Lagos is one of the 36 states in Nigeria. It is the fastest growing city in Africa and one of the fastest growing cities globally. Currently with a population of 15,388,000 people, it has the highest population in the country but is the smallest state. Yoruba, Igbo and Awori are commonly spoken in Nigeria and the currency used is the Nigerian naira. In this video, we will discover 10 interesting facts about this former federal capital of Nigeria.

The city of Lagos is divided into two; The Island and Mainland. The island consists of major places like Victoria Island, Lekki and Ikoyi while the mainland comprises Ebute-Meta, Yaba, Surulere, Ikeja, site of Murtala Muhammed International Airport and capital of Lagos state.

The mainland has the cheapest rates when it comes to accommodation. Housing and the cost of living is relatively manageable. Lagos mainland is where the hustle and bustle of the city is, as well as lots of fun. Ikeja is the most exclusive residential area on the mainland, followed by Surulere. Ikeja is a well planned and developed residential suburb built initially during the colonial period to house the upper class. It has a Government Reserved Area where several high-ranking government officials and their families reside.

Living on Lagos island, on the other hand, is seen as a status change. Renting an apartment is very expensive. Depicting a classy and serene environment, it is home to many world-class shopping plazas, supermarkets, spas, fashion houses and boutiques among many others. There are also beautiful ultra-modern structures and luxury apartments. Victoria island, which is on the island, is both a residential and commercial state. It is one of the most affluent areas with some of the most expensive real estate properties in Nigeria, a diplomatic center, many foreign embassies and consulates, good and expensive hospitals as well as international schools. Ikoyi is also another affluent area on the island, presently a home to expatriate workers. It is one of the most developed towns on the island.

Lagos has been home to the tallest building in Nigeria for years. The Nigerian External Communication House(NECOM House) is the tallest building in Nigeria standing 160 meters higher than the city. It is also believed to be one of the tallest buildings in West Africa. It was designed by a Ghanaian architectural company, Nickson Borys and Partners, while it was built by the British company, Costain Group.

The NECOM House took over from the Cocoa House as the tallest building in Nigeria in 1979. This ended its 14 years reign as the tallest building in the country. NECOM House is said to be 5 times taller than the Cocoa House. It has a total of 32 floors and stands at 15 Marina overlooking the Lagos waterfront. The communication spire at the top of the tower serves as a beacon. This helps to guide ships at night.

The third mainland bridge is the longest of the three bridges connecting the mainland to the island. It was the longest bridge in Africa until 1996 when the 6th October Bridge in Cairo was completed. It starts at Oworonshoki that is linked to Apapa-Oshodi expressway and Lagos Ibadan expressway, ending at the Adeniji Adele Interchange on Lagos Island. Another link runs midway through the bridge leading to Herbert Macaulay Way, Yaba.

The bridge was built in phases. The 1st phase was contracted to a PGH consortium. It was designed to be 5 kilometers in length, from the island and ending at Ebute Metta, towards Yaba. Julius Berger of Nigeria PLC, was in charge of the second phase of the bridge. President Shehu Shagari commissioned phase one of the project in 1980 and was completed by President Ibrahim Babanginda in 1990. It measures about 11.8 kilometers in length and it elevates to 3 kilometers above the water.

The bridge has undergone a number of repairs and renovations over the years. The eight lane bridge experienced a new look during the last repair exercise, which saw the painting of the bridge guide with the colors of Nigeria as well as general painting.

Lagos is a port city, an important transport hub of the country. Lagos ports handle ⅘ of Nigeria’s imports and 70% of exports. The Apapa port is estimated to be the fifth busiest port in West Africa. According to the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Lagos has two ports: Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port Complex.

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2022 Africa Revealed

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