From Ikorodu to Epe: Understanding Lagos State’s five administrative divisions

Lagos State is Nigeria’s bustling economic hub and most populous city, is strategically organized into five administrative divisions, collectively known by the acronym “IBILE.”

This term is derived from the first letter of each division: Ikorodu, Badagry, Ikeja, Lagos Island (Eko), and Epe

These divisions  (LCDAs), reflecting Nigeria’s federal structure and the drive for participatory democracy at the local level.

Ikeja Division

Often considered the cradle of Awori civilization, Ikeja is the state capital andw  industries, a thriving Central Business District (Alausa/Agidingbi), and houses Nigeria’s busiest international airport, Murtala Mohammed Airport.

Badagry Division

This is located on the western coast, Badagry is a historical region, representing a blend of Ogu and Awori cultures and serving as an international border area.

Comprising four Local Governments (Ojo, Amuwo-Odofin, Ajeromi-Ifelodun, and Badagry), it holds prominence as a former major slave outpost and the entry point of Christianity into Nigeria in 1842.

The division is characterized by its coastal towns and rich heritage.

Ikorodu Division

This is situated in the north-east of the state along the Lagos Lagoon, Ikorodu shares a boundary with Ogun State and serves as a vital gateway to Nigeria’s hinterland.

This division primarily consists of the Ikorodu Local Government and five Local Council Development Areas. Its population is predominantly made up of the Ijebu and Remo groups, with various settlements dotted across its landscape.

Lagos Island (Eko) Division

Referred to as the heart of Lagos State, the Lagos Island Division is central to the state’s economic and political life.

It includes five Local Government Councils: Lagos Island, Lagos Mainland, Surulere, Apapa, and Eti-Osa. This division is a bustling hub of commerce, finance, and culture, featuring iconic areas that define metropolitan Lagos.

Epe Division

The Epe Division covers the eastern part of Lagos State and includes Epe and Ibeju-Lekki Local Governments.

Historically, it has been the fishing and agricultural hub of the state and termed the ‘Fish Basket of the nation’. In recent times, Epe has witnessed considerable development, particularly with the expansion of the Lekki Free Trade Zone, the Dangote Refinery, the Lekki Deep Sea Port and emerging residential estates, positioning it as the new hub of Lagos.

The “IBILE” framework is not merely an administrative convenience but a reflection of Lagos State’s commitment to decentralized governance and inclusive development, ensuring that the unique needs and potentials of each region are recognized and addressed.