In Lagos, Nigeria sources of demographic data include the censuses of 1950 and 1963, sample population surveys, and vital registration of births and deaths in the city. Several problems make the collection and use of demographic data a problem in the metropolis. The problems include the persisting controversy regarding the reliability of the 1963 census and the inadequacy and the outdated aspect of the census data. Vital registration is inadequate in the suburbs. Immigration into the city and intra-metropolitan changes of residences are massive, but information regarding immigrants is both scanty and scattered. At this time substantial funds are being used for KAP and fertility research, and the government has expressed much concern over rural-urban migration. Consequently, mortality appears to be the neglected area. Research needs to be conducted to confirm or refute the hypothesis that people in urban areas -- because they have better health facilities available -- live longer than the rural population. The hope is that the 1973 census will provide some of the demographic data necessary in Lagos -- labor force participation rates, unemployment rates, the effect of educational and training facilities on migration to Lagos, and specific data concerning the number and characteristics of the inhabitants of Lagos. Governmental and other institutions need to improve the routine collection, analysis and publication of all kinds of statistics. - See more at: http://www.popline.org/node/516580#sthash.dp8WE4sp.dpuf