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Lagos (over 10 million inhabitants), otherwise called Eko, and Nigeria's erstwhile capital is the most populous and foremost urban centre in Nigeria. Founded in the 15th century, the city has witnessed considerable changes aided by its peculiar geographic situation and initial political and economic advantages. Early immigrants settled at Ebute-Metta, moved next to Iddo and later to Lagos Island where the Oba's palace is at Idunganran. The development of modem day Lagos can be traced back to the Afro-European Atlantic coastal trade which cornmenced in the 15th century. Lagos merchants and rulers prospered substantially from the slave trade economy. Their belligerence against its abolition attracted the wrath of the British Naval force and the imposition of colonial rule in 1851.

Geophysical setting. Lagos occupies a low-lying site generally below 17 metres, except at the northernmost end of Greater Lagos, where local altitudinal rise commences. The southern portion bordering the Atlantic Ocean comprises islands, lagoons, creeks and extensive swamps. Prominent among the islands are Ikoyi, Victoria Island and Lagos Islands. Sand bar formation across the natural harbours led to the construction of the East and West Moles. Ironically, these features have been linked with the periodical occurrence of ocean surge flooding many parts of the islands, particularlly Victoria Island. This island has a wide natural bar beach for recreation and tourism.