Lagos, city, Nigeria Encyclopedia > Places > Africa > Nigeria Political Geography Lagos Lagos (lāˈgŏs, läˈgôs) [ key ], city (1991 est. pop. 1,274,000), SW Nigeria, on the Gulf of Guinea. It comprises the island of Lagos. Lagos is Nigeria's largest city, its administrative and economic center, and its chief port. Industries include railroad repair, motor vehicle assembly, food processing, and the manufacture of metal products, textiles, beverages, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, soap, and furniture. The city is a road and rail terminus and has an international airport. Among its educational and cultural institutions are Moshood Abiola Univ. (formerly the Univ. of Lagos; 1962), Yaba College of Technology (1947), and the National Museum; the city also has a large, multiuse sports stadium. An old Yoruba town, Lagos, beginning in the 15th cent., grew as a trade center and seaport. From the 1820s until it became a British colony, Lagos was a notorious center of the slave trade.

Britain annexed the city in 1861, both to tap the trade in palm products and other goods with the interior and to suppress the slave trade. In 1906, Lagos was joined with the British protectorate of Southern Nigeria, and, in 1914, when Southern and Northern Nigeria were amalgamated, it became part of the small coastal Colony of Nigeria. In 1954 most of the colony was merged with the rest of Nigeria, but Lagos was made a separate federal territory. From the late 19th cent. to independence in 1960, Lagos was the center of the Nigerian nationalist movement. Lagos was the capital of Nigeria from independence until 1991, when the capital was moved to Abuja . The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2012, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved. [Channel 4 News] Population explosion causes poverty crisis - YouTube [Channel 4 News] Population explosion causes poverty crisis Want to watch this again later? Sign in to add this video to a playlist. Need to report the video? Sign in to report inappropriate content. The interactive transcript could not be loaded. Loading...

Rating is available when the video has been rented. This feature is not available right now. Please try again later. Uploaded on Feb 13, 2008 2008.02.11 Channel 4 reports from Lagos in Nigeria on how the city's spiralling population has increased the numbers living in slums. Formerly the capital of Nigeria, Lagos's uncontrolled population growth has made one of the world's largest cities one of the world's largest slums. Category Lagos travel guide - Wikitravel Districts[ edit ] The main districts are the mainland, Greater Lagos and the Islands. Three major bridges join the island to the mainland. They are the Carter Bridge which start from Iddo Island, the Eko Bridge (formerly called the Second Mainland Bridge) and the Third Mainland Bridge which passes through densely populated mainland suburbs through Lagos lagoon. The Mainland holds a greater percentage of inhabitants and industries. Lagos Mainland districts include Ebute-Meta, Surulere (site of two stadiums and National theater), Yaba (location of the University of Lagos) and Ikeja, site of Murtala Muhammed International Airport and capital of Lagos State.

Greater Lagos includes Mushin, Maryland, Somolu, Oshodi, Oworonsoki, Isolo, Ikotun, Agege, Iju Ishaga, Egbeda, Ketu, Bariga, Ipaja, and Ejigbo. The Islands The two major urban islands of Lagos in Lagos Lagoon are Lagos Island and Victoria Island. These islands are separated from the mainland by the main channel draining the lagoon into the Atlantic ocean, which forms Lagos Harbour. The islands are separated from each other by creeks of varying sizes and are connected to Lagos Island by bridges. Lagos Island Lagos Island contains a Central Business District (CBD). This district is characterized by high-rise buildings and businesses. The island also contains many of the city's largest wholesale marketplaces (such as the popular Idumota and Balogun markets). It also has the National Museum of Nigeria, a Central mosque, Glover Memorial Hall, Christ's Cathedral (CMS), and the Oba Palace. And lastly, there is the Tinubu Square- a site of historical importance, it was here that the Amalgamation ceremony that unified the North and South protectorate to form Nigeria took place in 1914.

Ikoyi is situated on the eastern half of Lagos Island and joined to it by a landfill. Ikoyi is also connected to Victoria Island by a bridge carrying a main road over a Five Cowrie creek. Ikoyi has a great number of hotels, night clubs, a recreational park and one of Africa's largest golf courses. Originally a middle class neighbourhood, in recent years it has become more of a fashionable residential enclave for the upper middle class to the upper class. Victoria Island Home to many company headquarters and entertainment spots, Victoria Island (also known as V.I) along with Ikoyi, occupies a major area in the suburbs of Lagos which boasts of several sizeable shopping districts. On its sea shore along the Atlantic front, there is an environmentally reconstructed Bar Beach. Eko Atlantic city is a new city under construction. It is a planned district being constructed on land reclaimed from the Atlantic Ocean. Dredgers, large ships which move sand, are all working around the clock filling the area with sand where the city will be built. Expected to be around 4 square miles, the city will satisfy needs for financial, commercial, residential and tourist accommodations with a state-of-the-art high-tech infrastructure in line with modern and environmental standards.

These standards will offer the city’s residents modern water, waste management, security and transportation systems. Eko Atlantic will also offer its residents an independent source of energy generated specifically for the city. Understand[ edit ] View of the Apapa Port in Lagos Also known as Èkó in the Yoruba language, and also affectionately called 'Gidi' or 'Las Gidi' as a form of slang-by the younger generation, is a port and the most populous conurbation in Nigeria. Formerly the capital of Nigeria, Lagos is a huge metropolis which originated on islands separated by creeks. The city is the economic and financial capital of Nigeria. Portuguese explorer Rui de Sequeira visited the area in 1472, naming the area around the city Lago de Curamo; indeed the present name is Portuguese for "lakes". Another explanation is that Lagos was named for Lagos, Portugal - a maritime town which at the time was the main centre of the Portuguese expeditions down the African coast and whose own name is derived from the Latin word Lacobriga.

