Lagos State

Lagos State (Yoruba: Ìpínlẹ̀ Èkó, Gun: Ayìmátẹ̀n Awọnlìn tọ̀n) is a state in South West, Nigeria. Of the 36 Nigerian states, Lagos is the second most populous state but the smallest in terms of land mass. Bounded to the south by the Bight of Benin and to the west by the international border with Benin for 10 km, Lagos State borders Ogun State to the north for about 283 km, making it the only Nigerian state to border only one other state. Named for the city of Lagos—the most populous city in Africa—the state was formed from the Western Region and the former Federal Capital Territory on 27 May 1967.
Geographically, Lagos State is dominated by bodies of water with nearly a quarter of the state's area covered with bodies of water. The largest of these bodies are the Lagos and Lekki lagoons in the state's interior with the Ogun and Osun rivers flowing into them. Many other rivers and creeks flow throughout the state and serve as vital means of transportation for people and goods. On land, non-urbanized areas are within the tropical Nigerian lowland forests ecoregion with natural areas containing threatened populations of mona monkey, tree pangolin, and hooded vulture along with a transitory population of African bush elephants. Offshore, the state is also biodiverse as there are large fish populations along with African manatees and crocodiles.
Lagos State has been inhabited for years by various indigenous ethnic groups, primarily the majority Yoruba people who live throughout the state but also the Ewe and Ogu peoples in the far west. As a result of migration since the nineteenth century, Lagos State also has large populations of non-native Nigerian ethnic groups with Edo, Fulani, Hausa, Igbo, Ijaw, Ibibio, Efik, and Nupe peoples among other Nigerian groups. There are also groups from outside of Nigeria's modern borders with the Saro (Sierra Leonean) and Amaro (Brazilian) groups being descendants of formerly enslaved people who returned to Africa in the 1800s with a longstanding Middle Eastern Nigerian community (mainly Syrian and Lebanese Nigerians) also forming a significant part of Lagos' population along with recent immigrants from Benin, China, Ghana, India, Togo, and the United Kingdom. Religiously, the state is also diverse, as there is a sizable number of Christian, Muslim and traditional ethnic religions.
In the pre-colonial period, the area that is now Lagos State was mainly fishing villages and ports that at various points were controlled by states including the Oyo Empire and Benin Kingdom until the early 1800s when the city of Lagos had developed into a major kingdom of its own right. In 1850, the British successfully attacked the kingdom in the Bombardment of Lagos before installing an ally as Oba and signing a treaty that established Lagos as being under British protection. Ten years later, the forced Lagos Treaty of Cession led to the formal establishment of the Lagos Colony. In 1906, the colony was incorporated into the new Southern Nigeria Protectorate which merged into British Nigeria in 1914 with the city of Lagos as its capital. Upon independence in 1960, Lagos remained as the capital with much of the city forming the Federal Capital Territory while the rest of modern-day Lagos State was a part of the Western Region until 1967 when the region was split and the area became Lagos State.
Economically, Lagos State is one of the fastest-growing urban areas in the world. It contains the most populous city in Nigeria and one of the most important states in the country, a major financial centre and has one of the largest economies in Africa with a gross domestic product of $84 billion comparable with Ghana's $75 billion, Angola's $70 billion, and Ethiopia's $93 billion. Lagos State is also a key culture, education, and transportation hub for Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa. Additionally, the state also has the highest literacy rate in Nigeria. It is known for its vibrant culture, bustling markets, and significant economic activities. Despite overcrowding and chronic debilitating traffic, Lagos State has the highest Human Development Index in Nigeria and numerous developmental projects.
Before the Portuguese name of Lagos had been adopted, Lagos' initial name was Eko which referred mainly to the Island. The first to settle in Eko were the Aworis. Trade later drew various groups to the island, including the Portuguese in the 16th century. The Awori hunters and fishermen had originally come from Ile-Ife to the coast.
It was in 1760 that the name Lagos was adopted by the Portuguese. Naming it after a city in Southern Portugal which was used as port for slave trade.
