Lagos: The Tale of Two Megacities

Where colonial rulers once governed, protesters and businesspeople now gather. Independence Square tells the story of a city in transition.

Independence Square in Lagos, Nigeria, in the 1960s, adorned with Nigerian flags and colorful garlands. The large, round fountain at the center of the green space has been preserved to this day. Modern office buildings and colonial structures define the heart of Lagos. The square symbolizes an early phase of urbanization. (Unknown, ca. 1960)

Lagos in the 1960s was a city on the rise. Nigeria’s independence from the British colonial empire in 1960 was not only a political milestone but also the beginning of economic and infrastructural transformation. Independence Square (formerly Tinubu Square) became a symbol of this change.

From Colonial Rule to Independence

During British rule, Lagos was a functional city—built for trade, administration, and control. Squares like Tinubu Square served primarily as administrative centers rather than spaces for public life. The infrastructure was designed to meet the needs of the colonial power—not those of the local population.

With independence, this began to change. The square became a symbol of national identity. Nigerian flags replaced British emblems, new buildings were constructed, and fountains and green spaces were introduced. Instead of a colonial power center, it transformed into a public space for political gatherings, celebrations, and economic activity—now for the Nigerian people rather than British administrators.

A Square Between Identity and Economy

Public squares are not just architectural elements; they reflect societal developments. While Lagos redesigned its Independence Square in the 1960s as a symbol of self-determination, European cities like London and Paris continued modernizing their urban centers within their own traditions. However, their uses diverged.

In Europe, central squares became increasingly commercialized—with cafés, shops, and tourist attractions. In Lagos, however, Independence Square remained a space for social and political gatherings—a place for demonstrations, speeches, and national celebrations.

Cities like London, Paris, and Berlin, which had already invested in subways and tram networks in the 19th century, continued expanding their public transportation. Lagos, on the other hand, focused primarily on road infrastructure in the 1960s—driven by financial and structural constraints.

Lagos as an Emerging Metropolis

Since Nigeria was barely industrialized and lacked its own railway production, roads became the faster and more cost-effective option. Soon, cars, buses, and bicycles dominated the cityscape. While European cities focused on large factories and industrial production, Lagos increasingly evolved into a service and trade hub.

Independence Square in Lagos, Nigeria, circa the 1960s, shortly after decolonization. Cars, bicycles, and pedestrians shape the cityscape. (Source: Yorubaness, 1963)

Today, Lagos is one of Africa’s most important economic centers. Where colonial administrative buildings once stood, banks, office towers, and multinational corporations now define the skyline. But this rapid growth came at a cost.

The heavy focus on roads instead of public transportation quickly led to severe traffic congestion. Modern infrastructure was primarily invested in central business districts, while in other parts of the city, slums expanded at a rapid pace and were largely neglected.

Independence Square is no longer just a relic of the past—it is a symbol of transformation. It represents the evolution of a city breaking free from colonial structures and moving toward a digital future.