Top 10 Business Districts In Lagos

'The centre of Excellence' as it is fondly called by many - Lagos, is a state in the West African country of Nigeria, sitting in the South-West Region with a population of over 40 million people is fast becoming a global capital, some even regard it as the business capital of Nigeria and rightly so because of its huge population, business opportunities, constant influx and an ever growing population. Lagos is a large and diverse city with a range of opportunities for businesses of all sizes and types. 

Here are top ten cities/districts in Lagos that are particularly attractive for launching a business venture: 

1 Ikeja 

An acronym for "Ikorodu Epe Joint Association" is the capital of Lagos State and as expected the seat of government in the state. Ikeja has been largely popularised by word of mouth and on TV as the go to place to "make it" and be serious with life, it has been hallowed to the high Heavens and various people swear that if you can make it in ikeja, you can make it anywhere else on earth. Little wonder at these reasons, as ikeja is home to various business ventures, all you can think of, real estate and what have you, making it a hub for business owners both co-orperate and the entrepreneurs alike. Here is where you would find the popular computer Village for all things electronic. 

2 Apapa 

Located on the Lagos lagoon towards the waterways, apapa Is a commercial hub, as it is home to various ports, shipping companies, trade logistics companies and other related business venture. It is a place to start any business generally relating to heavy/small goods and possibly services delivery and the likes. 

3 Lekki 

A rather fast growing city also located on the Lagos lagoon, associated with the high and mighty in society, often identified with high rise buildings, owned by private individuals and cooperate institutions. It is a great place to own a business if you can afford to be there and make profit, as your clientel base will the high income earners. 

4 Lagos Island 

Lagos Island as the name implies is obviously on the island part of the city. It is the historic and cultural centre of the city, and it is home to many of Lagos’ most iconic landmarks and attractions. It is a bustling commercial hub with a large, diverse and ever ready population, making it an ideal location for businesses that rely on foot traffic and heavy visibility, as both the mainlanders and islanders can be seen on Lagos island. 

5 Yaba 

Yaba, the ever bustling and vibrant neighbourhood in Lagos State, located just east of the Island. It is known for its many educational institutions such as Yabatech (Yaba college of Technology) and its thriving tech (Technology) ecosystem, making it an attractive location for businesses in the education and tech sectors. As the world is driving towards the Technology era, yaba has not been left behind as the city has pioneered this drive and has become synonymous with Technology. 

6 Surulere 

Surulere located on the mainland, is a diverse and densely populated neighbourhood located in the heart of the state of Lagos. It is home to many small scale and large businesses, shops, and restaurants, also it is known for its ever vibrant nightlife and non-stop entertainment scene, also it is home to Nigeria's iconic Stadium the 'surulere national stadium' as well as the 'teslim balogun stadium' making a hub also for football and other sports enthusiasts. Businesses that can be operated here are diverse, ranging from clubs, bars, food and sport associated businesses. 

7 Ojodu 

Ojodu located at the outer part of Lagos State, usually associated with coming in and going out of the state. It is largely a residential and commercial area located in the western part of the city of Lagos. It is home to many small scale businesses, shops, and restaurants, and it is well connected to the rest of the Lagos by major roads and public transportation. 

8 Ajah 

Ajah is another district in Lagos, as at now it is witnessing rapid growth and development. With reasonably affordable property prices, Ajah is fast becoming a haven for developers who churn out beautiful homes at an incredible pace. Compared to neighbouring Lekki, Ajah makes sense for investors who wish to buy premium houses but without paying the price of what a similar property would cost in nearby Lekki. Ajah is replict with real estate, night clubs, and a fair amount of medium as well as small scale businesses. 

9 Magodo 

Magodo is located on the mainland just on the outskirts of Lagos city. Before Ikoyi and Banana island became what it is today, there was a Magodo. Known for its upscale residential properties and exclusive estates, Magodo is a popular choice for foreign  expatriates and upper/middle class Nigerians. Property prices here can run into hundreds of millions and are very quickly scooped up by potential and capable homeowners who understand the value of this location on the mainland. As it is with Ajah, real estate business will thrive in this location as well as small, medium and large scale business ventures, after all people need goods, therefore there must be businesses to provide these goods and services.

10 Victoria Island 

Victoria Island is a well developed commercial and residential area that is popular with expatriate and high income earners. It is home to many corporate offices and upscale shopping centres, and it is considered one of the most desirable places to live and work in Lagos. 

In conclusion, opportunities abound in the market for those who know where to put their money in. This article Is just a guide that should help point you in the right direction and help guide your decisions, making sure that you reap healthy returns.