In late 1851, the British Royal Navy bombarded Lagos (in present-day Nigeria) in the "Reduction of Lagos." The attack aimed to suppress the Atlantic slave trade, which had thrived in Lagos since the arrival of the Portuguese. The British sought to depose Oba Kosoko, who resisted efforts to end the trade. After Kosoko fled, the British installed Oba Akitoye, a more cooperative ruler aligned with their anti-slavery efforts. In 1861, Oba Docemo was the one who signed the treaty making Lagos a British colony.
The Lagos Colony was established in 1861 when the British annexed Lagos, primarily to suppress the transatlantic slave trade and establish a base for expanding British commercial and political influence in West Africa. Strategically located along the Atlantic coast, Lagos quickly became a major center for trade, particularly in palm oil, cocoa, and cotton, which were in high demand in Europe during the Industrial Revolution. Its deep natural harbor made it an essential port for British shipping and trade routes. Economically, Lagos became a gateway for exporting goods and importing British manufactured products, boosting colonial revenues and strengthening British dominance in the region. Politically, Lagos served as the administrative and military base for British expansion into the Nigerian interior, facilitating the broader colonization of Nigeria through treaties, military campaigns, and indirect rule. The infrastructure and institutions established in Lagos during the colonial period laid the foundation for modern Nigeria’s economic and political systems.
Lagos State was created on 27 May 1967 according to the State Creation and Transitional Provisions Decree No. 14 of 1967, which restructured Nigeria into a federation of 12 states. Before the issuance of this Decree, Lagos city, which was the country's capital had been administered directly by the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Lagos Affairs. However, Ikeja, Agege, Mushin, Ikorodu, Epe, Surulere, and Badagry were administered by the then Western Region Government. Lagos, the city, along with these other towns were captured to create the state of Lagos, with the state becoming fully recognized as a semi-autonomous administrative division on 11 April 1968. Lagos served the dual role of being the State and Federal Capital until 1976 when the capital of the state was moved to Ikeja. After the full establishment of the Federal Capital Territory, based on the recommendation of the Akinola Àgùdà–led committee set up by General Murtala Muhammed to review the need for a new capital for Nigeria in 1975. The seat of the Federal Government was formally relocated to Abuja on 12 December 1991. Nevertheless, Lagos remains the financial centre of the country, and even grew to become the most populous city in the state and the country.
The 2002 Ikeja Armoury Explosion occurred on January 27, 2002, when a series of explosions took place at the Ikeja Cantonment in Lagos, Nigeria. The blast, believed to have been caused by the improper storage of explosives and ammunition, led to a massive fire that spread throughout the area. It resulted in the deaths of over 1,000 people and displaced thousands more as buildings were destroyed and debris scattered across neighboring communities. The explosion also caused significant damage to properties and triggered widespread panic in Lagos.
In the 2012 Nigerian floods, Lagos was heavily affected, with large areas submerged, displacing thousands of people, damaging infrastructure, and highlighting the vulnerability of the state to climate-induced disasters. Lagos is a coastal state with a vast lagoon, making it highly susceptible to flooding, especially during heavy rainfall. The city occasionally experiences severe floods, which have worsened due to poor drainage systems and urbanization. Rising sea levels pose a significant threat, with climate change increasing the risk of devastating floods that could wipe out parts of the city.
The first confirmed case in Nigeria was announced on 27 February 2020, when an Italian national in Lagos tested positive for the virus. On 9 March 2020, a second case of the virus was reported in Ewekoro, Ogun State, a Nigerian citizen who came into contact with the Italian national.
The End SARS protest in Lagos State was a nationwide movement in October 2020 aimed at ending police brutality, specifically targeting the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a notorious unit known for its abuse of power. In Lagos, the protests were largely peaceful but escalated on October 20, when the Lekki Toll Gate shooting occurred, where security forces fired on unarmed protester. The incident led to widespread outrage, both locally and internationally. The protests resulted in significant social and political impact, raising awareness about police violence and leading to calls for police reforms. However, the violence and destruction that followed caused extensive damage to businesses, infrastructure, and lives, leaving a lasting scar on the state’s economy and social fabric.
Lagos is the most populous city in Lagos State, Nigeria as a whole, and the continent of Africa. The conurbation is one of the most populous in the world. Lagos is a port which originated on islands separated by creeks, such as Lagos Island, fringing the southwest mouth of Lagos Lagoon while protected from the Atlantic Ocean by barrier islands and long sand spits such as Bar Beach, which stretch up to 100 kilometres (62 miles) east and west of the mouth. The metropolitan area of Lagos includes Ikeja (which is the capital of Lagos State) and Agege and Mushin.
