The city of Lagos, Nigeria has ranked high among the 178 cities with the lowest quality of life globally.
This is according to the Numbeo Quality of Life Index, which comprehensively measures the ranking based on factors like purchasing power, pollution levels, housing affordability, cost of living, safety, healthcare, commute times, and climate conditions to assess overall well-being.
On the index, Lagos scores just 45.3, reflecting the high poverty and income inequality as well as disparities in access to basic amenities and economic opportunities, particularly in informal settlements which lack adequate infrastructure.
In teens if road network, rapid urbanization and infrastructure deficiencies that strain the transportation and led to severe traffic congestion and long commute times. Also insufficient investment in road maintenance and public transport further hampers mobility and economic productivity.
Environmentally, high air and water pollution due to industrial activities and poor waste management are major challenges.
Furthermore, low investment in oil sector
Crime rates, including petty crime, armed robbery, and cybercrime, undermine residents’ safety and perceptions of living and business conditions in Lagos.
Access to quality healthcare and education remains limited, with overcrowded public facilities and disparities in educational quality affecting social mobility.
Although Lagos ranks 8th in Africa for healthcare, this indicates some advancements in the city’s healthcare system.
The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) in their recent analysis, ranked Lagos as the second-worst city to live in worldwide. This ranking considers factors like living conditions, safety, infrastructure, and access to basic services.
Here are the top 10 cities with the lowest quality of life in the world mid-2024
Lagos, Nigeria – quality of life index 45.3
Tehran, Iran – quality of life index 45.3 54.5
Manila, Philippines – quality of life index 55.1
Dhaka, Bangladesh – quality of life index 62.4
Colombo, Sri Lanka – quality of life index 68.0
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – quality of life index 71.5
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam- quality of life index 72.5
Beirut, Lebanon- quality of life index 73.3
Cairo, Egypt – quality of life index 75.9
Kathmandu, Nepal- quality of life index 77.3
