Lagos

Lagos is the largest city in Nigeria and one of the biggest metropolitan areas in Africa. It was founded in the late 15th century by the Awori people, who established a fishing village on Lagos Island. In the 1470s, Portuguese explorers arrived, naming the area "Lago de Curamo," which eventually gave rise to the modern name "Lagos." By the 16th century, the Kingdom of Benin had asserted control over the settlement, calling it "Eko," a name still used by locals today. In 1851, British naval forces captured the city, and in 1861 it was formally annexed as a British colony.

In 1914, Lagos was chosen as the capital of Nigeria following the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates. It remained the political center until 1991, when the federal capital was moved to Abuja. Nevertheless, Lagos continued to grow as the nation's economic and commercial powerhouse. Today, it hosts the headquarters of major banks, oil companies, and industrial conglomerates, serving as the financial heartbeat of West Africa.

The metropolitan area of Lagos is home to over 15 million people and spans roughly 1,000 square kilometers. The city has become a melting pot of cultures, attracting migrants from every corner of Nigeria and beyond. Its seaports, extensive road networks, and international airport make it the primary transportation and logistics gateway for the entire West African region.