Ikeja is the state capital of Lagos State. Ikeja is a planned residential and commercial town with shopping malls, pharmacies and government reserved areas. The Murtala Mohammed International Airport is in Ikeja. Ikeja is also home to Fela Kuti's African Shrine, Late Chief Gani Fawehinmi house and Lagbaja's Motherland. It also has the largest shopping center on the mainland.
Lekki is a city in the south eastern part of the state. It is a naturally formed peninsula, it is still largely under construction. As of 2015, only phase 1 of the project had been completed, with phase 2 nearing completion. The peninsula is approximately 70 to 80 km long, with an average width of 10 km. Lekki currently houses several estates, gated residential developments, agricultural farmlands, areas allocated for a Free Trade Zone, an airport, and a sea port under construction. The proposed land use master plan for the Lekki envisages the Peninsula as a "Blue-Green Environment City", expected to accommodate over 3.4 million residential population and an additional non-residential population of at least 1.9 million.
Ikorodu is a city located north-east of the state along the Lagos Lagoon. It shares a boundary with Ogun State. As of the 2006 Census, Ikorodu boosted population of about 535,619. It is the third largest city in the south-west after Ibadan and Lagos while it is the 12th largest city in Nigeria. In 2022, it had an estimated population of 1,041,066. The population of the city currently grows at 5.26% annually, and it is projected to reach 1.7 million by 2035.
Eko Atlantic is a planned city being constructed on land reclaimed from the Atlantic Ocean. It is located on the former Lagos' Bar Beach. Upon completion, the new island which is still under development is anticipating at least 250,000 residents and a daily flow of at least 150,000 commuters. The development will also have a positive environmental impact; its purpose is to stop the erosion of the Lagos coastline. The Eko Atlantic City project received global recognition in 2009, as the Lagos State government and its private sector partners on the Project, South Energyx, received the Clinton Global Initiative Commitment Certificate.
Badagry is a coastal town in the state. It is situated between Metropolitan Lagos, and the border of the Republic of Benin at Seme. As of the preliminary 2006 census results, the municipality had a population of 241,093. The area is led by a traditional king, Akran De Wheno Aholu Menu – Toyi 1, who is also the permanent vice-chairman of obas and chiefs in Lagos State. It is known to hold the country's oldest storey building. Badagry is home to the Ewe and Egun people who are predominantly fishermen.
Epe is a town located on the north side of the Lekki Lagoon. It is popular for the fishing activities attributed to the city. Per the 2006 Census the population of Epe was 181,409.
Epe is widely regarded as Lagos's fishing capital. Fishing is the main occupation of the people here, so it is no surprise that a sculpture of two giant fishes, erected at the Lekki-Epe T-Junction, welcomes you to Epe. The Epe Fish Market is regarded as Lagos's largest seafood market.
Epe town is well-known for its tranquilly. Aside from the adventure, sightseeing, and serenity, you also have access to low-cost animal protein.
Epe, like any other society, has special occasions and festivals where people come together to celebrate. Epe residents celebrate various festivals such as the Kayo-kayo festival, the Ebi bi festival, Ojude-Oba, and the Epe day.
Some campuses of popular higher education institutions in Lagos can be found within Epe. Lagos State University (LASU), Pan-Atlantic University (PAU), Yaba College of Technology, and Michael Otedola College of Primary Education are among them (MOCOPED).
Epe is also the birthplace of notable individuals such as former Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and Nigerian businessman Femi Otedola.
Ojo is a town mainly occupied by the Aworis with a population of 507,693. Lagos State University is in this town.
Lagos State, with a Gross domestic product (GDP) in 2025 estimated to be over US$250 billion, is the major economic centre of Nigeria. The state's dynamic economy, driven by its bustling port, thriving tech scene, and a robust manufacturing sector, is continuously expanding, positioning Lagos as a significant global economic hub. If Lagos were an independent nation, it would rank among the top 30 economies globally and it would be the fifth largest economy in Africa. Lagos State houses headquarters of most conglomerates and commercial banks in Nigeria. The state has the lowest incidence of extreme poverty (around 1.3% of the population against a national average of 31%) of all states in Nigeria, according to World Bank data from 2018. Despite that, slums and poverty are a major issue in the Lagos area.
