Do You Know That Lagos Means Lakes?

While this statement may sound surprising, it reflects a deeper connection to the city's geography and history. Lagos, Nigeria’s economic powerhouse and cultural capital, is a region defined by its waterways, lagoons, and coastal landscape. Although the name Lagos itself did not originally mean “lakes,” its association with water is deeply rooted in how the city was discovered, named, and developed over time.

Among the top seafood spots is Ocean Basket, a popular franchise offerinHistorically, the name Lagos was given by Portuguese explorers in the 15th century. They named the area after a coastal town in Portugal called Lagos, which served as a prominent maritime port. The choice of name was influenced by the explorers’ observation of vast lagoons, creeks, and waterways surrounding the region. While the Portuguese word lago means “lake,” the Lagos we know today was named after their hometownnot directly after lakes. However, the abundant waters they saw helped reinforce the connection.

Interestingly, before the Portuguese arrived, the area was originally called Eko by the Awori people. Eko served as the ancient name of the settlement, reflecting indigenous culture and identity. It was the seat of the Oba and the heart of early trade and governance. The overlapping identities Eko by the natives and Lagos by the Portuguese highlight the city’s layered heritage and cosmopolitan evolution.

Over the centuries, the watery environment of Lagos has shaped its commerce, transport, and lifestyle. The lagoons and waterways contributed to the city’s growth as a trading hub, attracting merchants from Europe, Brazil, and across West Africa. Today, the same water systems continue to influence urban planning, tourism, real estate, and even climate-related challenges. From the iconic Lagos Lagoon to the Atlantic coastline, water remains central to the city’s identity.

So, while Lagos does not literally mean “lakes,” the idea carries a symbolic truth. The presence of water defines the city’s past and present, and its name though borrowed remains closely tied to the image of a place surrounded by lagoons. Understanding this helps us appreciate Lagos not just as a bustling megacity but as a water-anchored cultural and economic giant whose history flows through its creeks and shores.