The Development of the Port of Lagos, c. 1892–1946

Abstract
A common feature of the West African coastline is the limited number of natural harbours because of the lack of major indentations. This contrasts sharply with the coastlines of Western Europe and Japan, for example. Hence, only Dakar and Freetown have ‘good natural harbours’ (White, 1970, 14). Consequently, port development in the region has involved extensive engineering works to create or expand port facilities. This chapter details the development, administration and trade of Lagos (Nigeria) from the mid-nineteenth century to the late 1920s.

The period begins with British colonisation between 1850 and 1861, and ends with the onset of the Great Depression of 1929–33. A combination of the institutional, technological, legal and commercial changes wrought by British colonialism, the transition from a local economy based upon the transatlantic slave trade to one driven by the so-called ‘legitimate’ trade in non-human commodities, the migrations and settlement of returnees from the African Atlantic Diaspora, urbanisation and port development, and global dynamics propelled the former lagoon port into the leading port-city of West Africa (Olukoju, 2004).

By 1880, Lagos had earned the appellation of ‘the Liverpool of West Africa’, a reference to its pre-eminence in the maritime economy of the region.1 It was also a clear allusion to its role in cementing the trade and products of the hinterland to the industry of Britain, the mother country.

Dredging was carried out, and moles were constructed to deepen the approach channel, while wharves were built on Lagos Island, on Iddo and at Apapa. These developments removed the need to tranship Lagos cargo at Forcados, and allowed the entry of larger vessels. After the First World War wharf development was concentrated at Apapa.

Construction of roads and railways developed the hinterland. Increased trade put pressure on port facilities and shipping turn-round times were slow. Lagos had problems of site and situation characteristic of most West African ports, but these constraints were ameliorated in the case of Lagos by colonial and expatriate investment.

By 1950 it was Nigeria's chief port, handling 70% of imports and over 50% of exports. -J.H.Farrington

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Yes

n'di deveropers
how market?

God bless you cocolacac. Excellent thread!

cocolacec:
The Development of the Port of Lagos, c. 1892–1946

By 1880, Lagos had earned the appellation of ‘the Liverpool of West Africa’, a reference to its pre-eminence in the maritime economy of the region.1 It was also a clear allusion to its role in cementing the trade and products of the hinterland to the industry of Britain, the mother country.


By 1950 it was Nigeria's chief port, handling 70% of imports and over 50% of exports.

The developers are in pain

Arnold1:
God bless you cocolacac. Excellent thread!

Thanks God bless you too.

Masari over to you

Nice

Jimasun:
The developers are in pain

Thank you OP. Why am I just seeing this wonderful thread

Just wait and see how some folks will say the Lagos port was built and developed by their forefathers using proceeds from groundnut and beans pyramids.