The Eko Atlantic project is reshaping part of Lagos’ Atlantic coastline through one of Africa’s largest land reclamation and coastal protection initiatives.
Located beside Victoria Island, the planned city is being built on reclaimed land and is designed to address urban expansion while helping protect parts of Lagos from coastal erosion.
A city built on reclaimed land
The project, which began in the early 2000s, involves dredging sand from the seabed and depositing it to create new land for residential, commercial and business developments.
According to project information and engineering consultancy Haskoning, the development is expected to occupy about 10 million square metres of reclaimed land when completed.
The technical design calls for approximately 95 million cubic metres of sand to create the foundation of the city.
By June 2023, more than 75 million cubic metres of sand had already been deposited, while over 6.5 million square metres of land had been reclaimed.
Why Eko Atlantic was developed
The project was conceived as an extension of Victoria Island to create additional urban space in Lagos, one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities.
Beyond urban development, Eko Atlantic is intended to help protect Victoria Island and surrounding communities from coastal erosion and ocean surge.
Historical mapping cited by Haskoning indicates that parts of Lagos’ coastline have experienced significant erosion over the past century, prompting the need for long-term coastal protection measures.
The Great Wall of Lagos
A major component of the project is the Great Wall of Lagos, a rock revetment built to reduce the impact of Atlantic Ocean waves.
According to Haskoning, the sea defence structure will extend about 8.4 kilometres, while the official Eko Atlantic project website describes it as 8.5 kilometres long.
The barrier is designed to contain the reclaimed land and protect both Eko Atlantic and nearby coastal areas from erosion.
As of June 2023, about 7 kilometres of the wall had reportedly been completed.
Infrastructure already in place
The project includes underground infrastructure such as:
- Water supply systems.
- Sewage and drainage networks.
- Underground electricity distribution.
- Telecommunications infrastructure.
- Paved roads and bridges.
According to the project’s official website, Phases 1 and 2 have operational infrastructure, while expansion into later phases is continuing.
The development also hosts residential and commercial buildings, while Rugby School Nigeria opened its Eko Atlantic campus in September 2025….See More
Planned population
According to Haskoning, Eko Atlantic is designed to accommodate approximately:
- 250,000 permanent residents.
- About 150,000 daily commuters working or conducting business within the city.
Construction remains ongoing as additional phases of the development continue.
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