The African Cities Research Consortium (ACRC) has designated Lagos as one of the five cities selected for its implementation phase, which aims to facilitate urban transformation and policy reforms. The other cities include Accra, Ghana; Harare, Zimbabwe; Kampala, Uganda; and Nairobi, Kenya. This decision follows the foundational research and engagement activities conducted over recent years in twelve cities. ACRC is financially supported by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) as part of the UK Aid program. A comprehensive analysis of city systems, political arrangements, and urban development sectors enabled local teams to identify critical issues. Their proposed strategic interventions were instrumental in selecting the cities advancing to the next phase. With pilot projects and the initial four cities announced in November 2023, the local ACRC teams will execute multiple urban development initiatives in the selected cities. These interventions aim to address challenges identified during the foundational research and promote urban reform.

The African Cities Research Consortium (ACRC) has engaged in comprehensive research and intervention initiatives within Lagos, Nigeria, addressing intricate urban issues. The “pilot study” at the foundation phase denotes initial multi-phase effort, transitioning from a diagnostic assessment to targeted action research and practical implementation. Below is an overview of Lagos ACRC’s activities in Lagos and on-going projects.