From 1404-1889 it served as a major centre of the slave trade, ruled over by Yoruba kings called the Oba of Lagos. Lagos was the capital of Nigeria from 1914 up to 1991. The city was stripped of its status when the Federal Capital Territory was established at the purpose-built city of Abuja. The city of Lagos lies in south-western Nigeria, on the Atlantic coast in the Gulf of Guinea, west of the Niger River delta, located on longitude 3° 24' E and latitude 6° 27' N. Most of the population live on the mainland, and most industries are located there too. Lagos is known for its music and night life which used to be located in areas around Yaba and Surulere but in recent years more night clubs have sprung on the island making the island especially Victoria Island, the main nightlife attraction. You can fly in from most European cities ( London , Frankfurt , Paris , Amsterdam , Madrid , Rome , İstanbul ); from Doha , Abu Dhabi, Dubai , South Africa , Ethiopia , and Kenya . There are also direct flights from the United States ( Atlanta , Houston , New York ).

When departing via the International Airport in Lagos, arrive early, especially close to weekends and festive days, as the security has been beefed up significantly (with little increase in manpower or scanners and is much, much more time-consuming than previously) since the December 2009 liquid explosive incident where the terrorist started his journey from Lagos airport. The domestic and international terminals at Lagos airport are several miles apart. Transferring between the two is difficult and time-consuming. There are quite a number of pay-access and Priority Pass lounges after passport control (after two hours in the security queue, you will want to use one if you have the time and USD50 to spare). Use Oasis or Skye Lounge, both of which are good, especially Oasis which is very nice even by 1st world standards. Gabfol lounge is free, but you pay for food and drinks. By train[ edit ] Rail services in Nigeria are still very slow and unreliable but Nigerian Railway Corporation have just re-started an overnight service from Kano via Kaduna to Lagos. There are departures a few times every week.

Several bus companies like Greener Line Transport Limited , ABC Transport , Ifesinachi and The Young Shall Grow offer daily services from almost all major cities around Nigeria. Lagos is about 100km from the border with Benin . Get around[ edit ] If you choose to travel to Lagos , then air transport is best if you can afford it. If travelling around Lagos, be sure to be accompanied by a guide who is familiar with the routes. Moving around Lagos has become much easier in recent times with street signs on every single street corner making it easier to locate places and landmarks. With the city spending huge budgets on security, there has been a huge reduction in crime generally. For the most part, it's safe to move about during the day. If you are going out at night, be sure to go in groups, and stick to known routes. If you are not on a tight budget, you should hire a car and driver, usually available from most of the major hotels and the airport. The price will be around ₦1,000-2,000 per hour, you will be expected to haggle.

Talk to the drivers and find one you think will be able to communicate best with as they will be able to tell you things about the places you pass. By bus[ edit ] Parked Buses of LagBus Lagos now has decent mass transit buses courtesy of the Bus Rapid Transit(BRT)schemes. The BRT lines run on physically segregated lanes and thus make them run faster while private cars are stuck in traffic. The system is run by two operators, NURTW Cooperative (Nigerian Union of Road Transport Workers) and Lagbus , a Lagos State Government owned Asset Management Company. The Buses are coloured red (LagBus), and blue (NURTW). The BRT is one of the three-pronged attacks the state has unleashed against the urban traffic congestion in Lagos. Buses can be an inexpensive and convenient option. Bus fares are relatively affordable and there are numerous routes being plied from the Mainland to the Islands. The tickets for the BRT and the Lagbus can be purchased at the bus stops before boarding. Tickets range NGN70-120 (Oct 2011). However, the ticket vendors are seldom available in the evening even though the buses ply till late at night.

It makes good sense to purchase a ticket booklet or a couple of tickets in bulk beforehand since these don't contain a time stamp. There are also smaller yellow buses that ply all routes from the mainland to the island and within mainland. For a newbie, the yellow bus system can be quite confusing and it makes good sense to approach a local for help. The local Nigerians will be more than happy to help an Oyinbo(white person). The fare is fixed and starts from NGN20 and increases as per distance. The BRT buses are faster, cleaner and more convenient. They carry hundreds of thousands of passengers on a weekly basis. By car[ edit ] The road network of Lagos for the most part is good, but sometimes traffic congestion and limited parking space especially during working hours is rife. Be sure to be on the lookout for road signs, in order to avoid entering one-way roads or streets. LASTMA (Lagos State Traffic Management Agency) is the body responsible for managing traffic in most of the traffic congestion areas. Make sure to follow traffic rules, and avoid driving in the BRT Bus lanes to avoid getting a fine or having your car impounded.

There exists car parks around in hotels, shopping malls, and some of them provide free and safe parking. But if parking in other areas around the city be ready to pay around N250 or more. (N165=$1) By taxi[ edit ] One of the easiest ways to get around is by taxi. Taxis cost more than buses, typically. With the older taxi cabs it is expected to negotiate the price before you enter and pay on arrival. The cabs are relatively safe. The state has embarked on gradual replacement of rickety buses and taxi cabs with modern ones, fitted with good facilities to enhance comfort. Through public-private partnerships, new cabs are being introduced regularly by licensed cab operators. With fare as low as N400, depending on the distance, the new air-conditioned taxi cabs are already creating a new image for Lagos. Taxis can be found almost everywhere, and all the new cabs have numbers on them that you can call for a pick up. There are several cab companies servicing Lagos, using both metered and fixed fares,and they generally accept cash: Red Cab.

Taxi Service, ☎ +234 700 073 3222 ( citransgloballtd@c-ileasing.com ), [1] . edit Corporate Cabs, Plot 3A, Owukori Street, Alaka Estate, Surulere, ( fafolahan63@gmail.com ), [2] . edit Orange Cabs. Taxi Service, 18B, Ladoke Akintola Cresent,G.R.A., Ikeja, Lagos, ☎ +234 791 7202, 234 702 911 9504, 234 819 116 6926 ( booking@orangecabs-ng.com ). edit By rented car[ edit ] Renting a car is another alternative if you are going to be staying for a few days or longer. There are numerous car rental offices in the city, and therefore it is very easy to rent a car from your hotel or resort accommodation to drive around with for the duration of your stay.

