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Photos: Life inside the ‘Venice of Africa,’ Nigeria’s floating slum

May 8, 2014 12:08PM ET
Photographer Mohammed Elshamy documents Makoko, a waterfront slum neighborhood home to thousands in Lagos
Topics:
Nigeria
International
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Makoko, Nigeria
A boy travels by canoe in the floating slum of Makoko in Lagos, Nigeria. The slum, dubbed the "Venice of Africa" by some, is home to thousands of residents. Mohammed Elshamy / Anadolu Agency / Getty Images
Makoko, Nigeria
Thousands in Makoko live in wooden houses above the water. Mohammed Elshamy / Anadolu Agency / Getty Images
Makoko, Nigeria
Canoes are used to travel through the neighborhood's waterways. Mohammed Elshamy / Anadolu Agency / Getty Images
Makoko, Nigeria
A woman sells bananas from her canoe. Mohammed Elshamy / Anadolu Agency / Getty Images
Makoko, Nigeria
Formerly a fishing village, Makoko houses primarily West African migrant workers. Mohammed Elshamy / Anadolu Agency / Getty Images
Makoko, Nigeria
A Christian worship service at the Church of God in Makoko. Mohammed Elshamy / Anadolu Agency / Getty Images
Makoko, Nigeria
Students travel by boat each morning to a floating wooden elementary school. Mohammed Elshamy / Anadolu Agency / Getty Images
Makoko, Nigeria
A wooden building where residents watch soccer matches. Mohammed Elshamy / Anadolu Agency / Getty Images
Makoko, Nigeria
A hair salon in Makoko. Mohammed Elshamy / Anadolu Agency / Getty Images
Makoko, Nigeria
A boy swims in the dirty water of Makoko, contaminated with oil and other pollutants. Mohammed Elshamy / Anadolu Agency / Getty Images