Lagos Population in 2008: Estimated ~10–12 Million

The 2006 Nigerian Census recorded 9,013,534 for Lagos State. By 2008, extrapolating 3.2 % annual growth, the metro population was approximately 10–12 million.

Why the Range?

• Census undercount (security, informal settlements).
• Daytime influx (commuters from Ogun State) adds 2–3M.
• No official 2008 count; next census delayed to 2023 (still pending).

Current Estimates (2024)

Lagos metro: 16–21 million (UN-Habitat, World Bank) — Africa’s largest urban agglomeration.

Sources to Cite

• National Population Commission (NPC) 2006 final report.
• Lagos State Bureau of Statistics (annual abstracts).
• UN World Urbanization Prospects.