Despite APC Rebuttals From APC Govt, Lagos Tops List of Global Cities with Lowest Quality of Life
Despite repeated claims from the All Progressives Congress APC-led government that living conditions in Lagos have improved, the city has been ranked among the global urban areas with the lowest quality of life, highlighting persistent challenges in infrastructure, public services, and basic amenities for millions of residents.
The report by Numbeo Quality of Life Index 2026 placed Lagos, Nigeria, first on the list of cities with the lowest quality of living, citing factors such as high pollution levels, poor healthcare systems, low safety, long commuting times, weak purchasing power, high living costs, unaffordable housing, and harsh climatic conditions.
Other cities listed are Manila, Philippines, Colombo, Sri Lanka, Dhaka, Bangladesh, Tehran, Iran Cebu, Philippines, Kathmandu, Nepal, Jakarta, Indonesia and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam among others.
Quality of Life Index reflects overall well-being using key factors like Safety, Health Care, Cost of Living and Climate.
Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling commercial hub, continues to struggle with daily hardships that directly affect the lives of its residents. Traffic congestion remains a major problem, with commuters spending several hours navigating the city’s overburdened road networks. In addition, inconsistent electricity supply, poor sanitation, and inadequate waste management exacerbate the challenges of urban living.
Housing costs have also skyrocketed, making it difficult for average residents to secure affordable accommodation. Many Lagosians report living in cramped, poorly serviced apartments while paying high rents, highlighting a widening gap between income levels and basic housing needs. Security concerns further compound the city’s problems, with frequent reports of crime and inadequate policing creating anxiety among residents.
Healthcare access is another area of concern. Despite official claims of improvements, public hospitals remain overstretched, underfunded, and ill-equipped to handle the needs of a rapidly growing population. Residents often face long waiting times and limited access to essential medical services, forcing many to seek costly private alternatives.
