Lagos Megacity Research Articles

P011 PREVALENCE OF HYPERTENSION AND ASSOCIATION WITH RED MEAT AND VEGETABLE CONSUMPTION IN A MEGACITY IN NIGERIA: A POPULATION-BASED SURVEY

Background and Objectives: Hypertension is a growing burden worldwide, but the impact is worse in developing countries especially in cities, due to epidemiologic transition, rapid urbanization and socioeconomic dynamics. We determine the current prevalence of hypertension, and association with red meat and vegetable consumption in Lagos, a megacity in Nigeria. Methods: This was a population-based opportunistic cross-sectional survey of 2244 voluntary adults ≥ 18years residents of Lagos megacity in Nigeria. Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics were obtained. We measured blood pressure by Omron M3 automatic upper arm monitor after ≥5 min of rest. We defined hypertension as systolic blood pressure of ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure of ≥90 mmHg or use of antihypertensive drugs. Qualitative information on meat and vegetable consumption was documented. Chi squared and multiple logistic regression methods were used to determine association and predictor of hypertension respectively, and odds ratio with confidence interval as the measure of effect size. P value of < 0.05 was taken as statistical significance. Results: 2244 participants were analyzed, with mean age of 46±14 years, and 75% were women. More than 26% were overweight or obese, 43.2% drinks alcoholic beverages, and 30.3% men and 3.5% women smoked cigarettes. The overall prevalence of hypertension was similar in males (38.1%) and females (37.4%), and it increases with age, reaching 46.7% in ≥ 60years. Daily consumption of meat (38.6% versus 28%(rarely), p =0.03), and infrequent consumption of vegetables (47.7%% versus 19.2%9 (daily intake), p = 0.006) were associated with higher prevalence of hypertension. Older age (OR, 2.133(CI, 1.61 – 2.83)), and family history of hypertension (OR, 1.51(CI, 1.20 – 1.92)) were the predictors of hypertension. Conclusions: The prevalence of hypertension is high among middle age urban dwellers in Lagos, Nigeria. Avoidance of red meat, and increased consumption of vegetables, may reduce the burden of hypertension in the population.

From Iya Ijebu’s shop to Igbo market: ethnicity and the transformation of Mushin leather market in Lagos, Nigeria

AbstractLeather markets are critical nodes in the leather industry value chain. They attract manufacturers and small and medium enterprises that facilitate social interactions and opportunities, leading to increased availability of finished leather goods. This study explores the social transformation and organization of Mushin leather market in Lagos megacity based on data collected through observation and in-depth and key informant interviews with traders, association and community members, transporters and customers in the market. Mushin leather market evolved from a shop owned by an indigenous woman known as Iya Ijebu (Ijebu woman) into a leather trading community. State and local governments intervene minimally in the market affairs through sanitation rules and revenue collection. Routes to market socialization include mentoring and apprenticeships, with visible gender disparities. Associational membership guarantees full integration to traders. Strong business, personal and group networks structure ethnic dynamics and occupational specializations. The article reveals the inherent interdependence of social institutions in understanding the organization of the leather market, particularly in terms of how capital, associational norms and networks shape the formation of a heterogeneous market in an indigenous Yoruba community. Mushin leather market is transforming the domains of ethnic trade speciality and patterning intergroup social relations in Lagos megacity.

Exploring Spatio-Temporal Pattern of Gentrification Processes in Intracity Slums in the Lagos Megacity

There have been increasing calls in gentrification studies to examine the geography of gentrification in slums, as little is known about the patterns and processes of slum gentrification, especially in sub-Saharan African cities where slums house over 50% of the urban population. This study explored the spatiotemporal changes in slums in Lagos, Nigeria, between 1984 and 20 on the pattern and drivers of gentrification. Data were collected from 42 slums in Lagos through remote sensing (1984–2020) and a field survey (2020–2021). The study integrated geospatial analysis with quantitative and qualitative analysis to investigate the patterns and drivers of gentrification in Lagos slums. The findings show that between 1984 and 2020, all the sampled slums had undergone gentrification processes, apart from those that were completely cleared. However, many slums continue to have deprived areas as they continue to gentrify. Almost all the slum communities have experienced slum clearance in the past. Additionally, the current and new housing developments in the study have favored middle- to high-income groups, which has led to the displacement of previous slum residents. The study identified slum clearance, fires and floodings, the presence of palaces in the community, the proportion of deprived areas in 1984, government interest in the slum, and the size of the church as drivers of slum gentrification processes in Lagos. Finally, the findings show that the vulnerability of slum dwellers increases with slum gentrification. Therefore, this study recommended developing policies and programs, such as sustainable relocation and low-cost housing, to mitigate the negative consequences of slum gentrification, especially in cities with significant shares of low-income groups.