Avis is your best bet for this,either call or make use of their online services: Avis Rent-A-Car, Avis House, 6 Degema CLose, Off Park Lane, Apapa GRA, ☎ +234 803 718 7000, + 234 1 764 6442 ( reservations@avisng.com ), [3] . edit Hertz Car Rental, 12 Keffi Street, SW Ikoyi, ☎ +234 1 2703700. edit Unity Global Ventures Car Rental, ☎ +1.877.810.1221 or +234 8066348333 ( info@unityglobalventures.com ), [4] . Chauffeur drivenair-conditioned SUV car rental car hire service. N11,500 a day.

edit Novo Car Rentals, 2nd floor, UBA Building, Plot 22B, Idowu Taylor Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, ☎ +234 1 270 2047, 234 1 271 7069, 234 1 873 0193 ( info@novocars.com ). edit BIM7, 34 road E close BT69 flat 12, gowon estate Ipaja, Lagos, ☎ +234 81 365 505 61,+234 81 009 394 42, +234 70 3030 3339, +234 70 6551 3743 ( bim7@outlook.com ). edit By ferry[ edit ] Lagos State Ferry Services Corporation runs a few regular routes, for example between Lagos Island and the mainland, modern ferries and wharves. Private boats run irregular passenger services on the lagoon and on some creeks.

Many more routes are expected to get on-board in due time. By rail[ edit ] A planned railway line running through the Lagos metropolis is being constructed with plans of completion as early as 2012. Motorbikes[ edit ] For travelling short distances, you can use motorbike taxis called Okada. These motorbikes are quick, cheap and save a lot of walking but they are also very dangerous. Okada accidents are very common but safety equipment are now provided because the state government and in fact the Federal Road Safety Commission has mandated it. If you want to take the risk, you can safely halve their first price, and usually there are lots to choose from. Before you try and negotiate, confirm the fare from a local.If you have a Nigerian friend, let them negotiate for you as the quoted fare differs greatly for locals and foreigners(for obvious reasons). Choose an older driver as the younger ones are cowboys. Safety Helmets are a must at all times for both the rider and passenger. Majority of times these are ill-fitting and sometimes even absent. By law, Okadas are forbidden to ply after dark(7PM) for safety reasons.

Avoid taking an Okada for long distances, while it's raining and in the night since majority of mainland is devoid of street lights. See[ edit ][ add listing ] “Point of No Return” the place across the water where slaves were loaded unto ships. Badagry Town: The Ancient Slave Port of Badagry-also known as the 'Point of No Return'. This ancient town of Badagry was founded around l425 A.D. Before its existence, people lived along the Coast of Gberefu and this area later gave birth to the town of Badagry. It is the second largest commercial town in Lagos State, located an hour from Lagos and half hour from the Republic du Benin. A Man strolls on the Lagos Bar Beach. A view of the Beach at Victoria Island. A 110-year-old lighthouse that guards the entrance to Lagos harbour near Tarkwa Bay. There are over a dozen beaches in Lagos, making for a wide array to choose from. Good for picnics and barbecues Lagos Bar Beach. This Beach is named after the sand bars that characterize the coastline of Lagos, not because of the myriad of bars that run along the beach itself.

Very popular among beach goers,it is the main inner city beach, as the other beaches provide more of a “get away” from the city. Some of which include; Lekki Beach, Alpha Beach, Eleko Beach and Akodo Beach (to the East) and Tarkwa Bay , Ogogoro Island, Atlas Cove , Lighthouse beach, Ilashe Beach, Agaja Beach and Badagry beach (to the West) amongst others. Tarkwa Bay. Tarkwa is a man made bay and beach created during the formation of the Lagos harbour. It's a sheltered beach within the harbour breakwater. It is easily accessible by boat from Tarzan Jetty at Maroko (Charge per person is low and affordable) or under Falomo bridge on Victoria Island. The beach is a pleasant outing and has safe bathing even for children. It has its own resident community, most of whom make their living from the tourists who visit the beach. There's also the possibility to surf in a corner of Tarkwa Bay and other water sports such as Jet Skiing and Water Skiing are fairly common.

Lighthouse Beach.Right beside Tarkwa Bay is the Lighthouse Beach , named after the 110-year-old lighthouse that guards the entrance to Lagos harbour. The Lighthouse can just be seen from the beach, and is well worth a visit as well. The walk along the beach between Tarkwa Bay and Lighthouse Beach is very pleasant– and at times one can be the only person on the beach. You can watch the many ships queuing up to enter the port on the nearby horizon. Eko Tourist Resort (Akodo Beach), KM 22 Lekki-Epe Expressway, Ibeju, Lekki LGA, Akodo, (Bookings)+1 777 0700, +1 470 2865. This place is at least a 40 minute drive from Lagos. The Resort has chalets,restaurants and a large conference hall on 10 acres, with more than a half a mile of clean beach. Do[ edit ][ add listing ] Lagos is for tourists like England is for food. It's a stereotype and not really true, but you have to put the effort in to see it. There are a lot of great beaches.

Especially if you make the effort to get outside the the city and explore places like Badagry. Inside the city, Lekki is about as good as it gets. There are also lots of markets to see, although it can be very tiring. The activities in these places are quite boisterous, and expect overzealous traders to sometimes grab your hand in lighthearted attempts to persuade you to come to their shops instead of competitors shops. Don't panic, but be firm yet friendly, and keep going your own way. There is the Lekki Conservation Centre by the Lekki Conservation Foundation, is down on the Lekki/Epe expressway near Chevron.It is really good for relaxation, it's a dense park with a few animals and birds, there are walkways and benches to rest on. Fees: ₦500 for everyone Beaches: Bar Beach: On Ahmodu Bello Way, Victoria Island. Eleko Beach: 56 km, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Turn right just past Total service station, proceed to toll gate, turn left follow road to Rainbow Church sign, turn right onto dirt road. Eleko beach is at end of road.

Lekki Beach: Turn right at round-about just past estate (about 9 km), Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lekki. Elegushi: Elegushi Private Beach, Ikate, Lekki, Tarkwa Beach: Accessible by boat only. Boat can be hired opposite American/Indian Embassy. You can also board water taxis for about ₦300(as of Oct'11) per trip. The beach is good for a one-day picnic because of the absence of hotels and restaurants on it. You can buy good paintings and handicrafts from the local vendors on the beach. The last boats leave Tarkwa bay at 5PM. Beach Resorts: Hermitage Garden Resorts: Hermitage road, Tiye village, near Akodo, Lekki local government. La Campagne Tropicana: Lekki Museums: National Museum of Nigeria: Awolowo Rd (Opp Muson Centre), Onikan, Lagos Island. 9AM-4PM daily. Fees : ₦100 for Nigerians and ₦200 for foreign nationals. The Museum Kitchen is open on weekdays and is a good place to try local Nigerian cuisine.

