All around the world, what constitutes a livable city is constantly in flux, usually following new cultural, social or technological trends and discoveries. Our engagement with people on new ways of thinking about Lagos made one thing clear: government, civil society and the public had been in thrall to decades-old myths and stereotypes. Generally, it has been convenient to lay the blame for urban dysfunction on certain, usually disadvantaged groups of people within society, leading to a mismatch between the solutions proffered and the real problems. The result is that those solutions have consistently failed.

This small booklet offers a selection of such stereotypes, all debunked by writers reflecting on alternative city-making opportunities as we drive towards more inclusiveness and climate resilience.

Reflect and join the conversation #RethinkingLagos.