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Lagos

“Centre of Excellence”

Capital Ikeja
Zone South West
LGAs 20
Population 13,992,000
2026 Budget ₦4.24T

About Lagos

Lagos is Nigeria’s largest city and economic powerhouse. It is the commercial, financial, and entertainment capital of Nigeria and one of the fastest growing megacities in the world.
Historical Background
Long before European contact, the area now known as Lagos was settled by the Awori people, a subgroup of the Yoruba, who established fishing and farming communities on the coastal lagoon islands around the 13th century. The most significant early settlement was Eko, established o… Read full history →

Quick Facts — Lagos

Official nameLagos
Capital city Ikeja
Slogan / MottoCentre of Excellence
Geo-political zone South West
Local govt areas 20 LGAs →
Population (census) 13,992,000
Population density 11,949 / km²
Total area 1,171 km²
First governor Brigadier Mobolaji Johnson
2026 budget ₦4.24T →

Frequently Asked Questions — Lagos

The capital city of Lagos State is Ikeja. It is the seat of the Lagos State Government, the governor's office and the state legislature.
Lagos State has 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs). Each LGA has its own elected council and chairman responsible for grassroots governance, primary education and community infrastructure.
According to the National Population Commission, Lagos State has a population of 13,992,000. The state capital Ikeja is the most populated urban centre. The population density is approximately 11,949 persons per km².
Lagos State is in the South West geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The zone includes several other states and sends representatives to the Nigeria Governors' Forum and the National Assembly.
Lagos State was created in 1967. The first governor was Brigadier Mobolaji Johnson. Learn more on the Lagos State History page.
The Lagos State budget for 2026 is ₦4.24T. See the full breakdown on the Lagos State Budget page, including capital expenditure, IGR and sector allocations.
Lagos State covers a total land area of 1,171 km². With a population density of 11,949 people per km².

Government Structure

Lagos State is governed by an Executive Governor and a 40-member House of Assembly. The state is known for its progressive policies in infrastructure, transportation, security, and internally generated revenue.

Economy of Lagos

Lagos contributes over 30% of Nigeria’s GDP. Key sectors include Fintech, Banking, Oil and Gas, Maritime trade, Manufacturing, Real Estate, and Entertainment (Nollywood and Afrobeat industries).

Demographics & Geography

Population: Approximately 14–18 million people (official and metro estimates). Lagos is highly diverse with Yoruba as the indigenous group alongside large populations of Igbo, Hausa, and expatriates.
13,992,000
Population
1,171
Area km²
11,949
Per km²
20
LGAs

Culture & Tourism in Lagos

Lagos is famous for its vibrant culture and entertainment scene. Major attractions include Lekki Conservation Centre, Nike Art Gallery, Tarkwa Bay Beach, Freedom Park, National Museum Lagos, and annual events like Lagos Carnival and Felabration.

Local Government Areas in Lagos

20 LGAs

Agege
HQ: Agege
459,939
Population

One of Lagos densest LGAs and a major textile and clothing market hub in the northwest of the city. Home to Agege Motor Road, a key commercial corridor.

Ajeromi-Ifelodun
HQ: Ajegunle
774,900
Population

Among the most densely populated LGAs in Nigeria. Ajegunle is a working-class urban district known for its vibrant music scene and bustling market economy.

Alimosho
HQ: Alimosho
1,277,714
Population

The largest LGA in Lagos State by population, covering Egbeda, Idimu, Ipaja and surrounding suburbs. A rapidly growing residential and commercial area.

Amuwo-Odofin
HQ: Mile 2
317,720
Population

Industrial LGA hosting the Tin Can Island Port, Kirikiri Light Industrial Estate and the Lagos Free Trade Zone. Gateway for maritime trade into Nigeria.

Apapa
HQ: Apapa
217,362
Population

Home to the largest seaport in Nigeria — Apapa Port — which handles the majority of Nigeria's imports and exports. A key commercial and industrial zone.

