Man forced to live under a bridge because of expensive house rent in Lagos

He is not able to secure a job since moving to the city from a former settlement so he opts for a spot under a bridge.

When he was in his final year at a tertiary institution, Godwin is told that there are abundant employment and income generating opportunities in Lagos. Since he moved to the commercial hub, he has found this to be false.

To make a living, he scouts for bus passengers and earns meagre due. He confirms this in a video documentary captured by BBC Africa.

"There is a difference between where I was staying and Lagos.

"In Lagos, if you want to rent a single room, if you don't have N200/150,000, you won't get it."

In the clip, other characters who are equally homeless are featured and they all tell their reasons for being without a house.

A victim of the insurgency crisis in the northeast shares Godwin's hope for a better day which may see them off the streets.

Is Lagos doing much to help homeless persons?

Completing a mega city project in Lagos, has reportedly displaced many who are forced to vacate their homes to live in the open and are not fully compensated.

Amnesty refers to a November 2018 report, that highlights the suffering of persons living in Otodo-Gbame.

"The Lagos State authorities have failed to provide residents of Otodo-Gbame with alternative housing and/or compensation for the loss and/or damage to property caused by the forced evictions.

"They have also not provided any relief or rehabilitation for those who lost their livelihoods," a statement by Amnesty says.