Latest news on Lagos, Nigeria's commercial capital, covering business, crime, traffic, culture, Afrobeats, and developments in this West African megacity.
Home to an estimated 20 million or more residents, Lagos is Africa's largest city by population and the economic engine of Nigeria. The city generates roughly a quarter of the country's GDP and serves as the continent's premier hub for finance, trade, and investment, with key commercial districts spanning Lagos Island, Victoria Island, Ikoyi, and the rapidly developing Lekki corridor.
Lagos has emerged as one of the world's fastest-growing tech ecosystems, ranking first in Dealroom's Global Tech Ecosystem Index ahead of cities including Istanbul and Mumbai. The city is home to five unicorns — Flutterwave, OPay, Moniepoint, Interswitch, and Jumia — that lead in fintech, digital payments, and e-commerce. Major industrial projects, including the Dangote Refinery and the Lekki Deep Sea Port, continue to reshape the city's economic footprint.
Flooding, traffic congestion, and overstretched infrastructure remain chronic challenges for Lagos. Authorities estimate that residents lose an average of four hours daily to traffic, costing the economy an estimated ₦4 trillion each year. Coastal geography and rapid urbanisation place the city among Nigeria's highest flood-risk zones, with low-lying areas such as Makoko, Ajegunle, and parts of the Lekki corridor particularly vulnerable during the rainy season.
Beyond commerce, Lagos is the beating heart of African popular culture. The city is the birthplace of Afrobeats and a global centre for Nollywood — the world's second-largest film industry by output. From the art galleries of Ikoyi to the markets of Balogun and the nightlife of Victoria Island, the city's creative energy draws visitors, diaspora investors, and cultural commentators from around the world.
Lagos was originally settled by the Awori subgroup of the Yoruba people and developed into a major port and trade hub during the era of transatlantic commerce. It served as Nigeria's federal capital until 1991, when the seat of government moved to Abuja. Today, under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State Government is pursuing an ambitious infrastructure agenda — including the Blue Line rail and expanded road networks — aimed at keeping pace with the city's relentless growth.
Our NewsNow Lagos feed brings together the latest headlines from across Nigerian and international media, covering everything from business and politics to crime, culture, and urban development. Whether you're a resident, an investor, or simply tracking one of the world's most dynamic cities, this feed is your essential source for up-to-date Lagos news.