If you are looking for one of the most organized and high-brow residential areas in Lagos, Magodo will always come up in the conversation. Many people know Magodo as a place for "big men," but it is also a very busy hub for commuters moving between the Lagos Mainland and the Island. Whether you are moving into a new apartment there or you just have an appointment at the Lagos State Secretariat, knowing your way around Magodo is very important.
Magodo is strategically located close to the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, making it a gateway for people coming into Lagos from other states. However, navigating Magodo can be a bit tricky because it is divided into two main parts: Phase 1 and Phase 2. These two phases are not in the same immediate spot, and if you enter the wrong bus, you might end up trekking a long distance or paying extra for another ride.
In this guide, we will break down the local government Magodo falls under, the landmarks to look out for, and the current transport fares to help you plan your movement easily.
Magodo is located within the Kosofe Local Government Area of Lagos State. It is bordered by other popular areas like Ikeja (the state capital), Ketu, and Ojodu-Berger. Because of its closeness to Alausa, many people mistakenly think it is under Ikeja LGA, but it officially falls under Kosofe.
The area is divided into two distinct zones:
Magodo Phase 1 is a bit more laid back compared to Phase 2. It shares boundaries with the Kara Cattle Market (across the expressway) and the Isheri-Olowora area. If you are coming from Ibadan or Mowe-Ibafo, this is the first Magodo you will encounter before reaching Berger.
This is the "celebrity" side of Magodo. It is very close to the 7up Bottling Company and the popular CMD (Centre for Management Development) road. It has several gates, including the Shangisha gate and the Secretariat gate. Most of the top-tier schools, hotels, and lounges are located here.
Transport fares in Lagos change depending on the time of day (rush hour) and the weather. Below is an estimate of what you should expect to pay when going to Magodo.
| Route | Transport Mode | Fare Range (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| Ojodu Berger to Magodo Phase 1 | Keke Marwa / Small Bus | ₦300 - ₦500 |
| Oshodi to Magodo (Secretariat) | Yellow Bus (Danfo) | ₦700 - ₦1,000 |
| CMS/Obalende to Magodo Phase 2 | BRT / Danfo | ₦1,000 - ₦1,500 |
| Ikeja Underbridge to Magodo | Keke / Small Bus | ₦400 - ₦700 |
| Yaba to Magodo Phase 2 | Yellow Bus (Danfo) | ₦800 - ₦1,200 |
If you are heading to Magodo, these are the best places to board a bus or find a ride:
1. Know your Phase: Before you leave home, confirm if your destination is Phase 1 or Phase 2. They are far apart, and a taxi from one to the other can be expensive due to the U-turns required on the expressway.
2. Gate Security: Magodo is a gated community. If you are visiting, ensure you have called your host to get a "visitor's code" or clear you at the gate, especially in Phase 2.
3. Late Night Movement: While Magodo itself is safe, the bus stops outside (like Secretariat or Berger) can be lonely late at night. Try to reach your destination before 9:00 PM.
4. Use Ride-Hailing Apps: If you are new to the area, using Bolt, Uber, or Rida is often better than entering a Danfo, as they will take you right to the specific house address inside the estate.
No, Magodo is officially under the Kosofe Local Government Area, although it is very close to Ikeja.
Phase 1 is located near Isheri/Ojodu, while Phase 2 is located near Shangisha/Alausa. They are two separate estates.
Yes, you can enter via Keke Marwa or by trekking from the main gates, but some zones inside Phase 2 are very large, so you might need an internal shuttle or a cab.
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