Didi Museum: 175, Akin Adesola St, Victoria Island. M-F 9AM-5PM. Nike Art Gallery, 2, Elegushi Road, 2nd Round About, Epe Expressway, Ikate Cross Road, Lekki Phase 1 Peninsula, ☎ +234 80 330 36969,+234 1 270 5964, [5] . Run by Artist and Designer Nike Davies Okundaye. A great place for art lovers and buyers. While there, you can browse the art gallery featuring the whole panoply of Nigerian arts, or see some of the documentaries that have been made about Nigerian culture. Students at the Nike Art Centers engage in a variety of arts. At the center, traditional arts are practiced, such as indigo dying and sculpting, and also non-traditional arts such as painting and quilting, as well as other cultural activities such as drumming and dancing. The center also organizes tours and accommodation for tourists. edit National Theatre of Arts & Culture, Mainland, Iganmu-Surulere..

Located on the mainland at Iganmu, it is about a half hour drive from Lagos Island. Built in 1977 as the principal forum for the International Festival of Black Arts and Culture, it has now become accepted as the prime center for performing arts in the country. The main auditorium has the capacity to seat around 3,000 persons and the conference hall can accommodate around 700 people. The building also houses two cinema halls, a restaurant and a bar. edit Buy[ edit ][ add listing ] Unless you are in a supermarket or restaurant/bar with fixed prices, you will be expected to negotiate the price you pay for an item down to the lowest the vendor would sell. When you are stuck in traffic, expect to see hawkers selling anything from potatoes to drinks . Expect any brand names in these informal markets to be fake, and should you wish to purchase them aim for a very low price. Some of the good places for shopping are: The City Mall, Opposite Muson Centre, Awolowo Rd, Onikan, Lagos Island. Daily 10:00-21:00.

Ikeja City Mall, Opp Elephant Bus-stop, Obafemi Awolowo way, Alausa, Ikeja. Daily 10:00-21:00. edit . King's Plaza, No 80, Adeniran Ogunsanya.Off Bode Thomas, Surulere. A large shopping mall consisting of gift and clothing stores, restaurants, a cinema hall, and others. There is also a popular place called Computer Village in Ikeja the capital of Lagos. edit Lekki Art Market, close to the Lekki Conservation Centre, is a great place to buy Nigerian and West African art. From paintings, to jewellery, to souvenirs to accessories and clothes, You'll find a great deal for your goods. Brush up your bargaining skills. The place is a bit tricky to find, take a right from the roundabout before Chevron and ask for directions. The place tends to flood during heavy rains, so try to avoid going at all or take an SUV with a high ground clearance. Mega Plaza: 21st Century Mall, 14, Idowu Martins Street, Victoria Island. Daily 10:00-22:00.

The Palms Shopping Centre : No 1, British International School Way, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lekki. Daily 10:00-21:00. Silverbird Galleria, 133, Ahmadu Bello Way Victoria Island, ☎ +234 1 270 6361, [6] . With five hi-tech cinema halls showing the best box-office movies in the industry. There's also the Media Store which sells Music and Movies, Magazines and books, as well as computer and gaming consoles. The Galleria also houses restaurants, bars and gift shops. Lastly, there is Wi-Fi connectivity and a bowling alley within the premises. edit Yellow Chili(specialities include Fried Snail with Fries) Terra Kulture within an art gallery. Whitehouse in Yaba near E-centre. Mama Cass in Ikeja Africa Shrine in Ikeja. With Femi Kuti, son of the legend Fela Kuti. Lagbaja's Motherland, Opebi Rd (in Ikeja). The Night Shift Colosseum, Salvation Road, Off Opebi Road. Best Music. Well arranged.

Big space for dancing and sitting. 9PM-5AM. Options, Allen Avenue - Toyin St T point. Good Music, Spacious, 10PM-5AM. MetroPark, Isaac-John St, GRA, Ikeja. Ikoyi Swe: Located at the top of City Mall, Onikan, Lagos. Ember Creek: Awolowo Road, Ikoyi. Pool Side drinks overlooking the Lagoon. Havana Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road. Popular pub bar with a good mix of expatriates & Nigerians. Fun & friendly bar staff. Excellent and extensive food menu serving both continental and some Nigerian dishes. Has live bands on Wednesday & Fridays. Also has upstairs bar & dining. Waterside :Located on Oyinkan Abayomi Drive, beside the lagoon that separates Ikoyi and Victoria Island. Go there to chill by the lagoon in the evening. The decor is minimalistic with plastic chairs and tables but again very few places in Lagos are open adjacent a Lagoon. Try some suya and peppe soup. Victoria Island Michael's: Coldest beers in town! Expatriate hangout.

No 10: Owned by Nigerian soccer legend Austin "Jay-Jay" Okocha, it's got a nice restaurant and a trendy bar. Pat's Bar: Ajose Adeogun Street. A sports bar with a rugby theme, Very popular with expatriates of all nationalities. De Marquee New, Hip joint atop Mega Plaza, Lagos's premier shopping mall. Smoking on the outside terrace only. "Lekki Phase 1" 'Sailors Lounge' : Nice hangout in the Lekki Penninsula with a wooden feel and offering wonderful views of the sea that separates Lekki Phase 1 and Victoria Island. very cold drinks and good food. Apapa Monalido: at Corner of Creek road, Entry ₦500 per person. Good music, sufficient space for sitting. Good, big dance floor. Every one welcome. 10PM-5:30AM. Drinks are at very competitive prices, Nice Food Restaurant as well open till 6AM. Club 21: Wharf Rd, ₦500 per person. Music, sufficient space for sitting. Big dance floor. Every one welcome. 10PM-3AM. Drinks are at competitive prices.

