Lagos

Lagos is loosely classified into two main geographical areas—the "Island" and the "Mainland". The city of Lagos has the tallest skyline in Nigeria. The architectural styles in Lagos are diverse, ranging from tropical and vernacular to colonial European and ultramodern buildings, or a mixture. Brazilian-style architecture brought by the creoles is evident in buildings such as Water House and Shitta Bey Mosque. Skyscrapers and most high-rise buildings are centered on the islands, while the mainland has some high-rise buildings. In recent years, the Lagos State government has renovated existing parks and green areas, with a long-term goal of expansion. Many good quality buildings are interspersed across the city. …

Lagos is a cultural centre of Nigeria. As a port city and the starting point of British colonisation, the Western influence is stronger here than in probably any other Nigerian city. All Nigerian ethnic groups can be found in the melting pot of this metropolis, with the Yoruba predominating. The music and film industries in the city are dynamic centres of the country with international acclaim. Lagos adopted a tropical modernist style (a climate-adapted international style), using materials like reinforced concrete, featuring clean lines, louvres, and a sun-screen facade to manage heat and environmental conditions. This style was practised widely by Onafowokan Michael Olutusen and Oluwole Olumuyiwa First generation architects in Nigeria. These included paying attention to simplicity rather than ornamentation in the building. …

The city of Lagos is a major economic focal point in Nigeria, generating around 30-35% of the country's GDP. Most commercial and financial businesses are carried out in the central business district situated on the island. This is also where most of the country's commercial banks, financial institutions, and major corporations are headquartered. Lagos is also the major information communications and telecommunications (ICT) hub of West Africa. Lagos is developing a 24-hour economy. Yves Bellinghausen summed up the city’s economy as follows: 'Lagos is Africa's Hollywood, Manhattan, and Silicon Valley all rolled into one.' The globalisation of Lagos's economy is rated "beta minus" by the GaWC. This is equivalent to Manchester or Edinburgh in the UK. Lagos is thus the most "globalised" city in West and Central Africa. 5 out of 7 African tech "unicorns" operate out of Lagos (see below). …

Following the re-modernization project achieved by the previous administration of Governor Raji Babatunde Fashola, Lagos is gradually becoming a major tourist destination, being one of the largest cities in Africa and the world. Diasporan Africans and others, especially from East and Southern Africa, are increasingly visiting Lagos mostly to understand and experience the Nigeria that has been presented to them by Nollywood. Lagos has sandy beaches by the Atlantic Ocean, including Tarkwa Bay, Elegushi Beach and Alpha Beach. Lagos also has a number of private beach resorts, including the Inagbe Grand Beach Resort. On Wole Olateju Crescent, in the immediate vicinity of Lekki Bridge, there are several companies that offer boat tours and rent kayaks or jet skis. Lagos, especially Victoria Island and Surulere, is said to have "Africa’s craziest nightlife" and is likened to Las Vegas. …