FABA Vintage: A Glimpse of Lagos’ Olden Days

These vintage photos were discovered during our visit to the National Library in Lagos State, Nigeria.

Our team has been in Lagos for 7 months now, seeking out stories and documenting visuals that we can’t wait to share with you soon. While at the National Library in Yaba, Lagos–immersing ourselves in the history of this mega city–we came across these gems in the archive sections that show the cosmopolitan lifestyle of Lagos spanning from 1940s-80s.

For our Lagos audience, cue nostalgia.

Passengers board a bus. Lagos Island, Nigeria. ©National Library of Nigeria

(L-R) Hawkers sell goods in a traffic jam on the Third Mainland Bridge exit–A commercial building in the heart of Lagos Island. ©National Library of Nigeria

Models walk a fashion show exhibiting designs by College of Technology Fashion Design Students and Lynn Bamgbose. ©National Library of Nigeria

Vendors sell canned goods to customers. ©National Library of Nigeria

(L-R) A landscape view of the Cathedral Church of Christ, Lagos Island–Woman at the loom. An exhibition organized by the National Council for Arts and Culture. 1987. ©National Library of Nigeria

Secondary school students at an exhibition at the National Council for Arts and Culture. Iganmu, Lagos. ©National Library of Nigeria

(L-R) Children in their Sunday best. 1940s–A bevy of Lagos ladies dressed in matching attires. 1960s. ©National Library of Nigeria

(L-R) A bus park in Oshodi, Lagos. — A car park in Lagos’ commercial business district. ©National Library of Nigeria

A group of men take a boat ride in an engine powered canoe. ©National Library of Nigeria

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