Makoko: A Historic Fishing Village
Makoko, a community nestled along the Lagos Lagoon, has a rich history dating back to the 19th century. Originally established as a fishing village, Makoko's roots are deeply intertwined with the water that surrounds it. The community's founders, primarily Egun fishermen from the neighboring regions of Badagry and Togo, chose this location for its abundant aquatic resources.
Over the decades, Makoko evolved from a tranquil fishing village into a densely populated urban slum. Today, it is home to over 85,000 people, divided into a land-based section and a larger area built on stilts over the water. The residents of Makoko navigate narrow canals by canoe, a testament to their unique way of life. Despite its vibrant culture and heritage, the community has long been neglected by authorities, resulting in severe socio-economic challenges.
Makoko's residents have adapted to their environment with resilience, building their homes from timber and stilts. However, the lack of basic amenities such as clean water, proper sanitation, and healthcare facilities has made life in Makoko incredibly difficult. The community's struggles are emblematic of broader issues faced by many marginalized groups in Nigeria.
In recent years, economic pressures have intensified for Makoko's residents. Inflation, unemployment, and the removal of fuel subsidies have further strained their already limited resources. Despite these challenges, the people of Makoko continue to persevere, relying on small-scale fishing and trading to make ends meet.
Enduring Hardships
Recent studies and reports paint a grim picture of life in Makoko. Over 85,000 people live in this community, many without basic amenities. According to a survey by the Lagos State Government, nearly 75% of households lack access to clean water, and 90% do not have proper sanitation facilities. These conditions have led to high rates of malaria, cholera, and other waterborne diseases.
The World Health Organization highlights Makoko’s residents as among the most vulnerable in Lagos State, with limited access to healthcare services.
In 2023, Nigeria's labor force participation rate among the working-age population was 80.4%, with an employment-to-population ratio of 77.1%. The combined rate of unemployment and time-related underemployment was 15.5%. Most workers (88.0%) were self-employed, while 12% were in wage employment. The unemployment rate increased slightly to 4.2%, up from 4.1% in Q1 2023.
Impact of Fuel Subsidy Removal
For Makoko's residents, who rely on fuel for their fishing boats and daily activities, the subsidy removal has been devastating. Transportation costs have skyrocketed, making it more expensive to move goods to market, resulting in higher fish prices and tighter budgets.
Inflation has further driven up prices of basic goods, making essentials like food, healthcare, and education harder to afford. In April 2024, the average price of 1kg of loose local rice was N1,399.34, a 155.93% increase from April 2023. The price of 1kg of loose white garri rose by 134.98%, and 1kg of tomatoes increased by 131.58%.
These economic pressures have intensified, with higher transportation and operational costs leading to higher consumer prices and lower profits for sellers.
The Plight of Fish Sellers
Agba Moses, a middle-aged fisherman with eyes that reflect a lifetime of unyielding hardship, began working at the tender age of six. His parents, unable to afford his education, pushed him into fish farming. Despite relentless effort, his path has been fraught with struggle. Each day, Moses wakes before dawn, enduring long hours in sweltering heat, battling fluctuating market prices, and barely earning enough to feed his family.
"The work is great, but I don’t know where to store my fish," Agba Moses lamented to Lagos Local News. "If the government can help us, it would be a big relief. I need a shop where I can safely keep my products. Right now, I have to worry about my fish getting spoiled because we don't have proper storage facilities.”
The lack of adequate storage means potential financial losses, worsening the already dire economic conditions for Moses and his family.
Victoria EnikanOselu, another fish seller, echoed Moses' concerns. "We need government support. The fish is expensive, and we are not getting equal gains. Every day, we struggle with high costs and low returns. We don’t wish to stay here, but we have no choice because there are no better opportunities elsewhere. It’s not convenient for us at all; the environment is harsh, and the lack of basic amenities makes our lives very difficult."
Living conditions in Makoko are harsh, with inadequate infrastructure making it nearly impossible for small-scale fish sellers to thrive. The government’s lack of intervention has left these entrepreneurs to fend for themselves.
Education: A Distant Dream
Makoko’s struggles extend to education. Agbojobi Alafia, a French teacher at a private primary school, highlighted the challenges faced by educators. "Our school needs furniture, uniforms, and books. We struggle to provide these ourselves, and we are just two teachers handling all the classes. The parents can’t pay much because they are poor. If the government can help us, it would make a big difference. We collect daily fees of 200 naira, while some can only pay 100 naira."
Despite these challenges, Agbojobi remains dedicated to teaching his students in French, hoping to equip them with skills that might one day lift them out of poverty.
Urgent Need for Educational Investment
Folajimi Adebara, an educationist and development expert, expressed concern about Makoko's educational challenges. "Lack of basic infrastructure leads to poor education and a continuously failing society. The government should invest in more infrastructure for the community."
Environmental Barriers and Health Hazards: Malaria as a Major Threat
The lack of proper sanitation facilities poses serious health risks. Tobi Agbabiaka, another resident, highlighted the health hazards. "This place always causes malaria for us, and we have no choice because we live in the midst of water. The stagnant water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes, and many of us fall ill frequently. We need better living conditions, such as proper drainage systems and access to healthcare, to reduce the prevalence of malaria and other diseases."
The absence of proper drainage exacerbates the problem, making it difficult to combat malaria and other waterborne diseases. Residents need healthcare facilities and preventive measures to reduce illness.
Dr. Reinnet Awoh, a seasoned Public Health Physician, explained the health issues facing Makoko's residents. “Access to healthcare in Makoko is severely hindered by environmental barriers. The community's reliance on contaminated lagoon water perpetuates waterborne diseases like cholera and typhoid, posing significant health risks.”
Beyond waterborne illnesses, Makoko's healthcare infrastructure lacks essential medicines, diagnostic equipment, and even clean water. This shortage exacerbates the health crisis, leaving residents vulnerable.
Strategic Solutions for a Healthier Makoko
Dr. Awoh advocates a multifaceted approach. "Upgrading existing healthcare facilities and establishing new centers are critical steps. Additionally, deploying mobile clinics can provide vital services such as vaccinations and maternal care directly to the community."
Empowering the community is central to Dr. Awoh's strategy. "By forming health committees and implementing education programs, we can promote better hygiene practices and waste management. Such initiatives improve health outcomes and foster a sense of ownership among Makoko's residents."
Reflecting on the path forward, Dr. Awoh underscores collaboration and sustainable financing. "With support from NGOs, government initiatives, and community-driven efforts, Makoko can achieve significant health improvements. By leveraging evidence-based strategies tailored to Makoko's unique challenges, we can create a healthier and more resilient community."
Call for Government Intervention
Makoko’s residents are not asking for luxury but basic necessities: proper storage for their fish, better educational facilities, improved sanitation, and healthcare. Their pleas are a stark reminder of the urgent need for government intervention which is crucial to improving the living and working conditions in Makoko, ensuring a brighter future for its residents.
"The government needs to step in and provide us with the necessary support to improve our living and working conditions," said Victoria EnikanOselu. Without such support, the cycle of poverty and hardship in Makoko will continue unabated.