Its total generated revenue in 2017 was around ₦334 billion (equivalent to US$920 million), growing by 10.43% compared to 2016. By the first half of 2021, the State's internally generated revenue (IGR) alone stood at over ₦267 billion.
As the commercial capital of Nigeria, Lagos plays a central role in shaping the nation's financial and industrial landscapes. If Lagos were an independent nation, it would rank among the top 30 economies globally. The state's dynamic economy, driven by its bustling port, thriving tech scene, and a robust manufacturing sector, is continuously expanding, positioning Lagos as a significant global economic hub.
Lagos is often referred to as the financial capital of West Africa, anchored by Victoria Island and Ikoyi, areas that house numerous multinational corporations, banks, and investment firms. The city is home to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), one of Africa's largest, and serves as the heartbeat of trade and investment for the continent. With a thriving banking sector, a rapidly growing tech ecosystem, and a wealth of entrepreneurial opportunities, Lagos has established itself as the most Important financial cities not just of Nigeria but of Africa. The state's economic importance cannot be overstated, as it consistently drives a large portion of the nation's economic output and foreign investments.
Lagos is the Silicon Valley of Africa, home to a growing tech ecosystem known as “Tech Lagos.” The city is a hotspot for tech startups, fintech companies, and venture capital investments, drawing international tech giants like Google, Facebook, and Microsoft to establish regional offices. The state's government actively supports this growth with initiatives aimed at promoting digital entrepreneurship and technological innovation. Lagos boasts a thriving tech scene in Yaba, a district also known as “Silicon Lagoon,” where many startups are creating cutting-edge solutions that are transforming industries across Africa. With Calm incubators, co-working spaces, and a vibrant community of tech entrepreneurs, Lagos is fast becoming a key player in the global tech arena.
Lagos is the cultural heart of Nigeria and one of the leading media and entertainment capitals of the world. The city is the epicenter of Nollywood, Africa's booming film industry, which produces thousands of films annually, contributing significantly to the economy. Lagos is also home to some of the continent's most iconic music acts, with genres like Afrobeats gaining global popularity. The state's vibrant arts scene, alongside world-class fashion, design, and digital media industries, establishes Lagos as a creative hub, fueling the cultural economy and shaping global trends. The Lagos Fashion Week and numerous music festivals attract international attention, making Lagos a global leader in entertainment and media.
Lagos, with its vast coastal stretch, is strategically positioned as a gateway for international trade. The Port of Lagos, Africa's largest and busiest port, plays a crucial role in facilitating the movement of goods across the continent and beyond. Lagos' agriculture sector is also vibrant, producing significant quantities of cassava, yams, coconut, and palm oil. The state is a major exporter of these products to global markets, further cementing its role as an economic leader in Africa. With a growing focus on agribusiness and sustainable farming, Lagos is increasing its agricultural exports while also ensuring that its agricultural practices meet the demands of both local and international markets.
As the largest economy in Nigeria, Lagos is making significant strides in advancing its energy sector. The state is investing in sustainable energy solutions, with growing initiatives in solar power, wind energy, and bioenergy. The Lagos State government has also committed to reducing carbon emissions and promoting green energy solutions. With access to abundant natural resources, Lagos is aiming to become a global leader in renewable energy and a model for sustainable development in Africa.
Lekki Free Trade Zone (Lekki FTZ) is a free zone situated at the eastern part of Lekki, which covers a total area of about 155 square kilometres. The first phase of the zone has an area of 30 square kilometres, with about 27 square kilometres for urban construction purposes, which would accommodate a total resident population of 120,000. According to the Master Plan, the free zone will be developed into a new modern city within a city with integration of industries, commerce and business, real estate development, warehousing and logistics, tourism, and entertainment.
