Lagos State

Lagos State is a state in South West Nigeria.

• 6.4561113.3936111 Lagos City — Nigeria's largest city (by population), West African economic hub, and namesake of the state
• 6.4166672.8833332 Badagry
• 6.5833333.9833333 Epe
• 6.6166673.54 Ikorodu

• 6.4363893.5355561 Lekki Conservation Centre

Lagos State is a state in South West Nigeria. It is the country's most populous state and one of its principal economic and cultural centres. The state occupies a low-lying coastal area around the Atlantic Ocean, Lagos Lagoon and several smaller lagoons and waterways.

Lagos State lies in southwestern Nigeria along the Atlantic coast. It is bordered by Ogun State to the north and east, the Republic of Benin to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the south.

The state has a predominantly tropical coastal environment, with extensive lagoons, creeks, wetlands and sandy coastal areas. Much of the state's population is concentrated in the Lagos metropolitan area.

The indigenous population includes Yoruba communities such as the Awori, while people from virtually every part of Nigeria and from other countries have settled in the state. This has made Lagos one of the most culturally diverse places in Nigeria.

The Lagos area has a long history of Yoruba settlement and coastal trade. Lagos Island and surrounding areas were historically associated with the Awori people and later became an important centre of regional and international commerce.

Lagos subsequently came under British colonial rule and became the capital of the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria. It remained the capital of independent Nigeria after 1960 until the federal capital was transferred to Abuja in 1991.

Lagos State was created on 27 May 1967 during Nigeria's state-creation process. Despite the transfer of the national capital to Abuja, Lagos remained Nigeria's leading commercial and financial centre.

Lagos State has a hot and humid tropical climate influenced strongly by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean.

The rainy season generally extends from around March to October, although rainfall varies from year to year. The drier period usually occurs from November to February. Humidity remains relatively high throughout much of the year.

Murtala Muhammed International Airport is the main international gateway to Lagos and one of the busiest airports in Nigeria. It is located in Ikeja and has domestic and international connections.

Lagos is connected by major highways with Ogun State and other parts of southwestern Nigeria. Roads provide connections to Ibadan, Benin City and other major Nigerian cities.

The Lagos-Ibadan Railway provides passenger rail services between Lagos and Ibadan, with connections to stations in the Lagos metropolitan area.

Ferries operate on parts of the Lagos waterways and provide connections between some coastal and lagoon-side communities.

Lagos State has an extensive public transportation network. Buses, minibuses, taxis, ride-hailing services, motorcycles and ferries are commonly used.

The Lagos Rail Mass Transit system provides rail services on selected routes and offers an alternative to road transport.

Traffic congestion can be severe, particularly during weekday peak periods, so journeys may take considerably longer than the distance suggests.

• Ogun State — The neighbouring state to the north and east, containing Abeokuta and other destinations.
• Ibadan — A major city and the capital of Oyo State.
• Badagry — A historic coastal destination in western Lagos State.
• Benin City — A major historical and commercial centre farther east.
• Abuja — Nigeria's federal capital.