Satellite Town

History

In early 1960, the Lagos State Government set up Satellite Town to help low income earners own their own houses, with some of the areas allocated to oil workers and private buyers. During its early years, the area was a prestigious and serene environment, often allocated to civil servants, oil workers, and private buyers who sought a structured alternative to the crowded city center. Over the decades, however, the town has faced significant challenges, including rapid urbanization and a lack of sustained government attention, which have led to a decline in its once-standard infrastructure. Despite these issues, it remains a key residential hub in Lagos and has witnessed various recent government interventions aimed at flood control and road rehabilitation. Among the planned developments in Satellite Town is the Lagos Trade Fair Complex. The Lagos International Trade Fair Complex is a facility along Lagos-Badagry expressway hosting a number of market traders. The facility was constructed in the 1970s and planned to host an international trade fair upon fulfillment. Originally a planned development, the market has fallen into disrepair and witnessed the growth of informal and illegal encroachments and construction.