Information AboutLagos |
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Lagos is the largest city in Nigeria . As only two censuses (in 1972 and 1991) have been taken since independence, estimates of its population vary considerably, but generally range from 10 to 15.5 million people, making it the second largest in Africa (after Cairo ). Lagos is located at . Lagos has grown from a small Yoruba settlement, and undergone periods of domination by two European powers, to become the commercial and population center of Nigeria. It is the former capital city of Nigeria as it was replaced by Abuja but the city remains the commercial center of Nigeria. The city officially lost its status as the capital city of Nigeria on 12 December 1991 . HISTORY Main article: History Of Lagos Lagos was once a Yoruba settlement called Eko, whose name stemmed from either ''Oko'' (farm) or ''Eko'' (war camp.) During its early history, it also saw periods of rule by the Kingdom Of Benin . Edo Nation - The Origin of Eko (Lagos) . Lagos was the capital of Nigeria from 1914 - 1976; it was stripped of this title when the Federal Capital Territory was established at the purpose-built city of Abuja . However, most government functions (especially the head of state) stayed in Lagos for a time since Abuja was still under construction. In 1991, the head of state and other government functions finally moved to the newly built capital in a mass exodus. The change resulted in Lagos losing some prestige and economic leverage. However, it has retained its importance as the country's largest "agege bread" production centre. LAW AND GOVERNMENT Unlike many major worldwide cities, Lagos city does not have its own mayor or council, but is instead governed as part of a regular Nigerian State . Since 1967 , Lagos is part of Lagos State . Lagos was the headquarters of Lagos State until 1976 , when this was moved to Ikeja , Lagos thus losing state capital and national capital status in the same year. Lagos State Website - About Lagos State Lagos State covers some of the area beyond the city's borders, but its primary focus is on Lagos proper. The state of Lagos is split into 15 districts. The state is responsible for utilities including roads and transportation, power, water, health, and education. The city is also home to the High Court of the Lagos State Judiciary , housed in an old colonial building on Lagos Island . Lagos Judiciary GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE The commercial centre remains , Carter Bridge , and Third Mainland Bridge . Ikoyi and Victoria islands are closely connected to Lagos Island. The main docks are in Apapa directly opposite Lagos Island. Other districts on the mainland include Ebute-Meta , Surulere , Yaba (Lagos) (site of the University Of Lagos ), Mushin , and Ikeja , site of Murtala Mohammed International Airport . Lagos's climate is similar to that of the rest of southern Nigeria. The rainy season lasts from May to October, with the dry season from November to April. The latter is accompanied by harmattan winds from the Sahara Desert , which between December and early February can be quite strong. ECONOMY Lagos is Nigeria's leading . The port handles imports of consumer goods, foodstuffs, motor vehicles, machinery, and industrial raw materials. Its export trade in timber and agricultural products such as products provide 20% of GDP and 95% of Foreign Exchange earnings in Nigeria as a whole. CIA World Factbook - Nigeria More than half of Nigeria's industrial capacity is located in Lagos's mainland suburbs, particularly in the Ikeja industrial estate. A wide range of manufactured goods are produced in the city, including machinery, motor vehicles, electronic equipment, chemicals, beer, processed food, and textiles. DEMOGRAPHICS As no census has been completed in Lagos since 1991, definitive demographic information is hard to come by. However, there is clear evidence of startling population growth in Lagos. A census is being taken and compiled (as of March 2006) for the whole of Nigeria, even imposing curfews to ensure accurate counts. This will provide the most accurate numbers to date for Lagos. This census will not, however, include religious or tribal affilitaion, as these are controversial issues with two major religions (Islam and Christianity) and 3 major ethnicities. Lagos is, by most estimates, one of the fastest-growing cities in the world, The United Nations predicts that the city's metropolitan area, which had only about 290,000 inhabitants in 1950 , will exceed 20 million by 2010 , making Lagos one of the world's five largest cities. Africa Travelling - Lagos Culture In Nigeria as a whole, there are more than 250 ethnic groups. GESource COMMUNICATIONS AND MEDIA Lagos has a functioning telephone system and Internet access is also widely available and readily accessible. Several large mobile phone companies operate in Lagos, making Nigeria the fastest growing telecommunications market in the world. FEATURES AND NEIGHBORHOODS The Lagos Mainland is home to most of the people that go to work on the Lagos Island 9the Economic Nerve Centr of Nigeria), the area is famous for its music and night lifestyle. Notably, in areas around Yaba and Surulere, as well as the National Stadium Complex and the two Universities located apart within the Mainland. others are the Nigerian Railway Junction at Ebute-Metta; this place is however famous for the fact that all those travelling by train out of Lagos board it from there. The city also has two airports: the Murtala Mohammed International Airport and the Lagos Domestic Airport both located in the Ikeja Area of the Mainland. Though largely derelict, Tinubu Square on Lagos Island is a site of historical importance; it was here that the Amalgamation ceremony that unified the North and South took place in 1944. TOURISM Lagos is not a common tourist destination, as it is primarily business-oriented and has a reputation for danger and squalor amongst many foreigners. However, some tourist attractions do exist, such as Oba's Palace . There are also several shopping malls, including the Falomo Shopping Centre. Visitors are also drawn to the musical heritage of Lagos, such as fuji music (see Music section). Lagos City COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES Lagos is home to four universities:
The University of Lagos is a large institution dating from 1962 , with over 35,000 students. It comprises 13 faculties, run by over 4,000 staff. The Pan-African University is primarily a business school, offering two MBA programs. Founded in 1996 and awarded University status in 2002 , it consists of the Lagos Business School and of Enterprise Development Services . The University also places some emphasis on the study of Art . TRANSPORT ]] Ferries and Highway s link the parts of the city together. However, transport links within Lagos are congested, due in part to the geography of the city, its explosive population growth, as well as bad roads and bad driving habits. A chain of salt-water lagoons runs west to Badagri and also east toward Ogun State . The Bus Rapid Transit scheme is set to be launched on the 4th of June 2006. MUSIC Lagos is famous throughout West Africa for its Music scene. Lagos has given birth to a variety of styles such as Highlife , Juju , Fuji , and Afrobeat . SPORTS As in the rest of Nigeria, Soccer is the most popular sport. The Nigeria Football Association (NFA) and the Lagos State Football Association (LAFA) are both based in Lagos. A prominent Lagos soccer club Julius Berger FC , members of the Nigerian Premier League ; the team, owned by the Julius Berger Construction Company , is set to close in 2008 , potentially leaving Lagos without a Premier League team. Nigeria Sports The Nigerian National Football Team , also known as the Super Eagles, used to play almost all of their home games in Lagos; however, games are now split between the Surelere Stadium in Lagos and the larger, newer Abuja Stadium in Abuja , which may soon become the default home of the Super Eagles. World Stadiums - Nigeria RSSSF - Nigeria Results The Lagos State government features the Ministry Of Youth, Sports & Social Development . SISTER CITIES Lagos — technically Lagos Island — is twinned with Atlanta , Georgia , USA . NOTES AND REFERENCES SEE ALSO EXTERNAL LINKS Government and Commerce
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