Lagos State Facts for Kids

Lagos State, often called just Lagos, is a busy and important state in the southwestern part of Nigeria. It's known for being one of the most active states for business and trade in the country. The main city and capital of Lagos State is Ikeja.

Quick facts for kids

Lagos State

Ìpínlẹ̀ Èkó (Yoruba)

Flag

Country

Nigeria

Geopolitical Zone

South West

Date created

27 May 1967

Capital

Ikeja

Number of LGAs

Area

• Total

3,577 km² (1,381 sq mi)

Population

(2006 census)

• Total

9,113,605

• Estimate

(2012 by LASG)

17,552,940

• Rank

1st of 36

• Density

2,547.8/km² (6,598.9/sq mi)

GDP

• Year

2014

• Total

$91 billion

• Per capita

$4,333

Time zone

UTC+01 (WAT)

ISO 3166 code

NG-LA

HDI (2018)

0.673
medium · 1st of 37

Website

lagosstate.gov.ng

History of Lagos State
Local Government Areas
People of Lagos
Images for kids
See also

History of Lagos State

Lagos State was officially created on May 27, 1967. Before that, the area was known as Eko. This name was used until traders from Portugal arrived.

The word "Eko" comes from a Yoruba word. It means "war camp" in English. The very first people to settle in Eko were the Aworis.

Local Government Areas

Lagos State is divided into 20 smaller areas called local government areas (LGAs). These areas help manage different parts of the state. They are grouped into 5 main administrative divisions.

Here are the 20 local government areas:

Agege
Alimosho
Ifako-Ijaye
Ikeja
Kosofe
Mushin
Oshodi-Isolo
Shomolu
Apapa
Eti-Osa
Lagos Island
Lagos Mainland
Surulere
Ajeromi-Ifelodun
Amuwo-Odofin
Ojo
Badagry
Ikorodu
Ibeju-Lekki
Epe

People of Lagos

Most people living in Lagos State are from the Yoruba ethnic group. However, Lagos is a very diverse place. It attracts many people from other parts of Nigeria and even from other countries. This makes Lagos a melting pot of cultures and ideas.