Capital: Ikeja
Major Cities: Lagos, Epe, Badagry, Ikorodu
Lagos the commercial capital of Nigeria was a small fishing port know as Eko, until the Portuguese gave it its present name. Today Lagos is a megalopolis of nearly 4 million people, home to Nigeria's major manufacturing concerns and business houses. Lagos shares many similiarties with New York. As a costal city it is dissected by lagoons and rivers making it a city planners nightmare owing to the number of long-span bridges required to bring it all together. It is noisy and expensive but also a fun place to be, especially its vibrant night life. Lagos receives more than 3 thousand newcomers everyday, people who believe that they can make their fortunes on its streets. As a result of this constant influx, municipal services are permanently stretched to the limit. In Lagos, shanties jostle for space with high-rise buildings and 18th century Brazilian style mansions a legacy of the influence of the descendants of freed slaves who found their way back to their roots.
Beaches at Badagry, a suburb of Lagos, Lekki Peninsular and the popular Bar Beach in Victoria Island are popular resorts for relaxation. Lagos has several international class hotels such as Lagos Sheraton, Eko Meridien, Federal Palace Hotel and Lagos Dunbar. Night clubs and pubs add to the vibrancy of Lagos night life. Facalities for sports and recreation abound. Nigeria's busiest seaport (Apapa/Tin Can) and major airport Murtala Mohammed are located in Lagos.
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