Business

Places You Can Live Comfortably on the Lagos Island and Mainland, by Dennis Isong

VI is the business hub of Lagos, but it also has amazing residential areas. You’ll find top-notch apartments, good schools, fine dining, and beaches. The only downside? The rent is not smiling. But if you want to live close to work and still enjoy premium comfort, VI is an excellent choice.

Published

12 months ago

March 7, 2025

OCHEFA

455 Views

You know how Lagos is, right? One minute, you’re stuck in traffic for three hours, and the next, you’re enjoying the best suya of your life.

But let’s be honest—where you live in Lagos can make or break your experience.

That’s why we’re here, to help you find places you can comfortably live, whether you prefer the Island’s flashy vibes or the Mainland’s rugged charm.

Best Places to Live on the Island

▪︎Lagos Island and Mainland \ Shutterstock.com

If you love the soft life and don’t mind paying premium prices, the Island is for you. Here are some top areas to consider:

1. Ikoyi

If Lagos had a VIP section, it would be Ikoyi. This place is home to the rich and powerful. The roads are clean, the houses are luxurious, and security is top-notch.

Expect well-paved streets, high-end restaurants, and some of the most expensive real estate in Nigeria. If your wallet can handle it, Ikoyi is one of the best places to live in Lagos.

2. Victoria Island (VI)

3. Lekki Phase 1

Lekki Phase 1 is for those who want the Island experience but can’t quite afford Ikoyi or VI. It has a mix of luxury and affordability (by Lagos standards). You’ll find many young professionals, good schools, nice estates, and fun places like malls and lounges. However, be ready for traffic, especially during rush hours.

Places like Phase 1 and Phase 2 are particularly popular for their neat environment and relatively stable electricity.

4. Chevron Drive and Ajah

These areas are for people who want the Island life but at a slightly more affordable rate. Ajah has seen major development, with beautiful estates and good roads. Just make sure your house is in a flood-free zone because rain in Lagos can humble even the best plans.

5. Eko Atlantic

This is the future of Lagos. A city built on reclaimed land from the Atlantic Ocean, offering ultra-modern apartments, luxury living, and state-of-the-art infrastructure. If you have the budget for it,

Eko Atlantic is the definition of futuristic living.

Best Places to Live on the Mainland

The Mainland is for those who love Lagos but don’t want to sell a kidney to afford rent. Here are the best places to live comfortably:

1. Ikeja

Ikeja is the capital of Lagos and one of the best places to live on the Mainland. Areas like GRA, Maryland, and Magodo offer good housing, reliable electricity, and less traffic compared to other parts of the Mainland. Plus, you have easy access to the airport, malls, and entertainment spots.

2. Magodo

Magodo feels like the Ikoyi of the Mainland. It is a secure, well-planned area with good roads, beautiful estates, and an organized environment. If you want a peaceful lifestyle with a touch of luxury but don’t want to cross the Third Mainland Bridge every day, Magodo is a great option.

3. Yaba

Yaba is the tech hub of Lagos. With Unilag and several startups in the area, it has a youthful, vibrant feel. Yaba is also home to affordable and decent housing, good transportation links, and a bubbling nightlife. If you’re a young professional or student, Yaba is a solid choice.

4. Surulere

Surulere is the best mix of old and new Lagos. It has good residential estates, a lively social scene, and is centrally located.

You can get to the Island easily while still enjoying affordable rent. Plus, it’s home to the National Stadium, where you can catch football matches and concerts.

5. Ogudu GRA

Ogudu GRA is a hidden gem. It has a serene environment, great road networks, and reliable security. It’s close to both the Mainland and the Island, making it convenient for professionals who need easy movement around Lagos.

6. Festac and Amuwo-Odofin

If you love space and want a family-friendly environment, these areas are great options. They have organized estates, good schools, and a peaceful vibe that is rare in Lagos. Plus, they are close to the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, making travel easier.

7. Gbagada

Gbagada is another top pick for Mainland living. It is well-planned, has a good mix of modern and old buildings, and offers easy access to both the Island and other parts of the Mainland.

▪︎For personalized assistance with property needs in Jakande and the broader Lagos area, interested parties can contact Dennis Isong, a top Lagos realtor specializing in helping Nigerians in the diaspora own property stress-free. He can be reached at +2348164741041.

