Ikeja

Ikeja is the capital of Lagos State and home to Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS). As the administrative and commercial centre of Lagos State, Ikeja houses the Lagos State Government Secretariat (Alausa), the Computer Village (West Africa's largest electronics market), and Allen Avenue — one of Lagos's busiest nightlife and entertainment strips. Originally a quiet Yoruba farming settlement, Ikeja has grown into a major urban district with a mix of high-density residential neighbourhoods, government housing estates (Oregun, Alausa, GRA), and a thriving retail sector. Its central location and airport proximity make it the primary entry point for most visitors to Lagos.

Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) is located in Ikeja. By road, Ikeja is connected to Lagos Island via the Agege Motor Road and to the mainland via Oshodi. BRT buses and taxis connect Ikeja to other parts of Lagos. The Lagos Blue Line light rail has stops in Ikeja.

Uber and Bolt operate extensively in Ikeja. Keke NAPEP tricycles and danfo minibuses are common on local routes, especially along Obafemi Awolowo Way and Allen Avenue. Ikeja is walkable in short stretches (e.g., Allen Avenue strip), but traffic is heavy.

The Computer Village is an iconic site — acres of electronics retail. The New Afrika Shrine (Alausa) is the Fela legacy venue. Ndubuisi Kanu Park (Alausa) is a well-maintained public park. The Lagos State Secretariat showcases modern Nigerian government architecture.

Allen Avenue is the nightlife capital of mainland Lagos — clubs, bars, and lounges along a 1-km strip. Shop at the Ikeja City Mall (Obafemi Awolowo Way) for cinema, dining, and retail. Watch football at the Onikan Stadium events.

Allen Avenue is lined with restaurants: Yellow Chilli (Nigerian) and various suya grills. Chicken Republic and Tantalizers for fast food. Local bukkas serve Eba, Amala, and Egusi Soup.

Allen Avenue is the nightlife hub of mainland Lagos — bars and lounges include The Shrine (Alausa), The Warehouse, and dozens of small bars along the strip. Chapman and Star beer are the standard orders.

Budget: De Brys Hotel, La Burger Hotel. Mid-range: Golden Tulip Ikeja, Lagos Marriott Hotel (Alausa). Luxury: Airport West Hotel, Protea by Marriott (Opebi).

Computer Village for electronics (haggle hard). Ikeja City Mall for fashion and brands. Ojuwoye Market for fresh produce and local goods.

• Lagos Island/Victoria Island (30 mins by road) — business district with beaches and embassies
• Lekki (40 mins) — beaches, conservation centre, and upscale dining
• Ibadan (2.5 hrs by train) — Africa's largest city by area
• Abeokuta (1.5 hrs) — the rocky capital of Ogun State