Significance of Site
- Lagos is the former capital of Nigeria (Abuja is now the capital)
- It has a population of almost 16 million (2022)
Site and situation
- Lagos Lagoon limits growth to the east
- City has spread outwards to the north and west
- Next to the Bight of Benin on the Atlantic Ocean coast which gives excellent access to trade routes
- Nigeria has borders with Benin, Niger, Chad and Cameroon
- Near to large oil reserves
- A flat expanse of land
Map of Lagos
Regional importance
- Largest city in the region
- Hospitals, schools, ten universities
- Arts and culture - centre of film industry 'Nollywood'
- Transport hub, roads, rail, air and sea ports
National importance
- Former capital city
- Lagos has the fourth highest GDP in the whole of the African continent
- Many transnational corporations
- Finance centre on Lagos Island with the headquarters of companies such as Shell Nigeria
- New business hub on Eko Atlantic created from reclaimed land
- Industrial areas such as Ikeja
International importance
- Oil wealth means it is an important world economy
- Tin Can Island is now the site of the second largest port in Nigeria connecting Nigeria to the rest of the world
- Lekki Deep Sea Port which is still under construction will be the largest seaport in Nigeria and part of the Lagos Free Zone
- Lagos has the largest airport in Nigeria which is connected to the port and CBD by a major road network
- Investment in digital infrastructure means it is the digital centre of West Africa
Worked example
For a named megacity, explain one way its location has influenced its growth
(3 marks)
- One mark is awarded for identifying a locational factor which has contributed to the growth of the megacity
- Further marks are awarded for explanation of the factor identified.
- Growth can be explained in terms of a cities’ economic, physical or demographic growth.
Answer:
- Lagos' location on the Atlantic Ocean (1) allows it to easily trade with both South and North American countries (1) helping it to develop its huge port through imports and exports (1)
- Being situated close to huge oil reserves (1) has enabled Lagos to become an important oil port (1) which has attracted large numbers of migrants to the city (1)
- Situated centrally on the Nigerian coast (1), Lagosi has developed as a major port both nationally and internationally (1) This has helped it to become a major export zone for TNC’s (1)
- Lagos’ position limits growth to the east (1) Most of the growth has been to the west of Lagos Lagoon (1). The land near the coast is flat making it an attractive site for industry (1).