Lekki is a peninsula and city located in the south-east of Lagos, Nigeria.

In this article, we will explore Lekki in detail, including its history, neighborhoods, and future plans.

About Lekki Lagos

Lekki is situated west of Victoria Island and Ikoyi districts, with the Atlantic Ocean to the south, Lagos Lagoon to the north, and Lekki Lagoon to the east. The southeastern part of the city, which ends around Refuge Island, is adjacent to the eastern portion of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area.

The peninsula is approximately 70 to 80 km long, with an average width of 10 km. 

Lekki currently houses several gated residential developments, agricultural farmlands, areas allocated for a Free Trade Zone, with an airport, and a sea port under construction. 

The proposed land-use master plan for Lekki envisages the Peninsula as a “Blue-Green Environment City”, expected to accommodate well over a residential population of 3.4 million in addition to a non-residential population of at least 1.9 million.

History of Lekki, Lagos

Lekki Lagos was once known as Maroko, a slum that was destroyed by the Raji Rasaki-led Lagos State military government. Today, it is a rapidly developing city with several gated residential developments, agricultural farmlands, areas allocated for a Free Trade Zone, with an airport, and a sea port under construction.

Neighborhoods in Lekki

Lekki Phase 1 is one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in Lagos State, with some of the most expensive real estates in the area. This area is known for its luxury homes and upscale amenities.

Future Plans for Lekki

The proposed land-use master plan for Lekki envisages the Peninsula as a “Blue-Green Environment City” that is expected to accommodate well over 3.4 million residents, in addition to a non-residential population of at least 1.9 million.

The Lekki Free Trade Zone, covering a total area of 155 square kilometers at the easternmost end of the peninsula, was initiated and prepared by the State Government of Lagos in 2006.

The plan defined the free zone as a special multi-functional economic zone and a new modern city with several south-west and north–south traffic corridors.

The Lekki City plan was prepared by Messrs Dar al Handersah, Shair, and Partners, for Lagos State Ministry of Urban Planning and Physical Development.

Based on the proposed land-use plan, Lekki City, excluding the Lekki Free Zone, will be divided into 4 linear development zones;

The North Urban Zone, which will be largely residential

The Natural Park Zone, which will consist of an environmental and nature conservation park;

The South Urban Zone, which will include the existing and new residential developments along with commercial and mixed uses, as well as

The Light industry; and the Atlantic Coastal Zone, which will mainly be developed for tourism and recreational activities.

The land-use master plan will stipulate a total built-up area of about 100 square kilometers, accommodating a residential population of about 3.4 million and a non-residential population of about 1.9 million.

About The Lekki Free Trade Zone: Detailed Plan for the Lekki Free Trade Zone

Lekki Free Trade Zone (Lekki FTZ) is a Free Trade zone situated in the eastern part of Lekki, which covers a total area of about 155 square kilometres. 

The first phase of the zone has an area of 30 square kilometres, with about 27 square kilometres for urban construction purposes, which would accommodate a total resident population of 120,000. 

According to the Master Plan, the free zone will be developed into a new modern city within a city with the integration of industries, commerce, and business, real estate development, warehousing and logistics, tourism, and entertainment.

Yellow hatched: Lekki Free Trade Zone, grey hatched: new airport Lagos, yellow: Dangote refinery.

The Lekki Free Trade Zone is divided into three functional districts; the residential district in the north, the industrial district in the middle, and the commercial trading/warehousing & logistics district in the southeast. 

The “sub-center” located in the south of the Zone is to be developed first. The region is close to the customs supervisory area, and it is mainly for commercial trading, logistics, and warehousing operations. 

The second phase is located in the north of the Zone adjacent to E9 Road (Highway) which will serve as the central business district of the free zone. 

The area along E2 Road will be developed for financial and commercial businesses, estate properties & supporting facilities, high-end production service industries, and so on, which will link it to the sub-centre the Zone. 

The area along E4 Road will be utilized mainly for the development of logistics and industrial manufacturing/processing. 