IMPACT OF ARCHITECTURAL EDUCATION ON ENERGY SUSTAINABILITY IN SELECTED SCHOOLS OF ARCHITECTURE IN LAGOS MEGACITY

The gap between learning and the practical aspect of energy sustainability is getting narrower when viewed in the overall content of the sustainable development goals (SDG’s) agenda; therefore, this study is needed at this time. This study aims to investigate the impact of architectural education on energy sustainability in selected architectural schools in the Lagos Megacity. It explores the impact of architectural education in these schools of Architecture and how it has influenced the design and construction of energy-efficient buildings and, in turn, contributed to energy sustainability. This study adopted quantitative approach in data collection. An online survey was conducted among students and faculty members of selected architectural schools in the Lagos Megacity. The data was analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). Findings on influences of architectural education in building design and construction with respect to energy sustainability revealed that 7.4% disagreed that architectural education had influence on building design and construction while 92.6% agreed that architectural education had influence on building design and construction. Also, impact of institutional policies showed that government policy had a significance impact of .292 (29.2%) with Nigerian Institute of Architects while Architects Registration council had a significant influence of .609 (60.9%). The study concluded that architectural education had influence on building design and construction in the school of architecture especially in Lagos Mega City. Also, that government policies had a far reaching influence on both institutional bodies that regulates architectural education in Lagos megacity.

Spatiotemporal distribution of pollutants and impact of local meteorology on source influence on pollutants' level in a traffic air-shed in Lagos megacity, Nigeria.

Pollution from vehicular emissions is a major cause of poor air quality observed in many urban and semi-urban towns and cities. As such, this study was conducted to assess air quality and the spatiotemporal distribution of vehicular and traffic-related pollutants in several air sheds of Lagos megacity, the economic nerve centre of Nigeria. A setup of low-cost air quality sensors comprising five (5) units was deployed between November 2018 and February 2019 within traffic corridors in the heart of the city. Diurnal variation of pollutants indicated that carbon dioxide (CO2) peaked during the early hours of the day, total oxide (Ox = NO2+O3) peaked at mid-day while carbon monoxide (CO) had two distinct peaks which correspond to morning and evening rush hours. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentration peaked during evening hours. Average concentrations are NO2 (97.1 ± 9.7) ppb, Ox (78.6 ± 27.2) ppb, CO2 (450.1 ± 31.2) ppm, and CO (2285.63 ± 743.7) ppb. Average concentrations of pollutants were above thresholds set by the World Health Organization (WHO) except for NO2 which was within the range permissible limits. The implication of this is that the atmosphere is polluted due to elevated concentrations of airborne pollutants, an indication which is of both health and environmental concern. The air quality index (AQI) indicates that the quality of ambient air varies from good to very unhealthy for Ox, and unhealthy to very unhealthy for CO, while AQI for PM2.5 and PM10 showed hazardous at all the sampling locations except at UNILAG where it is unhealthy for the sensitive group. For all of the sampling sites, conditional bivariate probability function (CBPF) plots show a significant agreement with the location of known pollution sources.

An assessment of the spatio-temporal dynamics of Landsat-derived aerosol concentration in relation with land cover and road networks in the Lagos megacity.

