Lagos

Lagos, also called Lagos City, is a huge port city in southwestern Nigeria. As of November 2025, the city is thought to have between 17 and 21 million people, making it the largest city in Nigeria and the most crowded urban area in Africa. It is also one of the world's fastest-growing big cities.

Lagos was Nigeria's capital until December 1991 when the government moved the capital to Abuja. Even though it is not the capital anymore, Lagos remains very important for Nigeria's economy. It is a major center for money, business, entertainment, technology, education, politics, travel, art, and fashion across Africa.

The city began in the 15th century as a home for the Awori people, a group of the Yoruba people from West Africa. Over time, Lagos grew from a small settlement into a huge urban area. Today, it includes many different neighborhoods and is one of the busiest cities in Africa, with a big port and a major international airport.

Etymology

The name Lagos comes from the Portuguese word for "lakes." In British and Nigerian English, it is usually pronounced as LAY-goss. In American English, it is often said as LAH-gohss, which is closer to how people say it in Portuguese. The local Yoruba people call the city Èkó. The city was probably named after a place called Lagos in Portugal, which was important for Portuguese explorers in the 15th century.

History

Main article: History of Lagos

For a chronological guide, see Timeline of Lagos.

Lagos is a big city in southwestern Nigeria. It used to be the capital of Nigeria until the government moved the capital to Abuja in 1991. Today, Lagos is the largest city in Nigeria and one of the fastest-growing cities in the world, with millions of people living there.

Administration

Lagos used to be the capital city of Nigeria, but now the capital is Abuja. Abuja became the capital on December 12, 1991. Lagos is an important city with many government buildings, including a High Court.

Lagos is not a single city with one government. Instead, it is made up of many smaller areas called Local Government Areas. These areas work together to manage the city. Over time, many people moved to Lagos, making it grow very large. Today, Lagos includes many neighborhoods and towns, and it continues to grow beyond its original borders. The government of Lagos State takes care of important services like roads, schools, and hospitals for the people living there.

Demography

Lagos is a very big city in Nigeria, and many people live there. In 2006, a count showed about 8 million people in the city, but some believe the number is even higher, closer to 15 to 21 million today. Many people move to Lagos each year looking for jobs and opportunities.

Lagos is home to the Yoruba people, and the Yoruba language is commonly spoken there. The city has grown very quickly over the years. By 2010, experts thought Lagos would have more than 20 million people, making it one of the largest cities in the world.

Geography

Lagos is divided into two main parts: the "Island" and the "Mainland." The Island is made up of many smaller islands connected by bridges, where most of the city's business and entertainment happen. The Mainland has many industries and is known for its music and nightlife.

Cityscape

Main article: Architecture of Lagos

Lagos has the tallest buildings in Nigeria. You can find many different styles of buildings, from old colonial styles to very modern ones. The Island has most of the tall buildings, while the Mainland also has some tall structures. The government has been working on improving parks and green spaces in the city.

Island

The Island is the part of Lagos separated from the Mainland by a big water channel. It includes areas like Lagos Island and Eti-Osa, with famous neighborhoods such as Ikoyi and Victoria Island. Three big bridges connect the Island to the Mainland.

Lagos Island

Lagos Island has a busy center with tall buildings and big markets like Idumota and Balogun Markets. It also has important places such as the National Museum of Nigeria, the Central Mosque, and Christ's Church Cathedral (CMS).

Ikoyi

Main article: Ikoyi

Ikoyi is a part of Lagos Island with many important government buildings and a beautiful park. It has hotels, nightclubs, and a big golf course. It used to be a place for middle-class families but is now popular with wealthy people.

Victoria Island

Main article: Victoria Island (Nigeria)

Victoria Island is south of Lagos Island and has very expensive homes and many new luxury apartments. It has nice beaches and shopping areas.

Ajah/Lekki

The Lekki area is growing quickly and includes places like Ajah and Ibeju-Lekki. It has parks, malls, schools, and beautiful beaches.

Iddo

Iddo is a smaller area across the water from Lagos Island. It is now part of the Mainland and has a train station.

Mainland

Many people in Lagos live on the Mainland, where most of the city's industries are located. The Mainland is famous for its music and nightlife, especially in areas like Yaba, Ikeja, and Surulere. Important Mainland areas include Ebute Metta, Yaba, and Ejigbo.

