Eko Atlantic: Redefining Lagos with Visionary Urban Development

Across West Africa, a wave of ambitious development projects is transforming skylines and attracting global attention. Nigeria and Ghana, in particular, are witnessing a surge in luxurious, large-scale ventures that cater to a cosmopolitan clientele. Eko Atlantic City, a visionary project off the coast of Lagos, Nigeria, stands as a prime example of this exciting trend. Eko Atlantic City, is located adjacent to Victoria Island and Lekki in Lagos. Spanning a total of 10 million square meters of reclaimed land, this city within a city is rapidly transforming the coastline into a world-class destination, showcasing the true potential of urban development in West Africa. 

History and Vision

The development emerged in 2003 as a solution to environmental challenges posed by the perennial flooding of Lagos’ Bar Beach. It’s no surprise that one of Eko Atlantic’s engineering marvels is the Great Wall of Lagos, designed to protect against ocean surges and coastal challenges. Rigorous testing and collaboration with international experts ensure the wall’s effectiveness in safeguarding the city’s future and residents’ safety. The project was made possible under the framework of a Public Private Partnership which included South Energyx Nigeria Limited a subsidiary of the Chagoury Group, the Lagos State Government and the Federal Government of Nigeria.

However, Eko Atlantic City isn’t merely a solution to environmental challenges; it’s a symbol of Nigeria’s audacious leap towards a future defined by urban excellence and economic prosperity. Its impressive size, with plans for accommodating 300,000 residents and 200,000 daily commuters upon completion, reflects a grand vision for a vibrant and sustainable urban community. Indeed, Eko Atlantic City prioritizes infrastructure and amenities that enhance quality of life. The city boasts modern roads, bridges, utilities, and fiber-optic connectivity, ensuring seamless living and business operations. Independent power supply, water treatment facilities, and smart city features further underscore its commitment to sustainability and efficiency.

The city’s master plan divides it into ten districts, each with unique features and offerings. From the bustling Business District and serene Marina District to the vibrant Downtown and well-connected Eko Drive, Eko Atlantic caters to diverse lifestyles and preferences. 

Residential Opportunities

1. Eko Pearl Towers: The Eko Pearl Towers project is Eko Atlantic’s flagship residential development located in the heart of the new city.These iconic residential towers offer luxurious living spaces with breathtaking views of the city and ocean. It consists of 5 towers, each with its own identity and color highlighting the slight difference in their design and outer structure. The names of the 5 towers are the Black Pearl Tower, Aqua Pearl Tower, Champagne Pearl Tower, White Pearl Tower, and the Indigo Pearl Tower. The Black Pearl Tower, the first of the 5 to be completed, was unveiled in 2016. The tower consists of 24 residential floors; there are 4 apartments per floor, 2 apartments on the royal penthouse floors, a technical floor, a ground floor and a basement floor. In addition, the tower includes a private health club, meeting room and lounge. The other 4 towers also range between 20 and 30 residential floors with similar amenities.

2. Alpha 1 Tower: Alpha 1 or ‘Afren Tower’ is another key development in Eko Atlantic city. The property sits in the exclusive Marina District alongside other projects such as the Azuri Peninsula. The built-up area is 14,000 square meters with 8,000 square meters net leasable. It was designed by James Cubitt and is being constructed by Chagoury owned ITB Nigeria Limited, the same contractors behind Heritage Place and Kingsway Tower in Ikoyi. This concrete tower with world class finishing is 15 floors high and was completed in 2016.

3. Azuri Towers: Rising majestically within Eko Atlantic’s Marina District, Azuri Towers is a mixed-use marvel by Eko Development Company. Designed by the world-renowned Genslar architects, this three-tower complex boasts the title of Nigeria’s tallest residential building – the 33-floor, 146 meter Azuri One. Over 130 luxurious apartments reside across Azuri One and its companion Azuri Two, while a dedicated office tower caters to commercial needs. Residents can unwind at the 5th-floor podium, featuring an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a children’s play area, and a sauna, all amidst stunning communal spaces. Both residents and office tenants have access to a multi-level car park with an adjoining retail complex, offering a seamless blend of luxury living, commercial vibrancy, and unparalleled convenience.

4. High Gardens: Highgardens is a luxury multi-residential apartment building located in the Harbour Lights District of Eko Atlantic City. The Harbour Lights District has the Marina District to its South, the Eko Energy Estate to its North, the Business district and Downtown to its West, while the Atlantic Ocean borders it to its East side. Highgardens, built by established developer Tetramanor, will offer 54 luxurious units of 2-bed apartment, 3-bed maisonettes, and 4-bed penthouses on 29 floors. These stunning units go for above 100 million naira for the 2 bedrooms, 170 million naira for the 3 bedrooms and above 400 million naira for the 4 bedrooms. Some of the facilities that will be provided in this development include: swimming pool, gym, an event hall proposed to serve the residents alone, 24 hours power and more. According to Mr John Beecroft, CEO of Tetramanor, construction of Highgardens should be completed around 2025.

Commercial and Mixed-Use Developments

1. The A&A Towers: A&A Towers is an innovative 23-floor mixed-use development, including residential, retail, and office elements. Its projecting edges provide the building with excellent stability. A&A Tower incorporates dual-level penthouses, two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments, high-quality office spaces, and well-designed retail spaces with mezzanine floors. 

2. The Hive: This development features high-rise apartments and office spaces catering to modern urban living and commercial activities.

3. The U.S Consulate: About 50,000 sqm of land in Eko Atlantic was acquired by the United States government for this development. This building will serve as the new head office of the U.S consulate in Lagos, showcasing the city’s global appeal.

From its humble beginnings as a solution to environmental hazards, Eko Atlantic has evolved into a modern marvel that sets global standards in urban development.  The success of Eko Atlantic City serves as a beacon for other West African nations, showcasing the immense potential for large-scale, sustainable development projects. Investors and homebuyers can see Eko Atlantic as a blueprint – a testament to the growing sophistication and ambition within the West African real estate market. With its world-class infrastructure, commitment to sustainability, and diverse range of properties, Eko Atlantic City offers a unique opportunity to be part of a thriving new chapter in West Africa’s story. The future of real estate in the region is bright, and Eko Atlantic City stands as a shining example of what can be achieved.