About Lagos

Lagos (pronounced /ˈleɪgɒs/ or /ˈlɑːgoʊs/ overseas) is the most populous conurbation in Nigeria with more than 8 million people. It is the most populous in Africa, and currently estimated to be the second fastest growing city in Africa (7th fastest in the world), immediately following Bamako. Formerly the capital of Nigeria, Lagos is a huge metropolis which originated on islands separated by creeks, such as Lagos Island, that fringe the southwest mouth of Lagos Lagoon, protected from the Atlantic Ocean by long sand spits such as Bar Beach which stretch up to 100 km east and west of the mouth. From the beginning, Lagos has spread on the mainland west of the lagoon and the conurbation, including Ikeja and Agege, now reaches more than 40 km north-west of Lagos Island. The city is the economic and financial capital of Nigeria.

Lagos was a Yoruba settlement of Awori people initially called Oko. The name was later changed to Eko (”cassava farm”) or Eko (”war camp”) during the Kingdom of Benin occupation. This is the name by which ‘Lagos’ is called by the Yoruba when they speak of ‘Lagos’, which never existed in Yoruba language. It is likely that the name ‘Lagos’ was given to the town by the first Portuguese settlers who navigated from a coastal town of the same name in Portugal. Portuguese explorer Ruy de Sequeira visited the area in 1472, naming the area around the city Lago de Curamo; indeed the present name is Portuguese for “lakes”. The present day Lagos state has a higher percent of Awori, who migrated to the area from Isheri along the Ogun river. Throughout history, it was home to a number of warring tribes who had settled in the area. During its early settlement, it also saw periods of rule by the Kingdom of Benin.

From 1404-1889 it served as a major centre of the slave trade, ruled over by Yoruba kings called the Oba of Lagos. In 1841 Oba Akitoye ascended to the throne of Lagos and tried to ban slave trading. Lagos merchants, most notably Madam Tinubu, resisted the ban, deposed the king and installed his brother Oba Kosoko. While exiled, Oba Akitoye met with the British, who had banned slave trading in 1807, and got their support to regain his throne. In 1851 he was reinstalled as the Oba of Lagos

Lagos was formally annexed as a British colony in 1861. This had the dual effect of crushing the slave trade and establishing British control over palm and other trades. The remainder of modern-day Nigeria was seized in 1887, and when the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria was established in 1914, Lagos was declared its capital. It continued to be the capital when Nigeria gained its independence from Britain in 1960.

Professional Travel Guide and WordTravels.com are two good sources of visitors’ information for Lagos. Also see LonelyPlanet.com for general information on Nigeria.

Things to see and do in Lagos…

The National Museum

The National Museum, located on Lagos island in the centre of the city (King George V Road, Onikan), has one of the finest collections of bronze sculptures and ivory carvings produced by the Kingdom of Benin dating back 300 years. Opened in 1957, it also contains the world-acclaimed exhibition, Treasures of Ancient Nigeria: Legacy of Two Thousand Years, which traces the artistic traditions of the region. The Government of Yesterday and Today gallery displays information about Nigeria’s post-colonial generals, presidents and military rulers. One of the more interesting exhibits is the bullet-ridden black Mercedes of former President Murtala Mohammed, in which he was assassinated in 1973.

The Lekki Conservation Centre

Created in 1990, the Lekki Conservation Centre, on the Lekki Pennisula (Federation Km 19, Lagos-Epe Expressway), aims to preserve the delicate ecosystem of the region for future generations. Mona monkeys, crocodiles, bush bucks, Maxwell duikers and giant rats are just a few of the animals you can expect to spot here. A habitat of swamp and savannah, the centre is equipped with nature trails and various tree-platforms from where visitors can fully appreciate the beautiful landscape. The area is fenced-in and under 24-hr surveillance by patrollers to keep visitors safe. While there is no entry fee, it is best to have some change handy.

Black Heritage Museum - Badagry

Founded in part by a Nigerian cultural commission, the Black Heritage Museum preserves artifacts and records from the slave route that once ran through Badagry. Badagry was an important slave route in West Africa. Badagry is one of five divisions created in Lagos State in l968. In the early 1500’s, slaves were transported from West Africa to America through Badagry. It is reported that Badagry exported no fewer than 550,000 African slaves to America during the period of the American Independence in l787.

The Lekki Market

The hectic pace of Lekki Market may seem daunting, but persistence is rewarded. Stallholders sells a dazzling array of African masks and other beautiful cultural artefacts, including Nigerian beadwork and cloth. Things can occasionally get a little physical, so many visitors hire a “boy” or two to provide some muscle and help them get to the front of the queue. If you want to see the real Lagos in action, this is the place to go. Find it about 10km from the centre of Victoria Island along the Lekki-Epe Expressway, about 250 metres south of the expressway from the roundabout at Heroes furniture shop.

Tarkwa Beach

The safest (and cleanest) beach around Lagos is at Tarkwa Bay. A crescent-shaped beach along the Lagos harbour makes for a relaxing day out. Deckchairs, tents and canopies are available for rental and local vendors offer refreshing treats. Go for a cooling swim, lay back with a tropical coconut drink or wander off in search of the Lord Lugard bunker, built during the Second World War and buried on the grounds. Just 6km from the city center, the best way to get there is by boat from the Lekki Epe Expressway jetty on Victoria Island, or from Moroko.

The National Theatre and Gallery

The National Theatre and Gallery at Iganmu is the prime centre for performing arts in Nigeria. The main auditorium has a capacity of 3000, while the conference hall can accommodate around 700. Locatged on the mainland, in the middle of a tangle of roads in Ebute-Metta, to the north of the Eko Bridge. There are also two cinema halls, a restaurant and a bar.