Lagos is the largest city in Nigeria. With an estimated population of 8.8 million inhabitants in the city, or rather 10.7 million in the metropolitan area, Lagos ranks next to Cairo of the largest cities of Africa.
Originally, the city was a Yoruba Settlement, known then as Eko, ruled by kings, which were conquered by neighbouring city state of Benin (which is not to be confused with the country of same name). It was subsequently, conquered and colonised by the Portuguese and then the British.
Lagos was famous for being the trading hub of many spices and metals. For a long period, it functioned as a slave trading post too, although it's hard to find remnants of this history in contemporary Lagos.
Due to its position as the centre for government and commerce in Nigeria, a large number of immigrants moved to Lagos from all over the sub-region, fueling economic development. Unfortunately, successive governments failed to invest adequately in infrastructure for the growing population, leading to overcrowding and partial infrastructure failure.
As a result the government decided to create a purpose build capital city - Abuja - along the lines of Canberra and Brasilia. When this was mostly completed in the mid-nineties, most organs of the federal government were relocated to Abuja.
The loss of its capital status have not affected the attractiveness of Lagos as Nigeria's main area of economic activity due to its convenient location as a seaport, access way to other West African countries, and its bubbly cosmopolitan culture. Most of the service businesses are located near the coast on the "islands" (Lagos and Victoria) while much of the heavy industry is based in the mainland. Most of the population of Lagos also live on the mainland.
Lagos is best traveled early in the morning (before dawn) at dusk, in evening or at weekends and public holidays when traffic is low. However,as would be expected in such a sprawling cosmopolis, please exercise caution in certain neighborhoods at night - should you decide to go for a walk as muggings do occur. Do also keep an eye out for "Area Boys," as the local thugs, or street urchins are called.
However, many residential neighborhoods have gates constructed on their main street entrances to keep away the unwanted. Such gates, manned by neighborhood guards, often require a gate pass issued by your host, before you are allowed exit after dark.
PLACE TO VISIT
Iga Idunganran is the Official Residence and Palace of the Oba (King) of Lagos and is situated on the Lagos Island. It is also a tourist attraction and visitors are free to visit either under a group or individually.
Apapa is the major port of the city of Lagos, Nigeria, and is located to the west of Lagos Island, across Lagos Harbour. It is also one of Nigeria's 774 Local Government Areas.
Jhalobia Recreation Park and Garden is one of the premier recreation parks and gardens in Nigeria. It is located on Murtala Muhammed Airport Road, Lagos. It is marked by a stylish use of tropical plants and architecture.
Tafawa Balewa Square: on the Lagos Island ; be careful never to go there at night as you will almost surely get mugged!
Badagry: the ancient slave port, the wispering palms, the 'sun tan' beach, the bubbly Vespa Market
WHAT TO DO
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 side (like Badagari). 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. Usually safe during the day.
There is the lekki Conservartory down on the lekki/Epe express way which is really good for relaxation, its a dense park with a few animals and birds, there are walkways and benches to rest on.
Beaches:
Bar Beach: On Ahmodu Bello Way, Victoria Island.
Eleko Beach: Km 56, 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.
Tarkwa Beach: Accessible by boat only. boat can be hired opposite American/Indian Embassy.
SHOPPING
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 toilet seats to the most graphic pornography. Expect any brand names in these informal markets to be fake, and should you wish to purchase them aim for a very low price.
On beaches, hawkers will be trying to sell their wares. Selling necklaces, fake wristwatches, fake sunglasses and wooden carvings. Don't be tempted to buy any animals, dead or alive, and avoid anything you are told has ivory in it, even though it is probably bone or plastic. There is little enough wildlife, with exception of lizards and insects, in Lagos and the environs as it is.
Beggars are also very common where there is traffic, best advice is if you feel like giving, don't give it to anyone who can walk, talk, see, hear and has all their limbs. Also be aware that giving beggars money from your car window can result in your car quickly becoming surrounded by other beggars.
If you hold a Visa, MasterCard or Maestro Credit/Debit card you can withdraw cash in Naira from various ATM's around Lagos. Visa machines can be found at Standard Chartered Bank. MasterCard/Maestro machines are found in Ecobank and some Zenith Bank branches.
HOW TO REACH
You can fly in from most European cities (London, Frankfurt, Paris, Amsterdam, Madrid, Rome), Doha, Dubai, South Africa, Ethiopia, and Kenya. There are also direct flights from the United States (New York and Atlanta).
