Description of Lagos

The Lagos metropolitan area spreads over much of Lagos State (3345 sq km/1292 sq mi), which is located on four principal islands and adjacent parts of the Nigerian mainland. The islands are connected to each other and to the mainland by bridges and landfills.

Major sections of the city include the old city, which now serves as the commercial district, on western Lagos Island; Ikoyi Island, situated just east of Lagos Island and joined to it by a landfill; Apapa, the chief port district, located on the mainland; residential Victoria Island; and industrialized Iddo Island.

Important mainland suburbs, incorporated as part of the city in 1967, include Ebute-Metta, Yaba, Suru Lere, Ajegunle, Shomolu, Agege, Mushin, and Ikeja.