The following mineral resources are found in Lagos State:
Lagos State’s water boundaries are defined by the Atlantic Ocean to the south and the Lagos Lagoon to the east. The state is also intersected by several rivers and creeks, including the Ogun River, which drains into the Lagoon. Major coastal areas include Victoria Island, Lekki, and Epe. Lagos’ strategic location along the Atlantic Ocean has made it a critical point for trade and commerce, with the Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port serving as Nigeria’s busiest shipping hubs.
Under the Köppen climate classification, Lagos State has a tropical monsoon climate (Am), characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. The rainy season lasts from April to October, with an annual average rainfall of 1,800 to 2,000 mm. Humidity levels remain high throughout the year.
Average daytime temperatures range between 28°C to 34°C (82°F to 93°F). The highest recorded temperature in Lagos was 38°C (100°F), while the lowest was 21°C (70°F).
Lagos has a Tropical wet and dry or savanna climate. The city's yearly temperature is 28.67 °C (83.61 °F) and it is -0.79% lower than Nigeria's averages. Lagos typically receives about 132.01 millimeters (5.2 inches) of precipitation and has 193.63 rainy days (53.05% of the time) annually.
Lagos State is characterized by a complex network of lagoons, creeks, and rivers. The Lagos Lagoon serves as the main drainage basin for the state, connected to the Atlantic Ocean through the Commodore Channel. The Ogun River, which originates in Ogun State, flows southward into Lagos Lagoon. The Badagry Creek and the Five Cowrie Creek also contribute to the state's drainage system.
Flooding is a recurring challenge, particularly during the rainy season from April to October, as the low-lying topography and coastal location make Lagos vulnerable to waterlogging and storm surges.
Lagos State’s unique geography supports a wide range of ecosystems, including coastal wetlands, mangrove forests, and lowland tropical rainforests. Species such as mangroves, oil palms, coconut trees, and various species of tropical hardwoods are found in the region. The state’s wetlands are home to water plants like water hyacinth and reeds. Lagos’ diverse fauna includes species such as: African bush elephants, antelopes, and African civet cats. Nile crocodiles, monitor lizards, and pythons. The state is home to over 250 species of birds, including the African grey parrot, pied kingfisher, and hammerkop. The Lagos Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean support a variety of marine life, including tilapia, catfish, crabs, and prawns. Urbanization and pollution have threatened several species, leading to conservation efforts within the state’s reserves and protected areas, such as the Lekki Conservation Centre.
Lagos State has several protected conservation areas aimed at preserving its unique biodiversity:
Landmarks and Attractions include;
Freedom Park: A former colonial-era prison turned into a cultural and recreational center.
The Fourth Mainland Bridge is a 38 km long bridge project by the Lagos State Government, connecting Lagos Island by way of Langbasa(Lekki) and Baiyeku(Ikorodu) across the Lagos Lagoon to Itamaga, in Ikorodu. The bridge is a 2 x 4 lane carriageway cross-sectional road with permission for BRT Lane and future road contraction. It is expected to become the second longest bridge in Africa, featuring 3 toll plazas, 9 interchanges, 4.5 km Lagoon Bridge and an eco-friendly environment amongst other added features. In April 2021 there were 6 bidders for the US$2.5 billion project. By December the preferred bidder would be known.
In January 2022 the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, reiterated the plan by the state government to commence the construction on the Opebi-Mende link bridge and the 38-kilometre 4th mainland bridge: "Construction work on the 38km 4th Mainland Bridge — which will be the longest in Africa — and the Opebi-Mende link bridge will commence this year."
Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Ikeja is one of Nigeria's five major international airports. It was built in 1978 and named after the former military head of state Late General Murtala Mohammed.
Lagos has also has the Lekki-Epe International Airport which is a proposed airport in Lekki, Nigeria, designed for a capacity of 5 million passengers annually.
People can commute using by bus using the Lagos Bus Rapid Transit System, also known as Lagos BRT which is regulated by LAMATA.
The Lagos State Rail Mass Transit is an urban rail system which started operation on the 4th of September 2023.
Since its creation in 1967, the state has been administered either by a governor and a House of Assembly in civilian or quasi-civilian (under Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida's administration) federal administrations, or by Sole-Administrators or Military Administrators in military dispensations. Since December 2007, Yoruba has been the second official language of debate and discussion for the House of Assembly after English. The House of Assembly is headed by the Speaker, an elected position.
