Nigeria urban population is projected to reach two hundred and sixty four million by the year two thousand and fifty according to new demographic forecasts highlighting the scale of transformation facing the country cities and towns. The projection places Nigeria among the fastest urbanising nations in the world with major implications for housing transportation health care and employment.
Currently more than half of Nigerians already live in urban areas a figure that has grown steadily over the past three decades due to rural urban migration population growth and economic concentration in major cities. Experts warn that without proactive planning the pace of urbanisation could overwhelm existing infrastructure and deepen social inequality.
Lagos Abuja Port Harcourt Ibadan and Onitsha are expected to absorb a large share of the population surge. Urban planners say the pressure will manifest in rising housing deficits traffic congestion sanitation challenges and increased demand for electricity and water.
However analysts also see opportunities in the trend. A larger urban population could drive innovation productivity and economic diversification if supported by smart policies. Investments in mass transit affordable housing renewable energy and digital infrastructure could turn cities into engines of inclusive growth.
Development experts urge government at all levels to adopt long term urban strategies that integrate land use planning climate resilience and job creation. They stress that failure to act could result in sprawling slums rising crime rates and deteriorating living conditions.
The coming decades they say will define whether Nigeria urbanisation becomes a story of prosperity or one of missed opportunity.