Climate

Lagos has a tropical savanna climate. The wet season, when it rains a lot, runs from May to October. The dry season, with less rain, runs from November to April. June is the wettest month, and January is the driest.

Lagos is near the equator, so its temperatures don’t change much through the year. The average high temperature is between 28°C and 32°C (82°F to 90°F). March is the warmest month, and August is the coolest.

Scientists predict that because of climate change, Lagos might feel more like Panama City by the year 2050. This means warmer temperatures and possible effects from rising sea levels.

Economy

Lagos is a key economic center in Nigeria, contributing around 30-35% of the country's GDP. Many commercial and financial activities happen in the central business district on the island, where most of Nigeria's commercial banks and big companies have their main offices. Lagos is also a major hub for technology and communication in West Africa and is growing into a city that never sleeps.

Lagos is an important place for banks and finance. The four biggest banks in West and Central Africa have their main offices in Lagos. The city also has many insurance companies. The Port of Lagos is Nigeria's main port and one of the biggest in Africa, handling most of the country's sea trade.

Lagos is the heart of West Africa's film, music, and TV industries. The city's film industry is known for making high-quality movies that are popular both at home and abroad. The city also has many newspapers and TV channels, some of which broadcast in English, while others use local languages like Yoruba.

Lagos is called "Africa's Silicon Valley" because it is home to five of Africa's seven biggest tech companies, worth over one billion euros each. The city has many tech centers and attracts investors due to Nigeria's large number of internet users. Lagos also has offices for big tech companies like Google and Microsoft.

In 2023, a big oil refinery began operating in Lekki, east of Lagos, and plans are underway to make it even larger. The city also has factories for making medicines, cars, and fertilizers. Lagos has big areas for trade and business events, including fashion fairs. The city is also important for food processing, with big breweries, a rice mill, and sugar refinery. New markets for fresh fruits and food have been opened to make getting food faster and easier for people in Lagos.

Tourism

Lagos is becoming a popular place for visitors. Many people, especially from other parts of Africa, come to see the city and learn about Nigerian culture through movies and entertainment.

Beaches, water sports

Lagos has beautiful sandy beaches along the Atlantic Ocean, such as Tarkwa Bay, Elegushi Beach, and Alpha Beach. There are also private beach resorts like the Inagbe Grand Beach Resort. Near Lekki Bridge, you can find companies that offer boat tours and rent kayaks or jet skis.

Dancing, shopping, dining

Many nightclubs are located on Victoria Island and around Adeniran Ogunsanya Street in Surulere, where people like to go out and enjoy music. Rooftop restaurants near the beach or lagoon offer great views and delicious food. Even before currency changes in 2023, Lagos was known for affordable meals and souvenirs. Markets like the Lekki Arts and Crafts Market sell a wide range of African arts and crafts.

Parks and gardens

Freedom Park is a peaceful park in the heart of Lagos. It was once a prison but is now a place for people to relax, remember history, and enjoy cultural events. It was built to celebrate Nigeria’s 50th Independence Anniversary in 2010.

Tinubu Square is a famous open space named after a historical figure. It’s a popular spot in Nigeria.

Tafawa Balewa Square was once a racecourse and where Nigeria’s independence was announced in 1960. It has large sculptures and can hold many people, though it needs repairs.

Ndubuisi Kanu Park is a favorite green space for people to unwind.

Zoos

The Lekki Conservation Centre is Lagos’s main zoo. It has monkeys, birds, snakes, and crocodiles, along with a small museum. On Sundays, it is sometimes used for long religious services. It’s one of the most visited spots in Lagos.

Lufasi Nature Park helps protect wildlife and nature. It’s also used as a filming location for movies.

Buildings

• National Theatre, Iganmu, now called the Wole Soyinka Center for Culture and Creative Arts.
• Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge, Nigeria’s first cable-stayed bridge.
• The Oba’s (Kings) Palace at Iga Idunganran – home to the Oba of Lagos, who keeps the city’s traditions.
• Cathedral Church of Christ, Lagos

Statues

• Herbert Macaulay memorial statue,
• Welcome to Lagos statue showing three traditional chiefs with a message about being careful and thoughtful in the city.

