Makoko

Makoko is a slum neighborhood located in Lagos, Nigeria. At present its population is considered to be around 100,000. It was established in the 18th century primarily as a fishing village, much of Makoko rests in structures constructed on stilts above Lagos Lagoon. Today the area is essentially self-governing with a very limited government presence in the community and local security being provided by so called “area boys”.

It’s kind of amazing self – sufficient organism which coexist basically like a city within a city (of Lagos). It’s got its own schools / hospital / petrol stations, shops etc. It provides large part of sea food for the city as well as is main center for wood processing. This is the story of the people who created something out of nothing (or anything)……

Location: Lagos, Nigeria, 2010

Note (2013): In July 2012 the authorities in Nigeria started knocking down all the slum dwellings.
Read more in this BBC article