Badagry
HQ: Badagry
241,093
Population

Historic slave trade port on the border with Benin Republic. Features the Point of No Return monument, Slave Route Museum and Gberefu Beach — a major heritage tourism destination.

Epe
HQ: Epe
181,409
Population

Coastal LGA bordering the Lekki Lagoon, known for fishing, aquaculture and the Epe Fish Market. Site of significant real estate and resort development.

Eti-Osa
HQ: Lekki
287,785
Population

Encompasses the Lekki Peninsula, Victoria Island Extension and Ajah. One of the fastest-growing real estate markets in Africa, home to major embassies and multinational businesses.

Ibeju-Lekki
HQ: Akodo Ise
117,244
Population

Site of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Lekki Free Trade Zone and Lekki Deep Seaport — the future industrial heartland of Lagos State.

Ifako-Ijaiye
HQ: Ifako
503,928
Population

Densely populated residential LGA in northwest Lagos, covering Agbado, Ijaiye and Ojokoro communities. Major dormitory suburb for Lagos Island workers.

Ikeja
HQ: Ikeja
313,196
Population

The administrative capital of Lagos State. Home to Government House, Lagos State Secretariat, Murtala Muhammed International Airport and the Computer Village tech market.

Ikorodu
HQ: Ikorodu
535,619
Population

Rapidly industrialising LGA on the eastern mainland, known for its furniture industry, ferry terminal connecting to Lagos Island and major logistics hubs.

Kosofe
HQ: Kosofe
665,393
Population

Covers Ketu, Ojota, Ogudu and Magboro areas. One of Lagos most populated LGAs with major markets, bus terminals and the Berger-Mile 12 commercial corridor.

Lagos Island
HQ: Lagos Island
209,437
Population

The historic commercial heart of Nigeria. Home to Broad Street financial district, Balogun Market, Eko Hotel and the original Lagos Colony settlement.

Lagos Mainland
HQ: Yaba
317,720
Population

Covers Yaba, Mushin-adjacent communities and Herbert Macaulay Way. Home to University of Lagos (Unilag), Yaba College of Technology and major teaching hospitals.

Mushin
HQ: Mushin
633,009
Population

High-density urban LGA known for its commercial activity, cultural diversity and as a major transportation hub connecting Lagos Island to the mainland.

Ojo
HQ: Ojo
598,071
Population

Coastal LGA in southwest Lagos, home to the Nigerian Navy Base, Ojo Military Cantonment and significant military and industrial installations.

Oshodi-Isolo
HQ: Oshodi
682,772
Population

Major transport interchange LGA. Oshodi Market is one of Lagos busiest commercial centres. Also covers Isolo, Ejigbo and Mafoluku industrial areas.

Shomolu
HQ: Shomolu
402,673
Population

Covers Shomolu, Bariga and Pedro communities. Known for its printing industry and proximity to the University of Lagos. A vibrant urban residential LGA.

Surulere
HQ: Surulere
503,975
Population

Home to the National Stadium, Teslim Balogun Stadium and the National Arts Theatre. A vibrant residential LGA known for sports, arts and entertainment.

History of Lagos State

Long before European contact, the area now known as Lagos was settled by the Awori people, a subgroup of the Yoruba, who established fishing and farming communities on the coastal lagoon islands around the 13th century. The most significant early settlement was Eko, established on Lagos Island, whic…
Historical Kingdoms: Kingdom of Benin, Awori chieftaincies, Eko kingdom
🕐 Read Full History of Lagos →

2026 Appropriation

₦4.24T
Total Budget — Lagos State
📄 View Full Budget Breakdown →

Lagos State Budget 2026

The 2026 budget for Lagos State under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu totals ₦4.24T. The budget details include capital expenditure, recurrent expenditure, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), federal allocation (FAAC) and sector allocations covering education, health, infrastructure, security and agriculture.

See full budget details, sector allocations and year-on-year comparison →

Compare State Budgets

See how Lagos State compares to all 36 states and FCT Abuja.

📄 Nigeria State Budgets — All 37 States →