Yaba Koko Lounge: Cool as it gets. Co-owned by Africa's biggest hip-hop star, D'Banj who makes frequent appearances. Wednesday night is comedy nights. Classy VIP. Reasonable prices. The Psychiatric Hospital : Located actually inside a real Psychiatric hospital in Yaba is a small restaurant. Tables and chairs thrown around in the lawn, you can hangout here with friends for hours Budget[ edit ] Stop Over Motels, International Airport Road, Ajao Estate, Lagos, ☎ +234 1 212 3340, [7] . All rooms have air-con, TV with cable channels, Wi-Fi and buffet breakfast. Restaurant, bar, swimming pool, fitness room/ gym, Airport pick-up and shuttle service. From USD 70. edit Mid range[ edit ] Hotel 1960, 23 Olufunmilayo Okikiolu St, off Toyin St, Ikeja, ☎ +234 808 374 5991, [8] . Executive and Royal rooms, all equipped with air-con, LCD TV & telephone. Restaurant, bar, garden and conference hall. From USD115.

edit Smridu, 39, Adekunle Fajuyi Way, GRA Ikeja, ☎ +234 8137441633, [9] . All Rooms with air-con, LCD TV and telephone. Banquet and Conference rooms, Indian, Continental and National Food in restaurant, bar, swimming pool and garden.Branches at Victoria Island and Oduduwa Crescent, Ikeja From USD100. edit Eagles Park 1960, 7 Obokun Close Off Johnson Street, Off Obafemi Awolowo Way, Ikeja, ☎ +234 808 374 5991, [10] . Executive and Royal Rooms, all with air-con, LCD TV and telephone. Function rooms, restaurant, bar and garden. From USD150. edit Lekki Inn, 911 Ken Uba Close, Lekki Peninsula (second street to the right off Ajiron Rd, off Lekki Expressway (beside Chevron)), ( info@lekki-inn.com ), [11] . Caters mostly to executives from oil companies, banks, etc.

Two fully-furnished chalets onsite can be rented for longer-term stays. Food is excellent, typically African or Continental cuisines. The rooms all have marble flooring, so you don't get the "wet & mouldy" feel some of the other hotels have. The only downside is that there are just 12 rooms, albeit all large and luxurious, so you don't get to socialize too much onsite. Victoria Island with its bars and clubs is a 20-min drive away, and the beaches are close by. edit WoodRidge Hotel, 2Plot 1/3 Lambert Imasuen Drive Ajao Estate, ☎ +234 803 274 9921, [12] . All rooms have air-con, TV with cable channels, Wi-Fi and buffet breakfast. Restaurant, bar, swimming pool, fitness room/ gym, Airport pick-up and shuttle service. From USD 126. edit Welcome Centre Hotels, 70 International Airport Road, Opposite Ajao Estate, Lagos, ☎ +234 1 271 9254, [13] .

All rooms have air-con, TV with cable channels, Wi-Fi and buffet breakfast. Restaurant, bar, swimming pool, fitness room/ gym, Airport pick-up and shuttle service. From USD 110. edit Splurge[ edit ] Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel, 1A Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue Victoria Island, ☎ +234 708 061 0000 ( info.lagos@radissonblu.com , fax: +234 1461 0126), [14] . Styled by Swedish hospitality designer, Christian Lundwall, this is on the waterfront area of Victoria Island, the business hub of the city. edit Stay safe[ edit ] In general, Lagos has become a much safer place to visit than before, with the state spending huge budgets on security with police patrol cars, CCTV cameras. etc. But beware of deals or businesses that sound too good to be true (especially e-mails soliciting your help), and do not openly flaunt your possessions, especially in public places. While it is rare for a tourist to be a victim of a violent crime, it is still wise to stay safe and be alert, especially during late night outings.

Stick to crowded streets and make sure to go out in groups instead of going out alone. Lagosians are generally nice and friendly people, most of whom will readily offer directions to you if you are lost. Lagos still has its fair share of odd people: street beggars(both the old and young), people with psychological disorders, etc. If someone approaches you for money, do what most Lagosians do: completely ignore them or continuing to walk at a brisk pace. There are a few police officers who are corrupt and inefficient so it is best that you stick to the law and avoid going anywhere off the beaten path without a trusted guide, especially if it is a first visit. Terrorism is not a major issue in Lagos, unlike other parts of Nigeria. Contact[ edit ] Nigeria has both GSM & CDMA Networks. Most of the International GSM Networks are served here on Roaming Partner Basis. Local pre-activated GSM (SIM) connection can be purchased from any where in entire Country at very cheap rate. Naira 200/- for a SIM. GSM/3G Airtel: Airtel Services: Calls, SMS DATA (Internet) & GPRS Services.

Etisalat: Services: Calls, SMS, GPRS. MTN: Services: Calls, SMS, DATA (Internet) & GPRS Services. Glo: Services: Calls, SMS, DATA (Internet) & GPRS Services. CDMA Multilinks Telkom: Services: Calls, SMS & DATA (Internet). Visafone: Services: Calls, SMS & DATA (Internet). Starcomms: Services: Calls, SMS & DATA (Internet). In Nigeria SMS (Short Messaging Service) is known as "Text". The networks in certain parts of Lagos can be very erratic at times. On certain days you cannot make a phone call at all or you will not be able to recharge your phone for the most of the day making business very difficult at times. But its occassional and that is the reason if you want to stay for a long term,make sure that you have atleast two phones or a dual sim phone. 12 Most Loved Cities in Nigeria 12 Most Loved Cities in Nigeria 1 September 2014 Travelstart Blogmaster Nigeria is a fascinating destination, blessed with amazing cities and towns. Most of these cities and towns are known across the country for their fascinating attractions, beautiful scenery, natural resources and cultural heritage.

