Africa’s urban population has rapidly increased in recent years. As much as the rise in population comes with its disadvantages, the opportunities created on fiscal, technological, and social fronts can’t be overruled.
Not only is Lagos City the largest in Nigeria and its economic capital, it is also the largest in Africa. Located along the Atlantic Ocean, with a population of 21 million, according to a 2014 report by the National Population Commission of Nigeria.
Bounded on the west by the Republic of Benin, to the north and east by Ogun State with the Atlantic Ocean providing a coastline on the south, Lagos has a total of 3,577 square kilometers; 787 square kilometers is made up of lagoons and creeks including: Lagos Lagoon, Lagos Harbour, Five Cowrie Creek, Ebute-Metta Creek, Porto-Novo Creek, New Canal, Badagry Creek, Kuramo Waters and Lighthouse Creek.
After the amalgamation in 1914, Lagos became the capital of Nigeria until 1991 when it was moved to Abuja. Even though Lagos is still widely referred to as a city, the present day Lagos, also known as “Metropolitan Lagos”, and officially as “Lagos Metropolitan Area” is an urban agglomeration or conurbation, consisting of 16 LGAs. This conurbation makes up 37% of Lagos State’s total land area, but houses about 85% of the state’s total population.
The city now generates 25% of Nigeria’s total gross domestic product and is also the 8th fastest growing city in Africa.
Lagos was originally inhabited by the Awori group of the Yoruba people. It initially emerged as a port city which originated on a collection of islands, which are contained in the present day Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Lagos Island, Etis-Osa, Amuwo-Odofin and Apapa; the islands are separated by creeks, fringing the southwest mouth of Lagos Lagoon, while protected from the Atlantic Ocean by barrier islands and long sand spits such as Bar Beach, which stretch up to 100 km (60 mi) east and west of the mouth.
Lagos is famous throughout Africa for its music scene. Lagos has a vibrant nightlife and has given birth to a variety of styles such as Nigerian Hip hop, highlife, juju, fuji, and Afrobeat.
Lagos is the centre of the Nigerian movie industry, often referred to as ‘Nollywood’. Idumota market on Lagos Island is the primary distribution centre. Many films are shot in the Festac area of Lagos.
Paul McCartney recorded his fifth post-Beatles album, Band on the Run , in an EMI studio in Lagos in August and September 1973.
References
World Population review
Wikipedia