Lagos

By Ohio Omiunu

Lagos' strategic location along the West African coast has over the years drawn it into close proximity with international actors along the transatlantic trade and commerce corridor. This city report explores the pivotal developments in the evolution of Lagos - through pre-colonial, colonial and post-colonial times - which has led to interactions with international law. Notably, Lagos' strategic location and prominence during the trans-Atlantic slave trade situated the city in the epicentre of human trafficking both at its peak and decline. This also put Lagos on the receiving end of the 'dark side' of international law, especially as international law was used as an imperialistic tool by the British Empire to subdue it.