Lagos Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, has revealed that Lagos state welcomes over 6,000 new entrants daily, with approximately 3,000 choosing to stay without known addresses.
Speaking at the 2024 Annual Directors Conference Dinner, Dr. Hamzat emphasized that the city’s estimated population of 27 million is stretching its budget of N2.2 trillion (around $1.3 billion), which pales in comparison to New York State’s $237 billion budget supporting a population of 19.5 million.
Representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Dr. Hamzat highlighted the vast financial disparities between Lagos and similar international urban centers, noting that New York’s budget for child protective services alone surpasses the combined budgets of Lagos and five other Nigerian states. He argued that these resource limitations make it challenging to provide adequate services and infrastructure for Lagos’ rapidly growing population.
Dr. Hamzat attributed some of Nigeria’s socioeconomic challenges to a breakdown in family structures, revealing that Lagos alone has over 130,000 cases where men have abandoned their families. “The family unit must be strengthened,” he stated, adding that sustainable social development hinges on family stability.
