Nigeria’s bustling megacity, Lagos, is preparing for an ambitious transformation. With the city’s population projected to surge to 88 million by 2100, a visionary expansion plan aims to reshape Lagos to accommodate this future demand. As the most populous country in Africa, Nigeria is home to over 230 million people, with Lagos alone housing 23 million. Known as one of the world’s most congested cities, Lagos faces constant strain on infrastructure, land, and resources.
The Eko Atlantic solution
Over the past century, Lagos has lost nearly two miles of coastline to erosion, exacerbating the need for sustainable urban planning. The solution lies in the Eko Atlantic project, a scheme designed to reclaim 10 square kilometres of land from the Atlantic. The plan will expand Lagos with 10 new city districts, anticipated to host over 250,000 residents and offer extensive infrastructure for sustainable urban living.
A central feature of the project is the ‘Great Wall of Lagos,’ an eight-kilometre-long, 45-metre-wide sea wall rising 18 metres from the ocean floor. This massive structure, built to protect Lagos from rising seas and coastal erosion, is not just a barrier—it represents a bold move toward resilience in urban planning. Construction of Eko Atlantic began in 2008, and by 2020, several buildings were already completed, including the iconic Eko Pearl Towers. Full completion is expected by 2040.
A city of the future
According to the Eko Atlantic website, the project spans 10 million square metres of reclaimed land, with an 8.5-kilometre sea wall shielding the city from the Atlantic. The development is touted as a sustainable, self-sufficient urban centre featuring advanced infrastructure: clean water supply, reliable power generation, modern telecommunications, expansive road networks, and tree-lined streets.
Designed to rival Manhattan’s skyline in scale, Eko Atlantic is envisioned as a symbol of Nigeria’s growing prominence on the global stage. The website describes the development as a ‘marvel of modern engineering and technology,’ underscoring Nigeria’s ambitions to lead Africa in urban innovation. The Great Wall of Lagos, already more than six kilometres long, safeguards over six million square metres of land, extending protection to Victoria Island as well.
Engineering a resilient future
As Lagos moves forward with Eko Atlantic, the city aims not only to expand but also to showcase cutting-edge engineering designed for sustainability and resilience. The Great Wall’s role in shielding Lagos from future erosion and potential sea-level rises reflects the city’s commitment to sustainable growth in the face of climate challenges.
With completion expected by 2040, the Eko Atlantic project positions Lagos as a model for cities worldwide grappling with rapid urbanisation and environmental threats.
