The Islands
The Islands are Lagos’ core commercial and trading hubs and include most of the city’s top-end residential, hotel and leisure areas where most upper middle class reside or work. These Islands are separated from the Mainland by the main channel draining the lagoon into the Atlantic ocean, which forms Lagos Harbour. They are also separated from each other by creeks of varying sizes and are connected to Lagos Island by bridges.
LAGOS ISLAND
Lagos Island contains the historic Central Business District (CBD). This district is characterized by high-rise buildings and businesses. The island also contains many of the city's largest wholesale marketplaces (such as the popular Idumota and Balogun markets). It also has the National Museum of Nigeria, a Central mosque, Glover Memorial Hall, Christ's Cathedral (CMS), and the Oba Palace. And lastly, there is the Tinubu Square- a site of historical importance.
IKOYI
Ikoyi is situated on the eastern half of Lagos Island and joined to it by a landfill. Ikoyi is also connected to Victoria Island by a bridge carrying a main road over a Five Cowrie creek. Ikoyi has a great number of hotels, night clubs, a recreational park and one of Africa's largest golf courses. Originally a middle class neighbourhood, in recent years it has become more of a fashionable residential enclave for the upper middle class to the upper class.
VICTORIA ISLAND
Victoria Island is home to many company headquarters and entertainment spots, Victoria Island (also known as V.I) along with Ikoyi, occupies a major area in the suburbs of Lagos which boasts of several sizeable shopping districts. On its sea shore along the Atlantic front, there is Africa’s most ambitious project of reclaimed lands, Eko Atlantic, to build the Central Business District of the 21st century.
ONIRU
Oniru (also Maroko) is a gated neighbourhood between Victoria Island and Lekki 1. Predominantly residential with small compounds and few townhouses most of which have been recently built, Oniru is also home to shopping malls, hotels and entertainment venues.
LEKKI
The Lekki Axis, an eastern peninsula, has emerged as the residential destination for Nigeria’s rising middle class as well as the most dynamic retail & commercial area. With its industrial developments such as the Lekki Free Zone, the Lagos Deep Sea Port and the Lekki Airport, its importance will rise over the medium term.
