The Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, disclosed that Lagos State receives over 6,000 new arrivals daily, with roughly 3,000 of them choosing to remain without registered addresses.
Only 3,000 Leave Out Of 6,000 That Enter Lagos Daily – Deputy Govr
At the 2024 Annual Directors Conference Dinner, Dr. Hamzat highlighted the financial challenges faced by the city due to its rapidly growing population. With an estimated population of 27 million, the city’s budget of N2.2 trillion (approximately $1.3 billion) is inadequate to meet the needs of its residents. This is particularly evident when compared to New York State’s budget of $237 billion, which supports a population of 19.5 million.
Representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Dr. Hamzat respectfully drew attention to the significant financial disparities between Lagos and comparable international urban centers. He noted that the budget allocated to child protective services in New York City alone exceeds the combined budgets of Lagos and five other Nigerian states. Dr. Hamzat emphasized that these resource constraints pose challenges in providing 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.
