When a foreigner or a non-native Nigerian/African asks about the best spots to visit if they ever decide to tour Nigeria, Lagos state automatically tops the list because of its thriving music and film industry, countless beaches, and nightlife. Among all the local governments in Lagos state, Lekki takes its position as the face of the glitz and glamour associated with the state. From classy restaurants to record labels, fashion houses, luxurious houses and the large number of prominent personalities who occupy the local government are enough reasons for Nigerians to tag Lekki as the “Small London” of Nigeria. However, before Lekki built a reputation as one of the fancy places in Nigeria, it was formerly a slum. “But how did a slum become a centre of attraction?” you might ask. Well, let’s take a look at the history of Lekki.

The History of Lekki

As mentioned earlier, the flashy town of Lekki was once a slum. Before Lekki existed, there was a community called Maroko. The Maroko community housed low-income earners and attracted migrants from different parts of Nigeria because of its close proximity to commercial areas. During the Raji Rasaki military led government, the demolition and evacuation of residents in Maroko was sanctioned. According to government officials, the community was below sea level and needed to be sand filled. It was also speculated that the community needed more infrastructural development, hence the need for the entire community to be demolished. The Maroko eviction is recorded as one of the largest evictions in Nigeria till date. Lekki Peninsula has over time enjoyed a rapid spate of transformation, urbanisation and development, which were promoted by such factors as colonial experience, proximity to the city of Lagos, and some deliberate policies of the government among others.

Things to Note about Lekki Peninsula

1. Home of Expensive Real Estate

One thing to know about Lekki is that it is the home of Nigeria’s most expensive real estate assets in Nigeria. With buildings like Okudili Uwenyiora’s house located in Lekki Phase 1, most buildings in the community cost several millions of Dollars to build.

2. Exciting Tourist Attraction

There are exciting places to visit in Lekki like Nike Art Gallery, Lekki Conservative Centre, Eleko beach, Lekki Leisure Lake, Point of no Return, and the first storey building. Over the years, these places have attracted tourists. Children aren’t left out of the fun as places like Lekki Tennis Club, Lekki Waterside, Fun Factory for Kids, Funtopia Leisure Resort, Funturf, Flamingo gaming, Playbarn for kids among others.

3. The Hub of Entertainment 

Lekki is home to entertaining events like music festivals, film festivals, literary festivals, comedy shows, album release parties, and many other entertaining activities. A large number of events take place in Lekki City such as; BBQ Night at Eko Hotel and Suites, MVP Lagos Fridays, Retro Thursdays, Free Pass Friday and Nigeria Fashion Expo.

4. Lekki is Divided into different parts

Lekki is divided into Phase 1&2. Between Phase 1&2, there are other developed residential estates and sub-local governments. Some of the areas around Lekki like Elegushi have both the traditional and political leaders governing them. Some notable housing estates in Lekki include Lekki Gardens, NICON Estate, Carlton Gate Estate, and many others. In other words, there are several states, gated residential areas, agricultural farmlands, one airport, and a Free Trade Zone in Lekki. All this infrastructure has contributed to the prominence of Lekki.