Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial nerve center, is home to one of Africa’s most ambitious real estate and infrastructural projects: Eko Atlantic. Often dubbed the “Dubai of Africa,” this multi-billion-dollar development aims to redefine the skyline of Lagos, offering an eclectic blend of residential, commercial and recreational spaces on land reclaimed from the Atlantic Ocean.
Eko Atlantic emerged as a response to a pressing environmental concern. The Bar Beach area, once a major attraction in Lagos, suffered severe coastal erosion, threatening the city’s infrastructure and displacing communities.
In response, the Lagos State Government, in partnership with private investors, initiated the Eko Atlantic project in the early 2000s.
The vision was to create a world-class financial and residential hub that would not only protect Lagos from further coastal degradation but also position Nigeria as a leading economic powerhouse in Africa.
Spanning approximately 10 square kilometers, the city is designed to accommodate over 250,000 residents and provide employment for more than 150,000 people.
A marvel of engineering
One of the most remarkable aspects of Eko Atlantic is its engineering. The project relies on extensive land reclamation, using millions of tons of sand dredged from the seabed to construct a solid foundation. A critical feature of the development is the “Great Wall of Lagos,” an 8.5-kilometer-long sea defense barrier designed to protect the city from ocean surges and prevent flooding.
The city’s infrastructure is planned to meet international standards, incorporating sustainable urban planning, modern drainage systems, and advanced technology for power and water supply. Developers envision a self-sustaining city that seamlessly integrates business districts, luxury residences, hotels, shopping malls and green spaces.
“Ninth wonder of the World”
The Eko Atlantic project is expected to boost Nigeria’s economy by attracting foreign investments, creating job opportunities and expanding Lagos’ real estate market.
Yesterday, Nigeria’s First Bank laid the foundation stone for a 40-storey edifice, which would be “the ninth wonder of the world,” as one of its stakeholders boasted.
As a free trade zone, the city aims to rival global financial hubs, drawing multinational corporations and elite professionals to its state-of-the-art office spaces and high-end properties.
However, the project has sparked debates regarding its social impact. While it promises economic growth, critics argue that it primarily caters to the wealthy elite, potentially exacerbating inequality in a city where affordable housing remains a challenge.
Displacement concerns also persist, as surrounding communities affected by the project claim they were not adequately compensated or relocated.
Despite its grand vision, the Eko Atlantic City has faced several criticisms. Some environmentalists warn that reclaiming land from the ocean could disrupt marine ecosystems and alter coastal dynamics.
Additionally, the project’s high-end pricing makes it inaccessible to the average Lagosian, raising concerns about whether it truly benefits the broader population.
The project remains a symbol of Nigeria’s ambition to modernise its infrastructure and redefine urban living. The project’s success will depend on how well it balances economic progress with social responsibility and environmental sustainability.
Whether it becomes the financial hub of West Africa or a luxury enclave for the elite, the Eko Atlantic City undeniably represents a bold step toward reimagining Lagos’ future as a global city.