The interrelationships between air quality, land cover change, and road networks in the Lagos megacity have not been explored. Globally, there are knowledge gaps in understanding these dynamics, especially using remote sensing data. This study used multi-temporal and multi-spectral Landsat imageries at four epochs (2002, 2013, 2015, and 2020) to evaluate the aerosol optical thickness (AOT) levels in relation to land cover and road networks in the Lagos megacity. A look-up table (LUT) was generated using Py6S, a python-based 6S module, to simulate the AOT using land surface reflectance and top of atmosphere reflectance. A comparative assessment of the method against in situ measurements of particulate matter (PM) at different locations shows a strong positive correlation between the imagery-derived AOT values and the PMs. The AOT concentration across the land cover and road networks showed an increasing trend from 2002 to 2020, which could be explained by urbanization in the megacity. The higher concentration of AOT along the major roads is attributed to the high air pollutants released from vehicles, including home/office generators and industries along the road corridors. The continuous rise in pollutant values requires urgent intervention and mitigation efforts. Remote sensing-based AOT monitoring is a possible solution.

Seeing the City through Traffic Hawking and Merchandise Differentials

One of the confounding and historical contradictions of Lagos megacity is its permanent state of traffic gridlocks that eventuate in what in this paper is conceived as “traffic hawking”. Although traffic hawking is a common site in Lagos, settlement patterns and economic class of dwellers mark a distinction between the city’s urban and suburban environments. Against this backdrop, this paper contends that the distinction is reproduced by an observed differential in the merchandise of the traffic hawkers. It underscores how social inequality is reinforced through the prism of traffic hawking. Data for the study were generated over a period of six months from four different locations that were purposively selected to represent urban and suburban settlements. Semi-Structured Interviews with 40 hawkers and 8 buyers were conducted between February 2019 to July 2019. Findings reveal that one of the most striking urban and suburban differentials in traffic hawking is the display of “live merchandise”. Highly priced pets, mostly dogs in various species and cross-bred hybrids and other sophisticated good, constitute urban hawkers’ merchandise. Where goods such as perishables and cooked food items are displayed by traffic hawkers, they are rarely and less patronized in urban settlements than in suburban locations. Regular urban traffic merchandise also includes car items such as windshield wipers, seat-covers, and foot mats; info-tech items such as storage devices, laptop bags, and phone pouches; painting and sculptural arts; cutlery and sport wares. The paper concludes that the observed differentials show income and consumption disparity between the urban and suburban dwellers and underscore the enduring colonial heritage of dichotomization of spaces within Lagos in the postcolonial dispensation, even when traffic gridlocks tend to level the spatial binaries in the city.

Football viewing centres in an African megacity: viewers’ characteristics and operational dynamics

ABSTRACT This study examines viewers’ characteristics and operational dynamics of football viewing centres (FVCs) in Agege, Lagos Megacity, Nigeria. It anchors on the “theory of happiness” and the microeconomic vitality of FVCs using a mixed-methods approach. The results of the descriptive and inferential statistics revealed that most viewers can afford subscriptions for digital TV in their homes, yet patronize the FVCs. Factors attributed to patronage are happiness, excitement, and other social opportunities, with some perspectives of leisure and microeconomic vitality benefits. Finally, the study suggests a new policy direction to mitigate the negative effects of unplanned areas resulting in the proliferation of FVCs.

Investigating the impacts of COVID-19 safety measures and related uncertainties among socially vulnerable groups in Lagos megacity

The emergence of the unique coronavirus disease (COVID-19), associated safety measures and impacts have been experienced differently across various sociodemographic and livelihood groups. As a result of the impacts of the COVID-19 restrictions, this study examined experiences and livelihood uncertainties from socially vulnerable groups. One hundred and fifty responses (150) were recorded from residents in Iwaya, and Makoko areas within Lagos Mainland Local Government Area of Lagos state. Complete lockdown or stay-at-home orders, compulsory face masks in public spaces, curfews, physical and social distancing and restriction of inter-state movements are some of the precautionary/safety measures introduced by the Government and enforced by security agents. The findings show that curfews and restriction of inter-state movements were two of the safety measures that had no or reduced impact (p-values > 0.01) on the respondents’ means of livelihood. Our results reveal that because a larger percentage of male participants are self-employed and owned personal businesses they were more affected by COVID-19 restrictions than females. 42.7% (64) of females and 57.3% (86) of males reported COVID-19-related anxieties and stress from fear of starvation, and contracting the virus, to impacts on money/finances, slow sales and businesses, food supply, job loss, erratic power supply affecting work from home options. 54.7% of respondents had more than 5 people living together, while 84.7% of housing types (128) are bungalows with several rooms inhabited by an average of three to four people per household. Increased stress, fear of hunger, loss of jobs and source of income were some of the negative impacts resulting from the introduction of the COVID-19 safety measures which adversely affected occupations like traders, people engaged in fishing activities, painters, carpenters, hairdressers and barbers, printers and bricklayers. Our work provides insights into the effects of the COVID-19-safety measures and subjective impact across vulnerable groups and occupations.

