Lagos Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / March 15, 2025
Lagos Then
Lagos, a vibrant metropolis in Nigeria, is the largest city in the country and one of the largest in sub-Saharan Africa.
Historically significant, Lagos served as the capital of Lagos State until 1975 and was Nigeria’s federal capital until December 1991, when Abuja assumed the role.
Despite these changes, Lagos remains a central hub for commerce and governance, hosting numerous government agencies.
Located on Lagos Island in Lagos Lagoon, the city’s position along the Bight of Benin in the Gulf of Guinea underscores its importance as a major port.
The city’s name, derived from the Portuguese word for “lakes,” reflects historical ties to Portuguese explorers of the 15th century. The native Yoruba name, Èkó, is still widely used by Yoruba speakers.
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The dual pronunciations of Lagos—/ˈleɪɡɒs/ (LAY-goss) in British and Nigerian English and /ˈlɑːɡoʊs/ (LAH-gohss) in American English—highlight its linguistic and cultural richness, linking its identity to both local heritage and historical European influences.
Lagos History
Lagos has a rich and multifaceted history shaped by its strategic coastal location and interactions with various cultures over centuries.
Portuguese explorers first landed on Lagos Island in 1472, naming the area Onim and later Lagos, after the Portuguese town of the same name.
By the 16th century, the Portuguese established a lucrative slave trade in collaboration with local rulers, facilitated by asientos de negros, which granted them exclusive rights to sell slaves in the Spanish Americas.
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The relationship between the Portuguese and the local obas (kings) fostered a thriving slave trade that persisted until British intervention.
In 1851, British efforts to suppress the transatlantic slave trade led to a naval attack on Lagos and the deposition of the reigning oba.
Despite this, the trade continued until Lagos was formally annexed by Britain in 1861, becoming a crown colony.
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Initially part of the United Kingdom’s West African Settlements and later the Gold Coast Colony, Lagos eventually achieved separate colonial status in 1886.
It became part of the Protectorate of Southern Nigeria in 1906 and, following the 1914 amalgamation of Southern and Northern Nigeria, was designated the capital of the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria.
Lagos played a central role in Nigeria’s path to independence, serving as the capital of the newly independent nation in 1960.
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The city continued to grow, but by the 1970s, challenges such as overcrowding, pollution, and traffic congestion prompted the development of a new federal capital, Abuja. Nonetheless, Lagos remained a vital economic and cultural hub.
The geography of Lagos also plays a significant role in its history. The city’s topography is characterized by interconnected islands, sandbars, and lagoons, with the original settlement on Lagos Island expanding to include Ikoyi, Victoria Island, and Iddo, now connected to the mainland through land reclamation and bridge networks.
Over time, Lagos evolved into a sprawling urban center, with its southwestern shore becoming the city’s commercial heart, housing financial institutions, administrative offices, and educational facilities.
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Industrially, Lagos has diversified significantly. It is a hub for electronics manufacturing, automobile assembly, food processing, metalworks, and the production of textiles, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
Its port at Apapa Quay remains crucial for Nigeria’s exports, while the city is a transportation nexus, featuring extensive road, rail, and air connections.
Culturally and educationally, Lagos is home to prominent institutions like the University of Lagos, the National Library, the National Museum, and vibrant city libraries.
These centers highlight the city’s role as an intellectual and cultural beacon in Nigeria and beyond.
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Lagos Now
Lagos, a sprawling metropolitan city in southwestern Nigeria, stands as a bustling epicenter of activity and growth.
With an estimated population of 21 million, it is not only the largest city in Nigeria but also the most populous urban area on the African continent.
Its population has been a subject of debate, with figures ranging from the 9 million reported in the 2006 federal census to estimates of over 28 million in the greater Lagos area as of 2022.
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This growth, fueled by migration and urbanization, places Lagos among the world’s fastest-growing cities, a status further reinforced by its dynamic economy and cultural vibrancy.
Historically, Lagos served as the national capital of Nigeria until 1991, when Abuja was designated the new capital to address issues of overcrowding and centralize governance.
Despite this change, Lagos remains the country’s economic hub, wielding significant influence across sectors such as commerce, technology, entertainment, and fashion.
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With the fourth-highest GDP in Africa, Lagos is a megacity that houses one of the continent’s busiest seaports, classifying it as a Medium-Port Megacity.
Its global appeal was highlighted in 2024 when Time Out magazine ranked Lagos as the 19th best city to visit worldwide.
The city’s rapid urban expansion is part of a broader transnational megalopolis known as the Abidjan–Lagos Corridor, which spans five West African nations.
Within Lagos itself, landmarks like Tinubu Square, named after the influential slave trader and aristocrat Efunroye Tinubu, reflect its historical depth.
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Meanwhile, institutions like the University of Lagos, one of Nigeria’s first-generation universities, emphasize its educational prominence.
Lagos also boasts key infrastructure that underscores its global connectivity and role in international affairs.
The Murtala Muhammed International Airport, named after a former Nigerian president, is among Africa’s busiest airports, while the Lagos National Stadium has hosted major events, including the 1980 African Cup of Nations.
As Lagos continues to grow and evolve, its significance as a cultural, economic, and logistical powerhouse remains undeniable, solidifying its status as a leading city on the African continent.
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FAQs
Lagos, Nigeria, is famous for its vibrant culture, economic significance, bustling ports, and status as Africa’s largest city.
It is a hub for commerce, entertainment, fashion, and technology. Lagos, Portugal, is known for its stunning beaches, historic sites, and as a popular tourist destination.
There are two notable places named Lagos: one is a major city in Nigeria, and the other is a coastal town in Portugal. Both are distinct locations with unique characteristics.
Lagos, Portugal, is popular for its beautiful beaches, dramatic cliffs, historic charm, and vibrant tourism scene, making it a favorite destination for visitors seeking relaxation and adventure.
Lagos, Nigeria, can be relatively affordable for locals but may be expensive for visitors, depending on lifestyle and accommodation.
Lagos, Portugal, offers a mix of budget-friendly and luxury options, though it can be pricier during peak tourist seasons.