The current governor of Lagos State is Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who emerged victorious for a second term in office in the March 11, 2023 Governorship elections. Babajide Sanwo-Olu was sworn in on May 29, 2023 for a second term in office, retaining him as the 6th democratic governor of Lagos State and the 15th governor of Lagos State overall. On 18 May 2022, Lagos state government announced total ban on Okada in 6 local government areas of the state.
The State government is led by a democratically elected governor who works closely with members of the state's house of assembly. The Capital city of the State is Ikeja.
The electoral system of each state is selected using a modified two-round system. To be elected in the first round, a candidate must receive the plurality of the vote and over 25% of the vote in at least two -third of the State local government Areas. If no candidate passes threshold, a second round will be held between the top candidate and the next candidate to have received a plurality of votes in the highest number of local government areas.
Lagos State is divided into five administrative divisions, which are further divided into 20 local government areas, or LGAs. They are:
The first 16 of the above LGAs comprise the statistical area of Metropolitan Lagos. The remaining four LGAs (Badagry, Ikorodu, Ibeju-Lekki and Epe) are within Lagos State but are not part of Metropolitan Lagos.
In 2003, many of the existing 20 LGAs were split for administrative purposes into Local Council Development Areas. These lower-tier administrative units now number 56: Agbado/Oke-Odo, Agboyi/Ketu, Agege, Ajeromi, Alimosho, Apapa, Apapa-Iganmu, Ayobo/Ipaja, Badagry West, Badagry, Bariga, Coker Aguda, Egbe Idimu, Ejigbo, Epe, Eredo, Eti-Osa East, Eti Osa West, Iba, Isolo, Imota, Ikoyi, Ibeju, Ifako-Ijaiye, Ifelodun, Igando/Ikotun, Igbogbo/Bayeku, Ijede, Ikeja, Ikorodu North, Ikorodu West, Ikosi Ejinrin, Ikorodu, Ikorodu West, Iru/Victoria Island, Itire Ikate, Kosofe, Lagos Island West, Lagos Island East, Lagos Mainland, Lekki, Mosan/Okunola, Mushin, Odi Olowo/Ojuwoye, Ojo, Ojodu, Ojokoro, Olorunda, Onigbongbo, Oriade, Orile Agege, Oshodi, Oto-Awori, Shomolu, Surulere and Yaba.
Below is a list of polling units, including villages and schools, organised by electoral ward.
Lagos State has over 700 km of Atlantic sandy beaches with about 20 between the west of Badagry and east of Lekki. Along with these, there are several tourist attractions. They include:
Giwa Gardens in the Sangotedo district is a water park that claims to be the largest in West Africa.
Lagos state is in Yorubaland and the Yoruba language is predominant. The state attracts other non-Yorubas who live there in search of greener pastures attracting both Nigerians and foreigners alike.
Indigenous inhabitants include the Awori and Ogu a.k.a. Egun in the Ikeja and Badagry Divisions respectively, with the Egun being found mainly in Badagry.
There is also an admixture of other pioneer settlers collectively known as the Eko.
The Alimosho and Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government areas are predominantly populated by the Egba and Egbado Yoruba people. The area is rich in culture, prominent amongst which are the Oro, Igunnu and Egungun annual festivals.
The indigenous people of the Ikorodu and Epe Divisions are mainly the Ijebu, with pockets of Eko-Awori settlers along the coastland and riverine areas.
The dominant religions in Lagos State are Christianity and Islam although a certain amount of traditional religion is still practiced. Churches represented include Anglican, Baptist, Methodist, 25.6% Roman Catholic, and many local and spiritual churches. Islam and traditional Yoruba spiritism are also practised.
The Anglican Province of Lagos (2002) within the Church of Nigeria includes the four Dioceses of Lagos (1919) led by Bishop Humphrey Bamisebi Olumakaiye until he died 2022, Badagry led by Bishop Babatunde Joseph Adeyemi (2005), Lagos Mainland led by Bishop Akinpelu Johnson (2014) and Lagos West (1999) with 275 parishes led by Bishop James Olusola Odedeji (2013).
343,675 Catholics (2021) in Archdiocese of Lagos (1860 as the Vicariate Apostolic of Dahomey) with 184 parishes under Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins (2012).