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.
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)
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.
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.
Business
UAE announces exit from OPEC, OPEC+ amid Iran war tensions
UAE Energy Minister Suhail Mohamed al-Mazrouei told Reuters the decision followed a strategic review of the country’s energy direction.
The United Arab Emirates has announced it is withdrawing from OPEC and the broader OPEC+, delivering a significant setback to the oil-producing bloc and its de facto leader, Saudi Arabia, at a time when the ongoing Iran war has triggered a major global energy shock.
Reuters reported that the departure of the UAE, a longstanding member of OPEC, is expected to create uncertainty within the group, which has traditionally maintained a united front despite internal disagreements over geopolitics and production quotas.
UAE Energy Minister Suhail Mohamed al-Mazrouei told Reuters the decision followed a strategic review of the country’s energy direction.
This is a policy decision, it has been done after a careful look at current and future policies related to level of production,” said the energy minister.
When asked whether the UAE consulted with Saudi Arabia, he said the country did not raise the issue with any other nation.
The decision comes amid mounting tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, where Gulf producers have struggled to move exports due to Iranian threats and attacks on vessels.
The strategic waterway typically handles about a fifth of the world’s crude oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.
Business
Zenith Bank Opens Côte d’Ivoire subsidiary tomorrow
Group Managing Director, Dame Dr Adaora Umeoji, said the expansion reflects the vision of the bank’s Founder and Chairman, Jim Ovia, to build a global brand with a strong presence across Africa and key international markets.
• Zenith Bank GMD, Dame Dr Adaora Umeoji
An official opening ceremony of Zenith Bank Plc Côte d’Ivoire is scheduled for Wednesday, April 29, 2026, and is expected to draw senior government officials and regulators from Nigeria and , as well as business leaders and members of the diplomatic community.
The subsidiary will be led by Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Cédric Tano, who said the bank’s entry into Côte d’Ivoire comes at a time of strong economic growth and increasing regional integration, adding that it aims to combine global best practices with local market insight to support businesses, facilitate cross-border trade and contribute to economic growth in Côte d’Ivoire and the wider WAEMU region.
In a statement, the bank said that the subsidiary was licensed in December 2025 by the Ministry of Finance and Budget of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire and regulated by the UMOA Banking Commission, will operate from its headquarters at SCI Wall Street, Avenue Noguès, Plateau, Abidjan.
The bank said that the new subsidiary is positioned to support cross-border trade and investment, with a focus on corporate banking, trade finance, local and offshore banking services, and structured financial solutions for businesses operating across Africa and internationally.
Group Managing Director, Dame Dr Adaora Umeoji, said the expansion reflects the vision of the bank’s Founder and Chairman, Jim Ovia, to build a global brand with a strong presence across Africa and key international markets.
Business
NACCIMA Set Up Export Express Support Center To Boost Non-oil Exports Trade
Chairman of the NACCIMA Export Group, Kola Awe, said that the initiative was driven by the need to improve export performance, noting that only a small fraction of registered exporters accounts for a significant share of the country’s export value.
NACCIMA has established an Export Express Support Centre as a practical intervention to simplify export processes and provide direct support to businesses.
At the event, Polaris Bank Plc donated equipment to support the take-off of the centre, a move stakeholders described as critical to building the infrastructure needed for export development.
Chairman of the NACCIMA Export Group, Kola Awe, said that the initiative was driven by the need to improve export performance, noting that only a small fraction of registered exporters accounts for a significant share of the country’s export value.
“The centre is built on knowledge, training, innovation and support. We are not charging anybody for knowledge. It is a platform for exporters to get the information and assistance they need,” said Awe.
Awe explained that the centre would go beyond advisory by offering hands-on support to resolve issues related to logistics, documentation, procurement and regulatory compliance.
NACCIMA National President, Dr Jani Ibrahim,added that the centre was designed as a one-stop hub to guide exporters and strengthen their capacity to compete in regional and global markets.
“It will serve as a one-stop hub providing guidance, tools and technical support to exporters, helping them navigate documentation, meet standards and access new markets with confidence.
“It will serve as a one-stop hub providing guidance, tools and technical support to exporters, helping them navigate documentation, meet standards and access new markets with confidence,” he said.
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