Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling economic hub, has a history as dynamic as its present. What began as a modest fishing settlement inhabited by the Awori people in the 15th century transformed into a key slave trade port under Portuguese influence. By the 19th century, British colonialism reshaped Lagos into Nigeria’s administrative capital—a status it held until 1991. Today, with over 20 million residents, Lagos is Africa’s most populous city and a case study in hyper-urbanization.
The British annexation of Lagos in 1861 left enduring architectural and institutional legacies. Broad Street (now a financial district) and the Lagos Race Course (today’s Tafawa Balewa Square) exemplify colonial urban planning. However, this era also entrenched economic disparities—a theme echoing in contemporary debates about neocolonialism and global wealth gaps.
As sea levels rise, Lagos faces existential threats. Experts predict that by 2100, flooding could displace over 2 million residents in this low-lying coastal city. The 2022 floods—which submerged 70% of Lekki—highlighted the urgency. Yet Lagos also pioneers solutions:
With 60% of its population under 25, Lagos embodies Africa’s "youthquake." The Yaba district—nicknamed "Yabacon Valley"—has birthed startups like Paystack (acquired by Stripe for $200M). This aligns with broader trends:
Lagos’ creative economy fuels Nigeria’s $15 billion entertainment industry. From Fela Kuti’s Afrobeat protests to Burna Boy’s Grammy wins, the city soundtracks African soft power.
Shooting 2,500 films annually, Nollywood outpaces Hollywood in volume. Netflix’s 2020 Lagos office opening signaled streaming’s bet on African storytelling—amid debates about cultural homogenization.
Lagos’ infamous "go-slow" traffic (costing $1 billion yearly in productivity) reflects deeper systemic issues:
As the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) headquarters settles in Lagos, the city faces a pivotal question: Will it bridge Africa’s divisions or replicate its contradictions? The Eko Towers’ gleaming glass facades cast shadows over Makoko’s stilt houses, yet both are undeniably Lagos—a city where resilience and reinvention never sleep.