Lagos Island
The commercial heart of Lagos and Nigeria, home to Balogun Market, Eko Hotel, historic Broad Street, and the cultural landmark of the Freedom Park.
Quick Facts
- Location
- Lagos State
- Type
- Island / Commercial District
- Key Areas
- Balogun, Marina, Broad Street, Idumota
- Notable Buildings
- Eko Hotel, Lagos State House, Freedom Park
- Population
- Densely populated commercial district
Overview
Lagos Island is the commercial and historic core of Lagos city and Nigeria's financial capital. Connected to the mainland by the Carter Bridge (1901) and Eko Bridge, it houses the headquarters of Nigerian and international banks, major government offices, and some of the busiest markets in Africa.
Culture and History
The island has a rich history as the original settlement of the Bini peoples and later a major trading post during the colonial era. Broad Street, once the administrative heart of colonial Lagos, is now lined with banks and law firms. Freedom Park, built on the site of a colonial prison, is a cultural space that hosts concerts and art exhibitions. Balogun Market is one of the largest open-air markets in West Africa.
Related
Lekki Conservation Centre
A 78-hectare nature sanctuary in Lagos, home to the longest canopy walkway in Africa at 401 metres, with monkeys, crocodiles, and rare bird species.
Yankari National Park
Nigeria's premier wildlife reserve in Bauchi State, home to the largest concentration of elephants in West Africa, baboons, lions, and natural warm springs.