Comparing Residential Property Values in Border Towns of Lagos Megacity, Nigeria

Comparing Residential Property Values in Border Towns of Lagos Megacity, Nigeria

A comparative study of rental value of residential properties at border communities of Lagos and Ogun States, Nigeria

This study delves into the pattern and level of development of two adjacent border communities of Lagos and Ogun States, Nigeria to compare the effect on rental values of residential properties in the two communities. The study attempted to find out if there are significant differences as well as definite relationship between the values. Questionnaires were distributed to two groups of respondents which are 84 estate surveying and valuation firms in Ikeja, Lagos and 152 residential property owners/residents in the two communities. Data were analysed with statistical tools such as tables, percentages and mean. Student’s t-test statistics was used to ascertain the difference in rental values while Pearson coefficient of correlation was used to establish the degree of relationship. The importance of factors influencing rental values was determined using the relative importance index. Analysis were presented in percentages, tables and charts and then discussed. Result showed that there are significant statistical differences in rents of the two communities despite the proximity. It was further observed that neighbourhood density and level of infrastructure development play vital roles in the gaps observed in rental values. However, the Pearson correlation coefficient revealed that there is a relatively strong positive correlation between rental values of properties in the two communities. The research therefore concluded that for property market on the Ado-Odo/Ota side of the emerging Lagos megacity to attain its full potential, there is the need for major urban renewal, investment in physical and economic infrastructure via partnership with private sectors and property owner in the communities.

Determinants of residential location choices by slum dwellers in Lagos megacity

Despite the deplorable condition of slums, it still harbors most of the urban population and may continue to do so, especially in Africa where slum growth is on a par with urban growth. This is the case in Lagos, a megacity reportedly dominated by slum dwellers, with limited knowledge on residential choices of slum dwellers and its contribution to slum population growth. This study, therefore, investigated the movement pattern of slum dwellers, factors influencing the residential choices and reasons for the people to remain in the Lagos slums. Data was collected through questionnaires and focus group discussions in slums in Lagos. The findings show that movement to Lagos was the main cause of population growth in the slums. Furthermore, slums in Lagos serve as a sink and a final destination for slum dwellers. Also, the factors that attract most of the slum dwellers to the slums differ from those that made them wish to remain. The identified factors were based on the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents, it is therefore important for the Lagos state Government to incorporate them in their slum management policies, especially when relocation of slum dwellers is the only alternative.

Correction statement for ‘Investigation and Quantification of Carbon Footprint in Lagos Megacity’

Article title: Investigation and Quantification of Carbon Footprint in Lagos MegacityAuthors: Fakinle, B. S., Bola-Popoola, A. G., Olayemi, A. O., Sonibare, J. A., & Odekanle, E. LJournal: Cogent E...

Vertical Architecture Construction: Prospects and Barriers in solving Lagos’ Housing Deficit

The population of Lagos State is projected to double by 2050 to 32.6 million people. This is estimated to be the 6th largest city in the world. However, the land mass area of the state remains relatively constant at 3, 577 Km2. There is need to identify sustainable housing solutions to reduce the level of homelessness within the megacity. Therefore, this study was aimed at examining the prospects and barriers in the use of vertical architecture construction in solving Lagos city’s housing deficit. The study utilized content analysis of literature on the subject matter which were obtained from major online databases. The study identified the prospects in the use of vertical architecture construction such as reducing housing deficit, adequate land management, engender sustainable practices, improved innovation and proper planning within the state. Nevertheless, some barriers are encountered in the actualization of a comprehensive vertical architecture in Lagos megacity. The barriers include cultural bias to high rise, lack of technology, epileptic power supply, poor maintenance culture, poor fire service delivery, inadequate policies and investment funding. In conclusion, preparedness towards a sustainable housing solution of vertical architecture construction requires a public-private partnership approach in public housing delivery.

