Lagos

Lagos is a major metropolitan city located in south-western Nigeria. With an estimated population exceeding 21 million residents, it stands as Nigeria’s largest urban centre and the most populous metropolitan area on the African continent. Recognised as one of the world’s fastest-growing megacities, Lagos plays a dominant role in the economic, cultural and political life of Nigeria, exerting wide-ranging influence across commerce, entertainment, technology, education, tourism and the arts. Formerly the national capital until 1991, it remains the country’s principal commercial hub and a primary gateway to West Africa.

Etymology

The name Lagos derives from the Portuguese word for “lakes”, taken from Lagos, a coastal city in Portugal that served as a centre for maritime expeditions in the 15th century. British and Nigerian English typically pronounce the name in a standardised form, while American English often uses a pronunciation closer to Portuguese phonology. The indigenous Yoruba name Èkó, still widely used by local populations, predates colonial naming and refers to early settlements established by Yoruba groups in the area.

Historical Background

Lagos originated as a settlement of the Awori, a subgroup of the Yoruba people, who occupied islands and coastal farmsteads in the region from at least the 15th century. Their farmstead, known as Èrèkö in Yoruba, lent its name to the indigenous city. The early settlement was protected naturally by barrier islands and sand spits along the Atlantic coast, with creeks and the Lagos Lagoon forming a network of waterways that shaped early urban development.
With increasing population growth and trade, the settlement expanded from Lagos Island to include mainland communities such as Surulere and Ajeromi-Ifelodun. Colonial development formalised Lagos as an administrative and commercial centre, and in the 20th century the city became the capital of Nigeria, a status it held until the seat of government was relocated to Abuja in 1991.

Administrative Structure

Lagos is not administered as a single municipality. Instead, it comprises multiple Local Government Areas (LGAs) forming the wider metropolitan region. Before 1967, Lagos City was managed by the Lagos City Council, covering Lagos Island, Ikoyi and Victoria Island. The creation of Lagos State in 1967 restructured the city into several LGAs, and subsequent urban expansion incorporated additional settlements from western Nigeria into the metropolitan zone.
Today, Metropolitan Lagos consists of 16 LGAs and encompasses both the islands of the former municipality and extensive mainland suburbs. This urban agglomeration accounts for roughly 85 per cent of the population of Lagos State while occupying about 37 per cent of its land area. By the early 2000s, Lagos had grown beyond state boundaries into parts of neighbouring Ogun State, forming the Greater Metropolitan Lagos or Lagos Megacity Region.

Urban Expansion and Development

The rapid growth of Lagos, particularly following the oil boom of the 1970s, resulted in accelerated urbanisation, dense population centres and the emergence of new suburban districts. Migration from across Nigeria and West Africa contributed to the city’s cultural diversity and demographic expansion. This sustained growth continues to reshape the built environment, reflected in the proliferation of high-rise buildings, commercial districts and extensive infrastructure networks.
Lagos has become central to the Abidjan–Lagos Corridor, a transnational coastal megalopolis that extends across several West African countries. The city’s role in this emerging megaregion underscores its importance in regional trade, transport and urban development.

Economy and Infrastructure

Lagos is a major African financial centre with one of the highest Gross Domestic Products on the continent. Its economy is anchored by finance, entertainment, manufacturing, technology and maritime trade. The Port of Apapa, one of Africa’s busiest seaports, forms a critical gateway for imports and exports.
Key infrastructure includes:

• Murtala Muhammed International Airport, one of Africa’s busiest airports.
• A dense network of roads, bridges and expressways connecting the island and mainland districts.
• Major commercial zones such as Victoria Island, Ikeja and the Lagos Central Business District around Tinubu Square.

The city also hosts significant educational and cultural institutions, including the University of Lagos, one of Nigeria’s first-generation universities.

Demography

Population figures for Lagos vary widely and have been the subject of considerable debate. The 2006 National Population Census recorded approximately 8 million inhabitants in Metropolitan Lagos. However, Lagos State Government estimates placed the population closer to 16 million at that time, arguing that federal census figures underestimated urban densities.
The city continues to experience exceptional demographic growth, with estimates indicating an annual increase of roughly 300,000 residents. By 2022, projections placed the population of Greater Lagos at about 28 million, suggesting that the city may have surpassed Kinshasa as Africa’s most populous metropolis. Divergences in population estimates reflect differing methodologies, migration patterns and the challenges of enumerating residents in a rapidly expanding urban environment.

Contemporary Lagos

Today, the term Lagos typically refers to the urban agglomeration comprising both the historic islands and extensive mainland suburbs. The Lagos State Government administers essential services, including transportation, water supply, health and education. The city is characterised by a mix of modern high-rise skylines, sprawling informal settlements, busy commercial centres and vibrant cultural districts.