Lagos 101




Lagos is in Lagos State, which is situated in the lower south-west region of the country, bordering the Republic of Benin. Lagos State is the smallest of the current 36 states, but the most important economically. Lagos is located in Yoruba land, and as such Yoruba is the local dialect, but it's also home to many from other parts of the country, who have all made Lagos the multi-tribal city it is today. There is also a thriving foreign and a growing expatriate community mostly made up of Europeans, Asians, and people of Middle Eastern descent.



Lagos is a major commercial and business hub in Nigeria. It's been recorded as having a population of well over nine million, making it one of Africa's most populated cities. As such, you can expect a colourful, wild, chaotic and vibrant time in this city, which is in a class of its own.
Lagos is steeped in Nigerian history, from a Benin Empire stronghold to a major player in the slave trade, to the centre of the nationalist movement, to the capital of the nation (until the capital was moved to Abuja) - in all these periods Lagos has played a pivotal role and remained one of Nigeria's most important cities.
 
When speaking with Lagosians, Lagos is generally referred to as 2 distinct areas, Lagos Mainland, and Lagos Island; the mainland is generally more populated and has much more industry than the island, which can be viewed as more up-market.



 

Lagos Mainland

 
Lagos Mainland is comprised of:  Agege, Bariga, Ebute-Meta, Egbeda, Ejigbo, Isolo, Ikotun , Iju Ishaga, Ikeja, Ipaja, Ketu, Mushin, Maryland, Oshodi, Oworonsoki, Somolu, Surulere, and Yaba.



Lagos Island 


Lagos Island is the oldest part of the city, and home to the growing business district for both local and international companies operating in . It has grown over time, engulfing the neighbouring areas, and they are all together commonly called the Island.  This is also where you will find the high-rise buildings and well-known Lagos skyline. The Island is also home to the city's largest wholesale marketplaces like the Idumota and Balogun markets. It's home to other places of interest like Tafawa Bawela Square, Tinubu Square, and the National Museum of Nigeria to name a few.

Lagos Island is comprised of:  Banana Island, Ikoyi, Lekki Peninsula, Marina, Obalende, Onikan, Victoria Island, Eko Atlantic City




Lagos has a tropical swamp vegetation, with fresh water and mangrove swamp forests. It has like most of Nigeria, two climate seasons; a dry season (November - March), and a wet season (April - October). Lagos has several bodies of water and these include Ologe Lagoon, Omu Creeks, Badagry Creeks, Kuramo Waters, River Yewa, River Ogun, Lagos Lagoon, and Lekki Lagoon.




Some places of interest in Lagos include:-
  • National Art Theatre, Iganmu
  • The Remembrance Arcade
  • Lekki Conservation Centre
  • Lagos Cental Mosque
  • Slave Port, Badagry
  • Glover Memorial Hall
  • First Storey Building in Nigeria
  • Slave Jetty, Badagry
  • Early Missionary Cemetery
  • Canon Gun, Instrument of Slave Abolition & War
  • Slave Market, Badagry
  • Christ Cathedral,CMS
  • Tafawa Balewa Square
  • Shitta Bey Mosque


Eko Atlantic




Eko Atlantic is a Lagos State government initiative to development new and planned metropolis that is purpose built on reclaimed land from the Atlantic Ocean. The project and concept emerged from the Lagos States desire to address the ongoing coastline erosion problem that had been impacting negatively that part of the city for many years.
 
Eko Atlantic is a Lagos State government initiative to development new and planned metropolis that is purpose built on reclaimed land from the Atlantic Ocean. The project and concept emerged from the Lagos States desire to address the ongoing coastline erosion problem that had been impacting negatively that part of the city for many years.

Dredging and land refill work started in April 2008, and it is estimated that on completion just over 10 sq km of land area will have been reclaimed for development. What this means for Nigerians, and Lagosians is a new addition to the city at an international standard with an estimated population of 250K, complete with a new business district, a marina, international school, hospital, and shopping facilities

Eko Atlantic is located just below Victoria Island, and along Bar beach along the Atlantic ocean beach front. Victoria Island, which has over the last 20 years developed into one of the 3 three major businesses hubs of Lagos which also include Marina, and Ikeja.  Victoria Island is also is ideally located between Ikoyi, and Lekki which are both currently 2 of the more affluent parts of the Lagos in terms of residential accommodation.