Badagry

Badagry is a historic coastal town in western Lagos State, just a few kilometres from the Benin Republic border. It was one of the most active slave-trading ports on the West African coast during the transatlantic slave trade, and today it is Nigeria's most important heritage tourism destination for that dark chapter of history. The town preserves the Badagry Slave Route — a walking trail that leads through the "Point of No Return" (the mangrove jetty where enslaved Africans were loaded onto ships), the Slave Baracoon ruins, and the 19th-century colonial buildings that served as administrative and trade posts during the era. Badagry was also one of the first places in Nigeria where Christianity was preached (1842), and the town's First Storey Building in Nigeria is a key historical landmark.

Badagry is 60 km west of Lagos Island, about 1.5–2 hours by car via the Lagos–Badagry Expressway. BRT buses and shared taxis from Mile 2 and Oshodi serve Badagry. The Seme Border crossing to Benin Republic is just beyond the town.

Badagry town is compact and walkable. For the Slave Route sites (Point of No Return along the mangrove creek), you will need a local guide and a boat. Private taxis are available for hire.

The Badagry Slave Route and Point of No Return are the main draws. The Badagry Heritage Museum (the former District Officer's building) has exhibits on the slave trade. The First Storey Building in Nigeria (1845) houses a museum. The Seriki Faremi Abass Slave Baracoon is the original holding facility. The Mobee Royal Family Slave Relics Museum is a private collection of slave artefacts.

Walk the full Slave Route trail (allow 2–3 hours) with a local guide — includes a canoe ride across the lagoon. Visit the Badagry Heritage Museum. Attend the Badagry Festival (February/March) for parades and cultural performances.

Local bukkas serve Eba, Egusi Soup, and fresh fish from the lagoon. Whispering Palms Resort has a sit-down restaurant. Badagry is known for its fresh seafood.

Palm wine from the surrounding villages is a local speciality. Bottled drinks are available at kiosks.

Whispering Palms Resort (mid-range) is the main accommodation with lagoon views and a pool. Several guesthouses in the town centre offer budget rooms. Most visitors day-trip from Lagos.

The Badagry Market sells local crafts, textiles, and foodstuffs. The museums have small souvenir shops.

• Seme Border (15 mins) — the Benin Republic border, for onward travel to Cotonou or Porto-Novo
• Lagos Island (1.5 hrs) — return to the city for nightlife and markets
• Ojo (40 mins) — home of LASU university and the Ojo market