Addressing the Plight of Informal Workers in Flood-Prone Lagos
Informal workers in Lagos are left to cope with devastating floods alone: why things must change
The Conversation
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Lagos, Nigeria, has faced severe flooding that disrupts the livelihoods of informal workers, who make up 76.3% of the city's workforce. Despite their resilience and self-organized disaster management, the government fails to provide adequate support, highlighting the need for improved infrastructure and recognition of these workers' contributions to urban resilience.
- 01Lagos has experienced four major floods in 14 years, severely impacting informal workers.
- 02Informal workers, primarily women, lack government support and rely on self-organized disaster management.
- 03The state must recognize informal workers as essential contributors to urban resilience.
- 04Improving infrastructure and providing legal protections for informal workers are critical.
- 05Community networks and collective organizing are vital for informal workers' survival strategies.
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Lagos, Nigeria, has been hit by four significant floods over the past 14 years, severely impacting the livelihoods of informal workers, including market traders and street vendors. These workers, who make up 76.3% of the city's workforce, often lack contracts, insurance, or savings to rely on during disasters. The floods of 2012 displaced approximately 2 million people, while the 2022 floods affected over 24,000 households, highlighting the urgent need for government intervention. Research conducted in 2023 and 2024 revealed that informal workers have developed their own disaster management systems, relying on community networks and kinship ties to survive. However, the government has largely failed to support these workers, often viewing them as nuisances rather than essential urban actors. To enhance urban resilience, it is crucial for the government to provide legal protections, improve infrastructure, and include informal workers in urban planning processes. The resilience demonstrated by these workers should be recognized and supported, rather than taken for granted.
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The flooding crisis in Lagos directly affects the livelihoods of informal workers, who are crucial for the city's economy. Improved infrastructure and support for these workers could enhance their resilience and economic stability.
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