Chemical Composition and Source Identification of Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) in Two Contrastive Areas of Lagos Megacity, Southern Nigeria

Industrial activities contribute immensely to high emission rates of particulate matter (PM) and other pollutants into the ambient air. The siting of industrial plants close to a populated area can have adverse implications on human health and the environment at large. The industrialization and urbanization of Lagos megacity, has led to increased pressure on the city especially on air quality. The chemical complexity of airborne particles makes it imperative to consider their composition and sources of emission. This paper deals with the assessment of particulate matter pollution in an industrial and a non industrial area of Lagos State. Samples of PM 2.5 were collected with an air sampler (Airmetric model 5.0) between November 2018 and April 2019. Elemental analysis was carried out using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). Particulate mass loading obtained was in the range of 51.28 to 190.48 μg/m 3 and 41.67 to 88.89 μg/m 3 in the industrial and control area respectively. Enrichment factor (EF) and principal component Analysis (PCA) were used for source identification. The EF analysis revealed that; Pb, Cd, Cu, Ni and Na were severely enriched while K and Ca were moderately enriched in virtually all the sites. The result of the PCA showed that the major sources of these elements were industrial/vehicular emission, marine, road dust, crustal dust and incineration. Keywords: Fine particulate matter, elemental characterization and source identification. DOI : 10.7176/JNSR/9-24-03 Publication date: December 31 st 2019

Corporate social responsibility and sustainable management of solid wastes and effluents in Lagos megacity Nigeria

PurposeThis study aims to empirically investigate the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainable management of wastes and effluents (SMWE) in Lagos Megacity.Design/methodology/approachThe paper adopts a quantitative research method, specifically the use of a Web-survey technique for eliciting responses from a cross-section of companies affiliated to the Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry (LCCI). From a target population of 2,300 companies, a sample of 92 companies was drawn using the sample determination formula of Parten (1950). The 92 sampled companies were randomly administered Web-based questionnaires through their official emails. Finally, the 56 responses received from the participating companies (corresponding to 61 per cent response rate) were analysed electronically and the results presented using descriptive and inferential statistics.FindingsThe results show strong positive relationships between CSR and advocacy on waste and effluents (0.7), environmental impact response (0.7), environmental sustainability policy (0.6) and preventive negative impact (0.6) with P < 0.05. However, weak positive relationships exist between CSR and monitoring mechanisms (0.3) and adequacy of infrastructure for wastes and pollutants management (0.4). Overall, there is a significant positive relationship between CSR and sustainable management of solid wastes and effluents in the sampled companies in Lagos.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is limited to Lagos Megacity because it is the industrial and commercial hub of Nigeria. Besides, there are several industrial associations in Lagos, but the selected association was the LCCI with 56 sampled companies.Practical implicationsThe research supports and validates the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), which explicates that performance behaviour of organisations is influenced by the behavioural intention and behavioural control. However, behavioural intention of organisations may be carried out, abandoned or revised based on ever changing circumstances or contexts.Originality/valueThe study bridges the gap between theory and practice of environmental CSR by enriching the understanding of academics and practitioners on CSR and environmental sustainability relationships in Lagos Megacity.

Investigation and Quantification of Carbon Footprint in Lagos Megacity

The presence of carbon in an environment indicates the need for urgent attention on air quality control. Lagos mega city is presently experiencing developmental projects associated with carbon emis...

