Where is Makoko Located in Lagos? LGA, Landmarks & Transport Guide

Where is Makoko Located in Lagos?

Makoko is one of the most famous and unique communities in Lagos State. Often called the "Venice of Africa," it is a waterfront settlement located on the coast of the Lagos Lagoon. If you are driving across the Third Mainland Bridge, you can easily see the wooden houses built on stilts over the water. It is a place rich in culture and history, mostly occupied by the Egun people who are traditional fishermen.

For anyone looking to visit for research, tourism, or business, understanding how to navigate the area is very important. Because Makoko is divided into the "land" part and the "water" part, your transport mode might change depending on exactly where you are going. In this guide, we will break down the geography, the best routes to take, and how much you should expect to pay for transport.

Geographic Overview of Makoko

Makoko is situated in the Mainland Local Government Area (LGA), specifically under the Yaba Local Council Development Area (LCDA). It sits right in the heart of Lagos Mainland, making it quite central but tucked away behind the busy streets of Adekunle and Yaba.

The community is bordered by the Lagos Lagoon to the east and the Iwaya/Yaba axis to the west. The terrain is a mix of swampy land and open water. Most of the movement inside the water community is done via small wooden canoes, while the land part is accessible by bikes, keke, and small buses.

How to Get to Makoko: Detailed Route Breakdown

Getting to Makoko is relatively easy because it is close to major transport hubs like Yaba and Oyingbo. Here is how you can enter bus or take a "drop" to the area:

1. From Yaba/Ojuelegba

If you are coming from Yaba, you can take a Keke Marwa (Tricycle) heading towards Iwaya or Makoko directly. Most people prefer to stop at the "Makoko Junction" or "Apollo" bus stop. From there, you can walk or take a short bike ride into the main community.

2. From Oyingbo

From Oyingbo market, you can enter a small yellow bus (Danfo) going towards Bariga or Iwaya. Tell the conductor you will "drop" at Makoko. It is a short trip of about 15 to 20 minutes depending on the hold-up (traffic) around the Adekunle area.

3. From Lagos Island

If you are coming from CMS or Obalende, enter a bus going to Yaba or Mainland. Drop at Adekunle bus stop. From Adekunle, you can take a bike or a short Keke ride that will lead you straight into the Makoko settlement.

Current Fare Estimates (2024)

Transport fares in Lagos change based on the time of day and if it is raining. Below is a table showing what you might spend to get to Makoko.