Other tourist attractions

• Takwa Bay – a great spot to watch ships and enjoy water sports.
• Festac Town

Culture

Lagos is a cultural center of Nigeria. As a port city and the starting point of British colonization, Western influences are strong here. All Nigerian ethnic groups can be found in the city, with the Yoruba people being the largest group. The music and film industries in Lagos are very active and well-known around the world.

Lagos has many interesting buildings, like the National Arts Theatre with its unique design and the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge. The city is also home to important art galleries, such as the Nike Art Gallery, and museums like the National Museum and the John K. Randle Centre, which showcase Nigerian culture and history.

Lagos has many festivals throughout the year, including the Lagos Carnival, Eko International Film Festival, and Lagos Photo Festival. The city is famous for its music, with many different styles such as Nigerian hip hop, highlife, and Afrobeats. International musicians have performed in Lagos, adding to its vibrant music scene.

The city is also known for its film industry, called Nollywood. Many movies are made and filmed in Lagos, including both Nigerian and international productions.

Main articles: Nigerian cuisine and African cuisine

Sports

Association football is the most popular sport in Lagos. Well-known football clubs from Lagos include Bridge Boys F.C., MFM F.C., and First Bank, which all compete in the Nigeria National League, the second level of Nigerian football.

The Nigeria national football team, called the Super Eagles, used to play most of their home games in Lagos at the National Stadium in Surulere. Later, some games were held at the Abuja National Stadium in Abuja. Today, the team mostly plays at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. Lagos also hosted the 2nd All-African Games in 1973.

Quality of life

Lagos has been ranked among cities with lower quality of life. In 2018, it was 218th out of 241 cities studied around the world. By 2023, it was second only to Manila in having the lowest quality of life in a global survey.

However, local views show a different side. From 2024 to 2026, Lagos appeared each year in Time Out magazine’s list of the “50 Best Cities in the World.” In the 2024 survey, 96 percent of local people said they were happy, and each year more than two-thirds said it is easy to make friends there.

Main article: CPI
Main articles: Transparency International, Time Out magazine

Social situation, informal economy

Lagos has people with very different levels of wealth, from the very rich to the very poor. Many young people and families move to Lagos from all over Nigeria and other places, looking for a better life. In some areas of Lagos, people live with one of the highest standards of living in Nigeria and Africa.

Because there aren’t enough traditional jobs, many people work in what is called the informal economy. This means they do jobs like selling things on the street, fixing items, driving shared taxis, or working in small markets. These jobs often don’t have rules about pay or safety, and workers don’t pay taxes. According to the International Monetary Fund, about 5.5 million people in Lagos work in these informal jobs, which is most of the city’s workforce. Because these jobs aren’t counted in official records, it’s hard to know exactly how many people are unemployed or how much money they make.

Crime

Lagos, one of Nigeria's largest cities, has fewer violent incidents compared to rural areas. Recent records show that the number of serious incidents in Lagos is lower than in many other parts of the country. This helps make Lagos a safer place to live for many people.

Education

See also: List of schools in Lagos

The government of Lagos State runs public schools. The education system in Nigeria follows a 6-3-3-4 pattern, which includes Primary, Junior Secondary School (JSS), Senior Secondary School (SSS), and university levels. Every child receives basic education, with special attention given to the first nine years. Many schools in Nigeria are funded by the government and often are boarding schools. Some well-known schools include Federal Government College Odogbolu (FGCOdogbolu), Federal Government Girls' College Sagamu (FGGCSagamu), and Federal Government College Kano (FGCKano). Lagos also has its own government-funded schools such as Federal Government College Ijanikin (FGC Lagos), King's College Lagos, and Queen's College Lagos.

Lagos is home to many colleges, universities, and vocational schools run by either the government or private groups.

Vocational schools

• Institute for Industrial Technology (IIT): founded in 2000, IIT is a technical vocational school for young men from families with limited resources. Its teaching style follows the Dual Training System.

