 35 minutes from Ikorodu. While living in Ketu has its advantages such as easy connectivity to many places in Lagos and affordable living conditions, it is considered one of the worst places to live. This is due to its high incidence of criminal activities, cult clashes, and street fights.
Despite the energetic atmosphere, diverse population, and abundance of local businesses, residents of Ketu still have to navigate challenges such as traffic congestion, noise pollution, sanitation issues, and more.
Isale Eko
Located in the heart of Lagos State, Isale Eko has a rich history and cultural heritage. However, the area is grappling with challenges such as aging infrastructure and overcrowding, which make it less attractive to residents.
Cult clashes, armed robbery, and thuggery are common occurrences in Isale Eko, which has made it an area that people try to avoid as much as possible. Besides, it is also facing environmental issues such as poor drainage systems, blocked by refuse, and a foul odor that permeates the area.
Wrap Up
Choosing the right place to live in Lagos can be a daunting task, as the city has a wide range of neighborhoods.
Before you decide to rent or buy an apartment, it’s important to ask your housing agent the right questions. Also, conduct a thorough research about the different areas you’re considering.
Living in Lagos can be an amazing experience if you make the right choices and choose a suitable neighborhood. On the other hand, making a wrong decision can turn your experience into a nightmare.
So, take your time, do your due diligence, and choose wisely.
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