Related Topics:Bsst places to live on Lagos mainland and island Featured Real Estate

Up Next

MAN Raises Concerns About Astronomical Charges Imposed By Financial Reporting Council on Private Companies

Don't Miss

9mobile Investors Fight in Court Over Ownership and Control

Click to comment

Business

ALTON Confirms Banks cleared N300bn USSD debts

The debt problem that had lingered for over four years was resolved through the intervention of the NCC under the leadership of its Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida.

Published

3 days ago

February 20, 2026

OCHEFA

20 Views

The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has confirmed that Deposits Money Banks (DMBs) have paid the estimated N300 billion debts they owed telecom operators for Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) services.

ALTON Chairman, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo disclosed this yesterday during the group’s official visit to the Board Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Idris Olorunnimbe in Lagos.

According to Adebayo, paying off the debt brought to a close years of accusations and counter-accusations between the banks and telecom operators.

Adebayo said that the debt problem that had lingered for over four years was resolved through the intervention of the NCC under the leadership of its Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida.

While commending the leadership of the NCC for their recent interventions including the approval of 50 percent end user tariff adjustment last year, Adebayo said the Commission has steered the ship of the sector through one of its most delicate periods.

“When Dr. Maida assumed office, he inherited significant industry challenges. One of the most difficult was the USSD debt crisis — a debt burden that grew over four years to nearly N300 billion. It had become a systemic risk to our sector and the digital financial ecosystem.

“Through firm leadership, structured engagement, and decisive coordination, Dr. Maida and his team resolved this issue.

“Today, there is no outstanding USSD debt. The ecosystem has fully migrated to end-user billing. What was once a looming crisis has been converted into a sustainable framework,” Adebayo stated.

Business

FAAN stops cash collection at airports nationwide

Beyond compliance with government policy, the MD/CE highlighted the enormous benefits of a cashless system to the aviation ecosystem, including reduction in leakages, improved transaction traceability, faster service delivery, and enhanced public confidence in airport operations.

Published

3 days ago

February 20, 2026

OCHEFA

23 Views

•FAAN MD, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku

Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will stop collecting cash across all airport payment points nationwide, effective February 28, 2026.

FAAN Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, stated this during a visit by executives and members of the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), who sought clarification on the decision to discontinue cash transactions at airports.

In her address, the MD/CE emphasised that the transition to a cashless system is not only in line with global best practices in aviation management but also consistent with Federal Government’s directives aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and operational efficiency.

She referenced a Treasury Circular dated November 24, 2025, issued by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation and signed by the Accountant-General, Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, mandating the cessation of cash transactions in all government dealings.

The directive followed approval by the Federal Executive Council for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to discontinue physical cash collections and payments as part of broader public finance reforms

“There is no going back on this decision,” she said, stressing that the cashless initiative aligns FAAN with national financial management reforms while positioning Nigeria’s airports for greater operational integrity, improved service delivery, and stronger revenue assurance.

Business

CBN’s Cardoso Advocates cross-border payments reform at G-24 meeting

“With global remittance corridors costing over 6.0 percent, settlement lags of several days, and compliance burdens that exclude MSMEs, millions remain disconnected from global opportunity.”

Published

3 days ago

February 19, 2026

OCHEFA

25 Views

Olayemi Cardoso, governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has called for reforming cross-border payments system , asserting that its too inefficient to support inclusive growth in developing economies.

Cardoso made the call on Thursday during the G-24 Technical Group Meetings in Abuja, warning that high costs and settlement delays are shutting millions out of global trade and finance.

” It is not merely a technical upgrade but a macroeconomic priority, as the channels through which capital, remittances and trade flow increasingly shape financial stability”,said Cardoso.

He emphasised that payment systems now sit at the heart of global economic integration and financial stability, but remain structurally biased against emerging and developing markets.

“Today, cross-border payments remain too slow, too costly, and too fragmented, especially for developing economies,” Cardoso said.

“With global remittance corridors costing over 6.0 percent, settlement lags of several days, and compliance burdens that exclude MSMEs, millions remain disconnected from global opportunity.”