Life In a Floating Slum in Africa - Makoko

The capital of Nigeria, Lagos, is home to a remarkable yet starkly contrasting community known as Makoko - a floating slum that vividly embodies both the resilience of the human spirit and the dire consequences of urban poverty. Beneath the surface of Makoko's waterborne vibrancy lies a harsher truth: the waters, a vital life source, are tainted with sewage and pollution. This environmental crisis is a daily battle for the residents, who face the constant threat of waterborne diseases. The lack of adequate sanitation facilities means that much of the waste and sewage from the densely populated settlement ends up directly in the lagoon, compounding the challenges of maintaining a healthy living environment. Poverty in Makoko is pervasive and profound. Yet amidst these hardships, the spirit of Makoko endures, presenting a deep and complex life narrative in one of Africa's most dynamic urban landscapes. Let us journey to Makoko, and explore how people live in the largest floating slum in the world.

[joelb]

I traveled through Lagos, and had a short tour of Makoko, 55 years ago when both were 1/10th the size they are now. I can see that its only gotten worse. Lagos can be a scary place to visit. All I can say is shame on the government of Nigeria. Africa has so much potential wealth in its natural resources and much of it is being exported to China while the rich get richer and the poor remain in poverty...

[eliasarechiga]

Just when you think you have it bad. Crazy

[apostlerachelpilgrim]

The Chiefs of makoko should negotiate with the Ministry of health to have a clean up campaign and bins should be placed at designated areas where garbage trucks should pick up the refuse.
I like the love and togetherness these people share.

[Gaxby]

This community has come a long way and are surviving...the only problem is sanitation that the government could help with instead of turning a blind eye and trying to use force unsuccessfully!

[matchpoint]

That woman at 33 seconds breaks my heart. She looks so out of place and she is living in a nightmarish slum but she is holding her head up high and appears to be keeping her mind in a joyful peaceful place. God bless these people, help them out.

[megeek]

So much wealth and so much unbelievable poverty in the same country. I have seen poverty in many countries but this is truly subhuman.

[greglinder]

I don’t know how any country could allow a part of their citizens to live in such squalid conditions😢

[lennisefuller]

😢My God Why is The Greed of Man more important than human Life💔

[MegaCharm]

I think I’m lost on why no one tries to clean up the trash.
A community effort and cleaning crews could combat some of the problem. Everyone seems to just dump the garbage without being accountable to clean it up.
The smell has got to be awful.
The government should be ashamed!!

[princeenenta]

The capital of Nigeria is Abuja not Lagos.. As a Nigerian we weep for the people of Makoko

[davidkhalil]

this kind of living condition existed due to a corrupt government. God help the resident

[barryjuriansz]

It's a grave human rights violation to see human beings live like this. I do hope that the UN or some responsible organisation can help these unfortunate people.

[deeebloccc]

This just proves no matter what the situation we going to survive

[ted.n]

This is a disgrace for Nigeria. Do anybody worry about the life expectancy of these people. This is an eyesore for 2024. What is the Governor of Lagos doing? Does he know this place is part of Lagos. The whole place should be dismantled and cleaned up now. The people should be moved to a cleaner environment.

[paquitoignacio]

I’m impressed the persistence and self reliance of this people to be independent and resourceful to survive in this kind of environment

[solomone]

I had plans to visit Makoko last year December when I traveled to Nigeria... But I was tied up. I'll definitely visit there when I go to Nigeria in April. I currently reside in New York City, NY.

[nancysmith]

Instead of desicrating in the water. Try moving it to the land and use it as fertilizer. Boil it and have clean water for plants... Feed fish... Farming instead of

[OfficialStreamSagaTv]

The fact that money is created from trees and yet we all aren’t rich is crazy

[GeraldBoykin-dwxe]

The fish had sense to move into clean waterways! 🦈🦈🦈🦈🦈🌊

[cptdjf]

I cannot wait to snorkel there. Looks awesome!