UN Research Ranks Ibadan as 2nd Fastest Growing City in 2022

Ibadan, the Oyo State capital has been named the 2nd fastest growing city in Africa for the year 2022, according to United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) research

In a post by Business Insider through its official Instagram handle; @businessinsiderssa, Ibadan is rated behind Accra, Ghana and above Lagos, which occupies the 3rd position.

The post, which was captioned— “Top Ten Fastest Growing Cities in Africa”, saw two Nigerian cities occupying key positions.

Some of the key metrics of measure listed by UN-Habitat research are; urbanisation, industrialisation, population, and job opportunities.

It added that the growth of these cities can be attributed to population boom and increased economic activities.

According to Brahima Coulibaly, director of Brookings’ Africa Growth Initiative, “About half of the world’s fastest-growing economies will be located on the continent, with 20 economies expanding at an average rate of 5% or higher over the next five years, faster than the 3.6% rate for the global economy.

“By 2050, Africa’s population is anticipated to reach about 2 billion inhabitants, and more economic activities are taking place, counterbalancing the increasing population.”

The list include the following cities:

1. Accra, Ghana
2. Ibadan, Nigeria
3. Lagos, Nigeria
4. Dakar, Senegal
5. Abidjan, Côte d’voire
6. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
7. Luanda, Angola
8. Kinshasa, DRC
   9.Nairobi, Kenya
9. Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Meanwhile, some Nigerian Instagram users have reacted to the ratings, praising the Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde for his quick, impactful and data based policy making. Other users were simply amazed at the list while others refuted it.

A user — @patriciaebkng wrote: “Wow, I had no idea Ibadan was growing faster than Lagos”. Another user — @fehintola_ wrote: “Ibadan to the world”.