Polytechnics

• Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH): founded in 1934, this college is Nigeria's first higher education school and the third in Africa. It is a center for culture and history, with over 16,000 students.
• Lagos City Polytechnic, located at 6/8, Bashiru Oweh Street, Off Simbiat Abiola Road (formerly Medical Road), Ikeja – This was the first private Polytechnic in Nigeria, established in 1990 by Engr. Babatunde Odufuwa. Engr. Odufuwa comes from Oke-Aye in Ijebu North East Local Government Area of Ogun State.
• Grace Polytechnic
• Wolex Polytechnic
• Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology offers courses in fisheries technology, general science, marine engineering, and nautical science.
• Federal College of Education (tech) Akoka
• Ronik Polytechnic

Universities

• The University of Lagos (UNILAG) Akoka, founded in 1962, is a large school with over 55,000 students. It has 13 different areas of study and is supported by over 4,000 staff members.
• Lagos State University (LASU) was established in 1983 and owned by the Lagos State government. Its main campus is in Ojo, along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.
• Pan-Atlantic University (formerly Pan-African University) includes a business school (LBS), a school of Media and Communication (SMC), and an entrepreneurial development centre (EDC). It offers short courses for small and medium businesses. The School of Media and Communication is known for its practical courses in journalism, media, and marketing, and awards BSc., MSc., and Ph.D. degrees in social sciences. Founded in 1996 and granted university status in 2002, the university also focuses on the study of art, including the Virtual Museum of Modern Nigerian Art.
• National Open University of Nigeria is the first open university in Nigeria, located on Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos.
• Caleb University is a private university in Imota, Lagos.
• Lagos State College of Health Technology (LASCOHET) offers health-related courses such as Health Information Management, Pharmacist Tech, Medical Laboratory Tech, Community Health Extension, and Environmental Health Technology, and is located in Yaba.
• Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM), Ikeja
• College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL)

Healthcare

Further information: List of hospitals in Lagos

Lagos has many hospitals and medical facilities. The oldest hospital in Nigeria is in the city, along with West Africa's first air-operated emergency medical service, which started there. The healthcare system in Lagos has both public and private parts, offering care at different levels, from basic to very advanced.

Transportation

Main article: Transport in Lagos

Lagos has one of the largest road networks in West Africa. It also has trains and ferry services. Highways can get very busy during rush hours because of the city's size and growth. Lagos is connected to other places by many roads and bridges.

Lagos has important roads like the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway and the Lagos–Abeokuta Expressway. These roads connect Lagos to nearby states. The city is also part of big travel routes that go across Africa.

The city has special buses and a train system. Since 2021, people have used cards to pay for bus and train rides instead of cash. There are two main bus services: BRT and LBSL. Both use air-conditioned buses. BRT started in 2008 and has special lanes for its buses. LBSL began in 2019 and uses buses made in Brazil.

The city’s train system started in February 2023. The Blue Line runs between Mile 2 and Marina, while the Red Line runs between Agbado and Oyingbo. More train lines are planned for the future.

Lagos also has trains that go to Ibadan. These trains run a few times each day on certain days of the week.

Yellow minibuses called "Danfo" are a common way to get around the city. They follow set routes but don’t have a fixed schedule.

Ferry services are also popular because they can be much faster than driving. The main ferry terminal is Five Cowries, which opened in 2018. It has many services for passengers and connects to several parts of the city.

Lagos’s main airport is Murtala Muhammed International Airport, one of the busiest in Africa. It has been updated many times over the years. A new airport in Lekki-Epe was approved in 2023.

Recycling, sewage and water supply

In Lagos, not all the waste is collected, and only a small part is recycled. Every day, a large amount of waste is created. Some people burn their waste, which makes the air dirtier.

Tap water in Lagos is not safe to drink but can be used for other things like cooking and showering. The water in the pipes is often dirty. The city gets its water from rivers because the nearby lagoon water is too polluted. Many people in Lagos live in areas without clean water or proper toilets. Without a good sewage system, dirty water mixes with rainwater and flows into rivers and lakes, making them polluted. This can also dirty the water in wells and affect water sold by some sellers.

Notable people

Main article: List of people from Lagos

Main category: People from Lagos

Lagos has been home to many famous individuals across different fields. These people have contributed to various areas such as arts, sports, and business, making the city well-known. You can learn more about them in the lists provided above.

Twin towns – sister cities

See also: List of twin towns and sister cities in Nigeria

Lagos has friendly connections with several cities around the world. These include:

• Atlanta, Georgia, United States
• Gary, Indiana, United States
• Belo Horizonte, Brazil
• Bucharest, Romania
• Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago

These partnerships help cities share ideas and support each other.