The Struggle for Trust - Unraveling the Skepticism of Slum Dwellers Towards Government Initiatives

Living in slums can be very tough and challenging. People living in slums face numerous challenges and frequently turn to the government for assistance. However, a significant issue arises from the widespread distrust many residents have toward governmental institutions. This skepticism stems from past experiences where promises made during election campaigns—such as commitments to improve education, healthcare, and living conditions—often go unfulfilled. These pledges, which sound promising and hopeful, frequently remain unactualized. The ambitious plans that are presented rarely translate into meaningful changes in the communities, leading to a frustrating reality where life in these areas remains stagnant or worsens. As a result, those who cannot afford quality housing find themselves in environments lacking secure rights and adequate infrastructure.

Compounding this issue is the ongoing social exclusion that many residents experience, which keeps them entrenched in poverty and distanced from opportunities for improvement. The government’s failure to deliver on its promises leaves these individuals feeling disheartened and abandoned. They witness their living conditions deteriorating, their children struggling due to the absence of quality schools, and basic necessities being neglected. Given this context, it becomes increasingly difficult for residents to place their trust in a government that has repeatedly let them down.

In a study I conducted on the social exclusion of slum dwellers in several selected areas of Lagos State, I focused specifically on Makoko, Iwaya, Ilaje, Ijora Badia, and Amukoko. The research examined three key dimensions of social exclusion: political participation, social/family support, and labor market participation. The findings revealed that the majority of respondents across these slums reported significantly higher levels of social exclusion related to the “non-support from government” indicator compared to the other dimensions measured.

During one of my field trips, a respondent expressed a poignant sentiment: “We are our own government. We do not believe we have a government.” This statement encapsulates the deep-seated distrust many residents feel toward governmental authority. Ironically, while the government—sometimes even in collaboration with NGOs—claims to implement various initiatives aimed at fostering inclusion for slum dwellers, the results of my study indicate that these efforts fall short. The index scores for these slums were found to be above the critical threshold of 0.50, signaling severe social exclusion. This suggests that, despite the rhetoric of inclusion and support, much remains to be done to effectively address the needs and rights of slum residents. The gap between governmental claims and the lived reality of these communities underscores the urgent need for more meaningful engagement and support from both the government and NGOs.

Just a few days ago, residents of Makoko were given relocation notice to evict the area by December 2024. This development raises concerns, especially in light of the Lagos State government's previous commitment to a participatory regeneration plan, where the residents were supposed to be involved in discussions about upgrading their community. The irony lies in the fact that, while the government had promised to engage the residents in a collaborative process aimed at improving and upgrading their living conditions, the sudden issuance of an eviction notice seems to contradict this promise. Instead of working toward community regeneration, the government’s actions now appear to prioritize displacement over the previously discussed participatory development. This creates confusion and tension, as the residents face uncertainty about their future and the true intentions behind the government's plans for Makoko.

So, how can we address this trust issue? First and foremost, the government must prioritize honesty. It’s crucial to communicate openly about what’s truly happening and to involve citizens in the decision-making process. Being part of the conversation fosters a sense of teamwork—people want to know the game plan.

Additionally, there is a need for pro-poor policies that are specifically targeted to address the unique challenges faced by vulnerable communities. The government and relevant stakeholders should recognize that impoverished areas have distinct issues; therefore, one-size-fits-all solutions will not be effective. Tailored plans that utilize community resources would be much more beneficial.

Transparency is also key. If the government is straightforward about its initiatives and shows tangible progress, it can help restore trust. People are naturally suspicious of secrecy, especially when it comes to matters that impact their daily lives.

Rebuilding trust will be a challenging endeavor, but it is essential. Everyone deserves an equitable opportunity for a better quality of life, regardless of their living conditions.