Abuja, the capital city is one of the most loved cities in the country. There are other major cities in Nigeria which are very much loved and visited. Some are loved for their homeliness and hospitable demeanour, others are for their economic and business advantages; yet more are loved for their availability of fun, tourism and vacation spots. We’ve scouted about, dug around and browsed the Internet for recommendations from Nigerians, and tourists, and we still came up with a definitive list of the most loved cities in Nigeria. Therefore, in no particular order, here are the most loved cities in Nigeria to visit: 1. Ibadan It’s also called the ‘ancient city’ and it’s the state capital of Oyo. It’s described as the biggest city in the whole of West Africa. Located in the south-western part of Nigeria it is densely populated with so many industrial and commercial activities. This city has the first advance learning institution – the University of Ibadan (formally the university college Ibadan), also the first sky scrapper (Cocoa house) and the first teaching hospital in Africa. The city is made up of interwoven streets with local and international markets and malls.

This city is known for tourism too, with a remarkable museum in the African study institution, botanical and Zoological garden in Agodi and in the University of Ibadan respectively, Mapo colonial city hall. Life in this town is beautiful with diversity of lifestyle and culture. 2. Abuja Nigeria’s Federal capital, Abuja is currently one of the most developed cities in the country. Little wonder it is loved and experiencing alarming levels of immigration. Abuja is Nigeria’s seat of power and it is believed that in Abuja, life is good. Whether rich, middle class or poor, there somehow is a place for all. It is also considered a highly business destination. While in Abuja, experience a different kind of sightseeing that will make your visit memorable. Places like Jabi Lake, Silverbird Cinema and Millennium Park are really cool spots to unwind and have fun. For folks who love to shop, some of the big shopping stores in Abuja will give you value for your money. 3. Jos ‘J town’ as it is popularly called is one of the “cool” and most loved cities in the northern region of Nigeria.

Aside from its recent crisis, the city is a lot of fun and people love it particularly for the weather and serene environment. The southern part of Jos is said to be peaceful and the people there are really accommodating. What’s more? The standard of living in Jos is very affordable. It also boasts a number of attractions including two museums, a wildlife park and game reserve, breathtaking waterfalls and striking hills and rocks. Jos is a beautiful town and is a really nice place to raise a family or live. 4. Calabar Located in South-eastern Nigeria and watered by the Great Kwa and Calabar rivers, the city is home to a variety of attractions such as Obudu Cattle Ranch and Tinapa Resort. The city attracts visitors with its array of tasty delicacies, beautiful architecture and festivals. Every year, Calabar hosts Africa’s biggest street party known as the Calabar Carnival, where diverse colourful cultural costumes are displayed. There’s never a dull moment in this carnival. For indigenous vacation in Nigeria, Calabar is often the first location that comes to people’s mind. The city boasts of several other attractions including an integrated sports complex, a free trade zone and Port and an international air and sea port among many others. 5.

Minna Photo Source: Juju Films on Flickr Located in the west central part of Nigeria, Minna is a quiet and loveable commercial city. This beautiful town was a collection point for agricultural produce way back then. According to history, Minna was a labour camp for railway construction and this led to the gradual development of the town to now a major commercial city. The populace in this area are involved in all sorts of farming. This town is not densely populated and it has a blend of several cultures and life styles. Minna has some notable tourist sites to her name amongst which are the Gurara falls, Baro port (which was used in the colonial days for transport), The Wushishi Transway engine (First railway Locomotive engine and others like Kainji lake national park that is not so far from the city. Electricity is very constant because of the proximity of the Kainji Dam to the town. Food, accommodation, transport and general life style here is quite affordable. 6. Enugu Popularly known as ‘coal city’, a pseudonym that was given to Enugu due to its mining activities.. Located at the south-eastern part of Nigeria, it’s the state capital of Enugu.

It’s described as one of the oldest urban areas within the region. Her populace are involved in agriculture, besides the mining of coal and other solid minerals. Enugu is loved by so many not just for ‘coal’ but for its notable tourist destinations like Nike Holiday Resort, Iva Valley (coal mine) and the famous Nmanwu Cultural Festival. The road network here is well designed with so many state of the art buildings (complexes and malls). In general, it is highly commercialised and life in Enugu is like living on a fast lane. 7. Port Harcourt Port Harcourt is a coastal city with scenic shorelines. This city as described by tourist is a “centre of black jewel (oil)”. It is known as the Garden city because of its greenery and aesthetic parks within the metropolis. This city is the state capital of Rivers located in the south-south region of Nigeria. This town is known for its level of commerce as far back as 1912 due to the presence of the sea port (used for exports). This city is densely populated and full of industrial activities. It is home to so many multinational companies, most of which are affiliated to oil and gas.

Port-Harcourt city is loved for numerous reasons but most for its wealth as a result of oil. She is home to many tourist sites such as Sea Ports, Isaac Boro Park, Monument of Jaja, Bony Island, Ifoko Beach, the oil refineries, the tourist beach etc. The standard of living here is high and this spans across food, shelter and clothing. The city is well known for its lively and dynamic nightlife. 8. Uyo Photo Source: Jae Pete on Flickr Once adjudged the neatest city in Nigeria, Uyo is a cool, calm, classy and serene destination. Also in South-eastern Nigeria, it is the capital of Akwa Ibom, a major oil producing state in the country. The city is loved for its peace and serenity among other things. Although life in Uyo is quite expensive, people don’t mind because of the low crime and crisis rate. The inhabitants are predominantly farmers and traders. With the increased level of infrastructural growth and human development, Uyo is definitely a place to look out for.

The Ibom connection and Le Meridien Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, Ibom Tropicana Resort and other projects under construction are some of the soon to be bubbling spots in the area. 9. Kano The city of Kano is the capital of Kano state in Northern Nigeria. The second largest city in Nigeria, Kano is the second major seat of the Hausas/Fulanis, the other being Sokoto. Kano is an ancient city and is the pride of most Northerners. The city boasts an international airport and a number of tourist attractions including Bagauda Lake/Tiga Lake Resort Man-made, Tourist Camp, Audu Bako Zoo, Gidan Makama Museum Monument/Museum and Kofar Mata Dyeing Pit among others. The major festival is the Durbar festival hosted by the Emir of Kano to mark and celebrate the two annual Muslim festivals Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. The majority of the populace are farmers which is no surprise since Kano is considered the most extensively irrigated with over 3 million hectares of land suitable for cultivation. 10. Warri It’s one of the biggest cities In Delta state. Located on the Lower Niger/Delta coast line.

