Population of Lagos now equals to 30 African countries - Ambode

Population of Lagos now equals to 30 African countries

- Governor Akinwunmi Ambode reveals the major challenges Lagos is facing with an increase in population

-Ambode says the state needs at least one million housing units yearly as well as 10 megawatts of electricity

- The governor reveals further that Lagos, with 24 million, now equals 30 African countries in populationLagos state requires a total of one million housing units every year for a decade to meet the deficit in shelter for residents, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has said.

The governor also stated that the state new needs over 10,000 megawatts to meet its power challenge as against the less than 2,000 megawatts it is currently being supplied with.

Apart from this, the state also needs 750 million gallons of water daily, but only gets 210.5 million gallons.Ambode spoke on Monday, October 9, at a round-table on infrastructure financing organised by the Harvard Business School Association of Nigeria (HBSAN) in collaboration with the Lagos state government.

According to him, Nigeria is at a critical point in history where careful assessment must be made on infrastructure deficit and deliberate actions taken to address the challenges.

He noted that his administration understands the situation and that it was time for solid actions to improve the livelihood of the people and protect the future of the younger generations.

The governor further revealed that Lagos, with an estimated 24 million people, was now equalto 30 African countries in population.He said by 2050, the state is on track to be a city of 36 million people or the 6th largest city in the world after Mumbai, Delhi, Dhaka, Kinshasa, and Kolkata and ahead of Tokyo, Karachi, New York and Mexico City.

“We have a migration rate of 86 people moving into Lagos every hour, higher than New York, London or Mumbai; we have a population density of 6,939 persons per Kilometre and an average of 5 persons per household.

With all these come challenges and pressures on the physical and social infrastructure.“As at 2010, our State was facing an infrastructure deficit of $50 billion, without the inclusion of Housing and Education.

In 2017, we can all imagine what this deficit will be.“Lagos State requires 1 million housing units every year for 5-10 years to fix the housing deficit.“As at 2015, our State had 16,000km network of roads but with a daily human traffic of over 7.5 million people and 2.8 million cars; the power needs of the state is over 10,000 MW of power but we receive less than 2,000MW; we presently supply 210.5 million gallons of waterpyer day (mgpd) as against a demand of 750 mgpd; our State generates 13,000 tonnes of solid waste per day more than New York, United States,”Ambode said.

“As a government, we are aware of these challenges. These are challenges that face most mega cities like ours because we represent hope to many people and we must provide for all who make Lagos their home.“If Lagos works, we could have a chance as a nation to work on others.“In government, we do not have all the answers.
 That is the truth.

“That is why we are here. Our primary role as government is to be enablers. Our major responsibilities are to protect the lives and property of residents and to improve their welfare,”he added.

Professor John Macomber of the Harvard Business School, complained about the over-centralization operating in the country.According to him, the federal government could build more infrastructure if not for the centrally controlled mechanism.

NAIJ.com earlier reported that Governor Akinwunmi Ambode commissioned the first DNA forensic centre in West Africa, noting that this move would help in easy resolution of crimes, paternity and other issues through technology.

Ambode commissioned the centre located at Odunlami Street in Lagos Island, on Wednesday, September 27 saying its completion and handing over remained a significant milestone and manifestation of his administration’s policies in reforming the justice sector and make the state safe for residents and investors.