Economic justice is about fairness in economic policies, ensuring equal opportunities for everyone to thrive. It means access to decent wages, affordable healthcare, education, housing, and opportunities that allow individuals, families, and communities to prosper. When communities are economically just, resources are distributed equitably, regardless of one’s background, gender, or socio-economic status.
But what does this look like in practice, especially in the context of Nigeria’s urban and rural communities?
The Tale of Lagos: Where Dreams are Born but Inequality Grows
Lagos, the economic hub of Nigeria, is a city where wealth and poverty exist side by side. Known for its towering skyscrapers, endless traffic, and vibrant culture, Lagos is home to millions of people chasing their dreams. Yet, many are left behind, struggling in slums with limited access to basic necessities like clean water, electricity, and education.
One such person is Sade, a single mother who moved to Lagos from Oyo State, hoping to create a better future for her two children. Sade works as a street vendor, selling fruits in the crowded streets of Ajegunle, one of the largest slums in Lagos. Her daily hustle is a symbol of resilience, but the odds are stacked against her. With limited access to capital, poor infrastructure, and unaffordable healthcare, economic justice feels like a distant dream.
But in recent years, Lagos has taken steps toward greater economic justice, with government initiatives aimed at empowering the poor and creating more inclusive growth. Programs that have provide microloans to small-scale entrepreneurs like Sade, allowing them to grow their businesses. However, systemic inequalities still linger. Without widespread reforms in education and infrastructure, the gap between the wealthy and the poor continues to widen.
For Sade and many others in Lagos, economic justice means more than access to microloans; it’s about creating an environment where everyone, regardless of background, has a fair shot at success. With stronger institutions and more targeted social programs, Lagos could evolve into a city where economic justice isn’t just a policy, but a reality for all its citizens.