Urban transportation system design and feasibility analysis: a case study of Lagos Mega-City

This paper examines how urban transportation, urban mobility and urban land Planning at urban Centres influence urban space that serves a variety of human needs; housing, working, social interaction, leisure, and mobility of persons and goods. Transportation and planning are co-dependent, mutually influencing each other in complex and dynamic ways. To create a livable urban environment, there is a need to balance transportation with planning. The skewers of any of these will result in serious environment issues. To identify the role and impact of road transportation in a mega city, the research methodology adopted in this work utilized environmental management system techniques. Key impacts on local community includes exchange of energy, function and maintenance of ordered structures, directly or indirectly supplied and maintained by natural system. Various socio-economic activities and professional judgment from the findings shows that spatial distribution of housing, working, shopping, leisure and other activities determines aver-age trip distances in urban mobility. High population density as well as a mixture of land use for various social and economic activities, maintains low distances between origin and destination of urban trips. It also shows that road development parameters were well within the range of metropolis city, the low density urban development and large road areas increases trip length and lead to higher share of automobile trips. The study recommends that the state government should engaged in traffic management by adjusting the use of existing road system to improve traffic operation with-out resorting to major new constructions, provision of time-based traffic lights, and enforcement of traffic lights and signs, manning of road junctions by traffic wardens, constructing overhead bridges and zebra crossings, encouragement of park and ride system and educating drivers and ensure compulsory written test before the issuance of any driving license. This can be embarked through a technology- supported joint venture that aims to integrate and systematically optimize the State’s intermodal transportation system.

Unpacking the dynamics of intra-urban residential mobility in Nigerian cities: Analysis of low-income families in Ojo Lagos

While studies have revealed some factors that generally influence residential mobility patterns within the urban setting, the effects of the interplay of these factors on residential movements of low income families are less understood. This study therefore examined the dynamics of residential mobility in Ojo area of Lagos megacity Nigeria. Data were obtained from a survey of households in eleven electoral wards of Ojo Lagos using systematic random sampling methods. Results showed that majority of the residents had moved several times over their life course. The observed residential mobility rates in the study area were explained by six latent variates that cumulatively accounted for 72.9% of the total variance. Regression analyses showed that a number of family lifecycle and household contextual factors were significant predictors of residential mobility in Ojo area of Lagos. However, in contrast to existing studies gender, employment status and neighborhood condition had insignificant influence on residential mobility in the low-income neighborhoods of Lagos. This study provides useful insights for understanding residential mobility dynamics in urban low-income neighborhoods, and it also provides important policy and theoretical implications for improving the polarized housing markets in the Global South cities.

POVERTY CHALLENGE TO GOVERNMENT MEGACITY PROJECT: ASSESSMENT OF WORKER’S WELL BEING IN LAGOS STATE NIGERIA

In order to make Lagos state a clean and habitable environment, successive democratic governments since 1999 have introduced ‘megacity policy’. The most important of government initiatives of the megacity agenda are constructions of all major and access roads, provision of beautiful surroundings and landscapes and the building of the Lagoon city in the sand-filled areas along the Atlantic Ocean and Lagos lagoon. Government official have consistently claimed that Lagos Megacity project isto provide infrastructure and make the city habitable for low, medium and high income workers and the elites. However big projects were mainly provided in selected areas in the Lagos Island, mainland and other areas where the elites and the rich live. Shanty towns, ghettoes and slums where most Lagos workers live have not really beneffited. This paper examines the challenge which increasing povertyposes to the megacity project. Descriptive method is employed to assess poverty among the Lagos workers. Residential areas were randomly selected and official records were used. Worker’s income is assessed based on prevailing inflation and average earned wages, 672 households’ headsin VIP areas and 1537 in ghettoes, slums and shanty towns were interviewed for the study for two days in week for 24 months between 2015-2017. Affordability of foods, housing, access roads, hospital, schools, sewage system, toilet facilities, waste and refuse disposal and others were used formulate questions directed to measure the wellbeing of individual households of Lagos workers. Findings reveal that governments Lagos megacity projects have led to the provisions of many infrastructures and social services such as roads, schools, hospitals, housing and beautiful landscapes in few areas in the main city, but government efforts to provide the same in all identified ghettoes, slums and shanty towns that dotted many areas in the suburbs where most of the low income workers live have not been quite effective. The paper concludes that megacity projects have not really improved the wellbeing of the Lagos workers. The paper recommends that government should implement megacity policy to improve the wellbeing of large section of its increasing population most especially poor workers in order to reduce the present and future ugly effect of poverty in Lagos state.