A number of connection axes are also planned in between the principal axis and the sub-axis, with multi-functional service nodes to serve the whole of Lekki FTZ, Dangote Refinery is currently being built in the Lekki Free Zone.

In the start-up area of the Lekki Free Trade Zone, there will be a Commercial & Logistics Park which will cover a total area of 1.5 square kilometres. 

The Park was planned to be multi-functional with the integration of commerce, trading, warehousing, and exhibition. 

According to the Site Plan of the park, large construction works will be built in the park, including the “international commodities & trade centre”, the “international exhibition & conversation centre”, industrial factory workshops, logistics warehouses, office buildings, hotels, and residential apartment buildings, amongst others.

Cultural Attraction of Lekki, Lagos

Lekki Conservation Centre

About Lekki Conservation Centre, Lekki

Lekki Conservation Centre (LCC) is one of the major Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) conservation sites. It covers a land area of 78 hectares in Lekki. 

The Conservation Centre was established in 1990, before the development of Lekki, for the conservation of wildlife found in the southwest coastal environment of Nigeria, in the face of sprawling urban development. 

The project has promoted environmental protection and worked against poaching by surrounding communities as well as serving as a tourist centre for local and international visitors.

Over two million tourists of more than 100 nationals have visited Lekki Conservation Centre since its establishment. 

Most of NCF’s School Conservation Clubs were established following the impact of individual visit to the centre. LCC land area is divided into two sections: the LCC Complex and the nature reserve. 

The LCC Complex comprises a multi-purpose rotunda surrounded by four office blocks, containing project staff offices, a gift shop, a canteen, and the drivers’ office.

The nature reserve consists of a mosaic of vegetation types, which includes: secondary forest, swamp forest, and Savanna grassland.

Tourist Sites and Monuments in Lekki

• Enu Owa Shrine, Isale Eko

• lga Idunganran, Isale-Eko – Official residence of the Oba [King] of Lagos since 1670
• Lagos Bar Beach, Victoria Island, Lagos
• Holy Cross Cathedral — cradle and seat of the Roman Catholic Mission in Nigeria.
• Nigeria Conservation Centre, Igbo-Efon, Eti-Osa

• Old Colonial Nigeria Secretariat, Marina Lagos
• Old Federal Parliament Building, Race Course, Lagos
• Old Glover’s Hausa Guard Mosque [Obalende Central Mosque], Obalende, Lagos
• Tafawa Balewa Square, Race Course – National Ceremonial Parade Ground, 1863–1991

Schools in Lekki

• Lekki British School, a British international school, is in Lekki.
• The American International School of Lagos maintains the Lekki Campus.
• The Italian International School “Enrico Mattei” has its campus in Lekki.
• The Pan Atlantic University which started as Lagos Business School is located in Lekki.

Notable Neighbourhoods around Lekki

Ajah

Ikate-Elegushi

Jakande

Agungi

Ikota

Lekki Phase 1

Chevron

Victoria Garden City

Transportation

The proposed Lekki-Epe International Airport would serve the area as a second airport for Lagos, and the Green Line of the future Lagos Rail Mass Transit will connect Lekki with Lagos City.

Notable Residents in Lekki

Alibaba Akpobome

2Baba

Timaya

Bobrisky

Top Business Locations in Lekki

1. Shoprite Lekki Mall 

2. Spar 3. 

3. Chevron Drive

4. Ajah Market 

5. Ikota

Tourist Attractions in Lekki

Lekki is a peninsula, bordered in the south by the Atlantic Ocean and in the North by the Lagos Lagoon. The main attractions are its numerous beaches and bustling nightlife

Some notable tourist attractions are

1. Lekki Conservation Centre

2. LUFASI Nature Park Lagos

3. Alpha Beach, Lekki

4. Elegushi Royal Beach

5. La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort

Places of Worship in Lekki

1. House on the Rock (church) 

2. The Elevation Church 

3. This Present House 

4. RCCG, Tabernacle of David

5. Harvesters Church Lekki

6. Lekki Central Mosque