Its not the state capital but it’s more popular and has a lot of history compared to Asaba the capital. Its an old town known for oil production and the presence of the traditional kingdom Warri, dated back as far as the 15th and 16th century. Its a port town that has a lot of industrial activities (oil and steel). People from this notable town are called wafarians, known for business and tourism. The presence of oil has a ripple effect on its commerce. Tourism here is huge as tourist are exposed to attractions like the palace of the Olu of Warri, Nama palace, Koko Red Mangrove Swamp, Effurun Garden Park, beaches and resorts. 11. Lagos It’s the most populous city in according to population census. It is also known as the economic capital of Nigeria. This mega city is separated by water bodies into two main parts (Island and Mainland). It is located in the south-western part of Nigeria. Lagos is known for commerce, filled with industries from all economic sectors. The road network is next to none and it boasts of a good number of tall buildings and sky scrappers.

The nightlife in this city is as busy as the day, painted with a lot malls, clubs, restaurants and bars. Visitors will always have a first class experience in terms of buying and selling. Lagos has local and international markets of all kind. The coastline makes Lagos a ravishing beauty! 12. Ilorin Ilorin is a very interesting city. It’s a city that has not really being in the lime light but is surprisingly one of the largest cities in Nigeria. The capital of Kwara, Ilorin is located in the North Central region of the country. As quiet as Ilorin seems, it has an international cargo airport, a 20,000 capacity stadium and the only standard base ball Court in West Africa. Ilorin is also home to several prominent “learned” men and women as the legal profession is really strong there. Ilorin is blessed with several natural resources and the standard of living is affordable. Pottery and traditional textile industry among others are thriving businesses there also. Tourist attractions in the area include the Esie museum and the stately Sobi Hill; and that is why it is one of the most loved cities in Nigeria.

________________________ Want to share your travel stories, photos and experiences with the world? Send it to innocent[at]travelstart.com Why Do Some Countries Move Their Capitals? Jeremy Woodhouse/ Photodisc/ Getty Images Updated January 02, 2016. The capital of a country is often a very populated city where much history has been made due to the high-level political and economic functions that occur there. However, sometimes government leaders decide to move the capital from one city to another. Capital relocation has been done hundreds of times throughout history. The ancient Egyptians, Romans, and Chinese changed their capital frequently. Some countries choose new capitals that are more easily defended in a time of invasion or war. Some new capitals are planned and built in previously undeveloped areas to spur development. New capitals are sometimes in regions deemed neutral to competing ethnic or religious groups as this could promote unity, security, and prosperity. continue reading below our video 10 Facts About the Titanic That You Don't Know Here are some notable capital moves throughout modern history. United States During and after the American Revolution, the United States Congress met in eight cities, including Philadelphia, Baltimore, and New York City.

The construction of a new capital city in a separate federal district was outlined in the United States Constitution (Article One, Section Eight), and President George Washington selected a site near the Potomac River. Virginia and Maryland donated land. Washington, D.C. was designed and built and became the United States capital in 1800. The site was a compromise involving southern slave-holding economic interests and northern states who wanted war debts repaid. Russia Moscow was the capital of the Russian Empire from the 14th century until 1712. It then moved to St. Petersburg to be closer to Europe so that Russia would become more “western.” The Russian capital was moved back to Moscow in 1918. Canada In the 19th century, the legislature of Canada alternated between Toronto and Quebec City. Ottawa became the capital of Canada in 1857. Ottawa was then a small town in a largely undeveloped region, but was chosen to be the capital city because it was close to the boundary between the provinces of Ontario and Quebec. Australia In the 19th century, Sydney and Melbourne were the two largest cities in Australia.

They both wanted to become Australia’s capital, and neither would concede to the other. As a compromise, Australia decided to build a new capital city. After an extensive search and survey, a section of land was carved out of New South Wales and became the Australian Capital Territory. The city of Canberra was planned and became Australia’s capital city in 1927. Canberra is located about halfway between Sydney and Melbourne but it is not a coastal city. India Calcutta, in Eastern India, was the capital of British India until 1911. To better administer all of India, the capital moved by the British to the northern city of Delhi. The city of New Delhi was planned and built, and was proclaimed the capital in 1947. Brazil Brazil’s capital relocation from very overcrowded Rio de Janeiro to the planned, built city of Brasilia occurred in 1961. This capital change had been considered for decades. Rio de Janeiro was thought to be too far from many parts of this large country. To encourage the development of the interior of Brazil, Brasilia was built from 1956-1960. Upon its establishment as Brazil's capital, Brasilia experienced very rapid growth.

Brazil’s capital change was considered very successful, and many countries have been inspired by Brazil’s capital relocation achievement. Belize In 1961, Hurricane Hattie badly damaged Belize City, the former capital of Belize. In 1970, Belmopan, an inland city, became the new capital of Belize to protect the government’s functioning, documents, and people in case of another hurricane. Tanzania In the 1970s, Tanzania’s capital moved from coastal Dar es Salaam to centrally located Dodoma, but even after many decades, the move is not complete. Cote d’Ivoire In 1983, Yamoussoukro became the capital of Cote d’Ivoire. This new capital was the hometown of the President of Cote d’Ivoire, Felix Houphouet-Boigny. He wanted to spur development in the central region of Cote d’Ivoire. However, many government offices and embassies remain in the former capital, Abidjan. Nigeria In 1991, the capital of Nigeria, Africa’s most populated country, was moved from Lagos because of overcrowding.

Abuja, a planned city in central Nigeria, was deemed to be a more neutral city regarding Nigeria’s many ethnic and religious groups. Abuja also had a less tropical climate. Kazakhstan Almaty, in southern Kazakhstan, was the Kazakh capital when the country gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Government leaders moved the capital to the northern city of Astana, formerly known as Aqmola, in December 1997. Almaty had little room to expand, could experience an earthquake, and was very close to other newly independent countries which could experience political turbulence. Almaty was also far from the region where ethnic Russians, who comprise about 25% of Kazakhstan’s population, live. Myanmar Myanmar’s capital was formerly Rangoon, also known as Yangon. In November 2005, government workers were suddenly told by the military junta to move to the more northern city of Naypyidaw, which had been constructed since 2002 but not publicized. The entire world still doesn’t have a clear explanation why Myanmar's capital was relocated. This controversial capital change was possibly based on astrological advice and political fears.

