As of 2025, Lagos State’s population is projected to be approximately 17,156,400, reflecting an annual growth rate of around 3.75% from the previous year, 2024.
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The city of Lagos has seen a continuous increase in population due to high birth rates and significant urban migration. As one of Africa’s most populous cities, Lagos remains a major hub for individuals seeking better employment opportunities and improved living standards.
Historical Growth of Lagos State’s Population
Over the years, Lagos State has experienced significant population expansion driven by various factors, including economic development, urbanization, and migration.
In 1950, Lagos had an estimated population of just 325,000. The population increase was gradual until the mid-20th century when rapid growth began to take shape.
By 1960, the population had surged to 762,000, growing at a rate exceeding 10% annually. This rise was largely due to the city’s emerging status as Nigeria’s economic powerhouse and cultural epicenter.
Throughout the 1960s and early 1970s, Lagos continued to grow at a remarkable pace, with annual population growth rates surpassing 6%.
By 1975, the number of residents had risen to nearly 1.9 million. The 1980s saw an even greater increase, as the population consistently expanded at rates above 6% per year.
By 1990, Lagos’ population had reached approximately 4.76 million, more than doubling in size compared to a decade earlier. This period cemented the city’s reputation as a prime destination for people seeking economic advancement.
During the 1990s, the growth rate began to moderate slightly but remained substantial. By the year 2000, Lagos had around 7.28 million residents, with an average annual growth rate of 4%.
As the city entered the 21st century, the population reached nearly 10 million by 2010. Although growth rates declined slightly, they remained significant, fluctuating between 3.2% and 3.8% per year.
By 2020, Lagos had approximately 14.37 million residents. As of 2025, projections indicate that the population will reach 17.16 million, continuing its steady expansion.
Population Distribution Across Local Government Areas
Lagos State is structured into five major administrative divisions: Ikorodu, Ikeja, Epe, Badagry, and Lagos Island, with Ikeja serving as the capital.
It comprises 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs). Among these LCDAs are Agbado/Oke-Odo, Agboyi-Ketu, Ayobo-Ipaja, and Bariga, which help manage the region’s growing population and development challenges.
| No | Local Government Areas | Population (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alimosho | 2,002,345 |
| 2 | Ajeromi-Ifelodun | 1,457,892 |
| 3 | Oshodi-Isolo | 1,623,478 |
| 4 | Kosofe | 667,234 |
| 5 | Mushin | 634,512 |
| 6 | Ojo | 599,876 |
| 7 | Ikorodu | 536,789 |
| 8 | Surulere | 505,654 |
| 9 | Agege | 462,987 |
| 10 | Ifako-Ijaiye | 429,456 |
Demographic Breakdown of Lagos State in 2025
Age Distribution
| Age Group | Percentage | Population Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| 0-14 years | 40% | 6,862,560 |
| 15-64 years | 55% | 9,433,020 |
| 65 years and older | 5% | 857,820 |
Ethnic Composition
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Yoruba | 45% |
| Igbo | 20% |
| Hausa-Fulani | 10% |
| Other Ethnicities | 25% |
