As the sun rises over Lagos, Africa’s most populous city, the streets come alive with the familiar rhythm of daily life. Traders set up their stalls, buses honk impatiently, and workers rush to their offices. Yet, beneath the energy of the city lies a hidden crisis one that is impossible to ignore yet often overlooked. Homelessness in Lagos is a painful reality, with thousands of people struggling to survive on the streets, invisible to the rest of society.
From Oshodi to Mushin, Ajegunle to Obalende, under bridges, along railway tracks, and in abandoned buildings, men, women, and children sleep in the open, exposed to hunger, violence, and harsh weather. For many, life was once normal. Some had jobs, homes, and families, but unexpected events like job loss, eviction, family breakdowns, or health crises pushed them onto the streets. Others never had a home to begin with, growing up as street children in a city that never slows down for anyone.
Living on the streets of Lagos is a constant battle. Homeless individuals wake up each day unsure of where their next meal will come from or where they will sleep at night. Some rely on begging, while others take up menial jobs, cleaning car windshields at traffic intersections or carrying heavy loads for traders in bustling markets. Despite their efforts, life remains harsh and unforgiving.
For women and children, the dangers are even greater. Sexual abuse, physical violence, and exploitation are common threats. Young girls living on the streets often fall prey to predators, while boys are frequently recruited into gangs or forced into dangerous labor. Access to healthcare, education, and basic sanitation is almost non-existent, leaving many trapped in a vicious cycle of poverty.
Many of the homeless people in Lagos once had dreams. Take John, a former welder, who lost his job and was evicted from his home when he could no longer pay rent. “I never thought I would end up like this,” he says, his eyes filled with regret. Then there is Aisha, a teenage girl, who ran away from home to escape an abusive stepfather. She now sleeps under a bridge in Oshodi, relying on the kindness of strangers for survival.
Despite their circumstances, hope is not entirely lost. Some organizations and religious groups provide temporary shelters, food, and skill-training programs to help the homeless rebuild their lives. However, these efforts are not enough to solve the crisis.
The problem of homelessness in Lagos cannot be ignored. The government, private organizations, and individuals must work together to find lasting solutions. Affordable housing, job creation, and stronger social support systems must be prioritized. Lagos is a city full of opportunities, but for thousands living on the streets, those opportunities remain out of reach.
Until concrete steps are taken, the painful reality of homelessness will continue hidden in plain sight, in the heart of one of Africa’s most vibrant cities.