Yangon was the largest city in the country, and the restrictive government probably did not want crowds of people to protest against the government. Naypyidaw was also considered more easily defensible in case of a foreign invasion. South Sudan In September 2011, just a few months after independence, South Sudan's Council of Ministers approved a move of the new country's capital city from the initial temporary capital of Juba to Ramciel, located closer to the center of the country. The new capital will be a located within an independent capital territory not part of the surrounding Lake State. It is expected that the move will take approximately five years to complete. Iran - Possible Future Capital Change Iran is considering relocating its capital from Tehran, which lies on about 100 fault lines and could experience a catastrophic earthquake. If the capital were a different city, the government could better manage the crisis and reduce casualties. However, some Iranians believe that the government wants to move the capital to avoid protests against the government, similar to Myanmar. Political leaders and seismologists are studying regions near Qom and Isfahan as possible places to build a new capital, but this would probably take decades and an enormous amount of money to complete.

See page two for a comprehensive listing of additional recent capital city relocations! Capital Relocation Rationale Finally, countries sometimes change their capital because they expect some type of political, social, or economic benefit. They hope and expect that the new capitals will surely develop into cultural gems and hopefully make the country a more stable place. Prev What is the largest city in Nigeria? | Reference.com What is the largest city in Nigeria? A: Quick Answer The largest city in Nigeria is Lagos. This port city, which is located on the country's southeastern coast, has an official population of 10.2 million in its administrative area. Full Answer The New York Times, however, estimates that Lagos had a population of as many as 21 million in 2012, making it the largest city in Africa. Population numbers for Lagos are inherently difficult to assess because two-thirds of its inhabitants live in slums. Many of the people in Lagos' swelling population are relative newcomers who come to the city from rural and economically damaged parts of Nigeria and other parts of Africa looking for opportunities in the city. This influx of arrivals has made Lagos one of the fastest-growing large cities on Earth.

Facts about Nigeria | Nigeria Facts Death Penalty Statistics Nigeria Facts Nigeria is a country located in West Africa. Find here important facts about Nigeria, including capital city, currency, flag, language, tradition, population, symbols, largest cities, government, history , economy and the like. Where is Nigeria? Nigeria, officially called the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a country located in West Africa. What is the capital of Nigeria? The capital of Nigeria is Abuja. Built in the 1980s, Abuja is one of the most well planned cities in the country. It became the capital of Nigeria on December 12, 1991, replacing Lagos. The city is home to major attractions in the country such as the Nigerian National Mosque and the Nigerian National Christian Center. What is the largest city in Nigeria? Lagos is the largest city in Nigeria covering an area of 385.9 square miles. It is the third-most populous city in Africa with an estimated population of 7,937,932. As of now, it is the second-fastest growing city in Africa. It was once the capital of the country, and is the economic and financial capital of the country at present.

What countries border Nigeria? Nigeria is bordered by the Republic of Benin on the west, Chad and Cameroon on the east, and by Niger in the north. On the south it borders the Gulf of Guinea How big is Nigeria? Nigeria is a country covering a total area of 356,667 square miles. As of 2011, the country has an estimated population of 167 million; it is the seventh-most populous country in the world. What are the main ethnic groups in Nigeria? Nigeria is a country of rich ethnic diversity composed of over 250 ethnic groups. The three largest ethnic groups in Nigeria are the Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba. The other major tribes in the country include Edo, Ijaw, Kanuri, Ibibio, Ebira Nupe and Tiv. Also there are minority groups of British, American, East Indian, Chinese, white Zimbabwean,Japanese, Greek, Syrian and Lebanese immigrants in Nigeria. What are the administrative divisions of Nigeria? Nigeria is a country comprising thirty-six states and one Federal Capital Territory. The states are further divided into 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs). Who are the political leaders of Nigeria?

The government of Nigeria is a presidential federal republic. President - Muhammadu Buhari Vice President - Yemi Osinbajo What currency is used in Nigeria? The Naira denoted by the ISO 4217 code NGN) is the official currency of Nigeria. It is subdivided into 100 kobo. What is the official language of Nigeria? English is the official language of Nigeria and is extensively used for education, business transactions and for official purposes. Despite being the first language, English is not spoken at all in some rural areas. Because the majority of the population of the country stays in rural areas, indigenous languages such as the Yoruba and Igbo are spoken by the majority. A derived language called the Nigerian Pidgin English, also called the 'Pidgin' or Broken English is also a popular lingua-franca in the country. What is the religion of Nigeria? Nigeria is a multi-religious country. Fifty percent of the population practice Islam while the rest adhere to Christianity. The other minority religions in the country include Hinduism, Judaism, the Baha'i Faith, and Chrislam (a syncretic faith that contains elements of Christianity and Islam). What is the economy of Nigeria like?

Nigeria has the second-largest economy in Africa. It is classified as an emerging market owing to its rich reserves of natural resources, and well-developed financial and communications sectors. The transportation sector and stock exchange of the country add to the finances. The Nigerian Stock Exchange is the second-largest in Africa. Petroleum is a major product playing a significant role in the economy of the country; it is the twelfth-largest producer of petroleum in the world. Manufactured products like leather, textiles, t-shirts, plastics and processed food enhance the economy of the country. Agriculture is also important, employing almost sixty percent of Nigerians. Cocoa, sugar cane, yams, maize, palm oil, groundnuts, coconuts, citrus fruits, pearl millet, and cassava are the major agricultural products. However, health care, education, and general living conditions in Nigeria are poor, and these pose a serious threat to the otherwise advancing country. When is the national day of Nigeria celebrated? The national day in Nigeria is celebrated on October 1 every year. The day is celebrated to commemorate the independence of Nigeria from the United Kingdom on this day in 1960. The country was declared a Republic on October 1, 1963.

Question: Formerly the capital, which is the largest city in Nigeria?
Answer: LAGOS