The “This is Lagos” Pre-Conference Tour is designed as a signature experiential event scheduled for August 29-30, 2026, in Lagos, Nigeria. This tour will serve as an immersive precursor to the 26th International Conference of Community Psychologists, offering participants a unique opportunity to explore Lagos’ rich cultural heritage, dynamic communities, and evolving urban landscape. The tour aims to foster deeper understanding, critical reflection, and meaningful engagement with the sociocultural, historical, and ecological dimensions of Lagos as a no man’s Land.

Historical Background of Lagos

Lagos, often referred to as the “City of Aquatic Splendor,” is one of Africa’s most vibrant and populous cities. Historically, its development has been shaped by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and its extensive lagoon systems. The stewardship of the Atlantic coastline by the Oniru Royal Family, descendants of the early custodians of the Lagos shoreline, highlights the intersection of traditional authority and modern urban governance. The city is also home to diverse water communities, such as Makoko, which have long navigated the challenges and opportunities of life on water, contending a bitter struggle with the city’s disastrous pollution as well as constant threats of eviction and all other pressures of urban expansion. The tour will situate participants within these layered histories, emphasizing the role of indigenous stewardship, resilience, and contestation in shaping Lagos’ identity.

Lagos is often also characterized as a “no man’s land,” it being a melting pot of diverse cultures, ethnicities, and histories, shaped by waves of internal migration and rapid urbanization. This unique status has contributed to both its vibrancy and its struggles, as residents from various backgrounds vie for space, resources, and recognition within a city that is constantly evolving. The absence of a single dominant indigenous group has sometimes led to contested claims over land, identity, and belonging, intensifying challenges related to social cohesion, equitable development, and the preservation of cultural heritage.

Objectives of the Tour

The “This Is Lagos” Lagos Pre-Conference Tour will provide an enriching, multidimensional learning experience for international participants, highlighting Lagos’ unique heritage, community resilience, and urban dynamics. Through carefully curated visits, collaborative workshops, and inclusive engagement, the tour aims to promote cross-cultural understanding, support local initiatives, and inspire future action in the field of community psychology. Specific objectives of the Tour are to:

• To provide participants with firsthand insights into the interconnections between water, community, heritage, and urban development in Lagos.
• To foster cross-cultural dialogue and learning through engagement with local communities, traditional authorities, and urban planners.
• To highlight both the challenges and innovations in managing water spaces in a rapid urbanizing context.
• To support community-driven initiatives and amplify the voices of marginalized water communities, particularly in Makoko.
• To create a platform for collaborative action and future partnerships between academic, policy, and local stakeholders.

Domaines thématiques d'apprentissage

• Water Heritage and Stewardship: Exploring traditional custodianship and contemporary management of Lagos’ waterways.
• Community Resilience: Understanding the lived experiences, adaptive strategies, and advocacy efforts of water-based communities.
• Urban Development and Displacement: Analyzing the impacts of urbanization, infrastructure projects, and eviction threats on local populations.
• Socio-Economic Dynamics: Examining the role of water in shaping livelihoods, mobility, and Urban Development.

Approche de la formation

• Guided site visits to key locations.
• Interactive workshops and roundtable discussions, led by Professional Tour Guides, local experts, and facilitators focusing on service needs, policy advocacy, and sustainable development.
• Opportunities for service-oriented engagement, particularly in vulnerable communities such as Makoko.
• Use of diverse transportation modes (ferry, metro, bus, and train) to experience the city’s water-related infrastructure firsthand.

Specific Site Locations

• Oniru Kingdom & Aqua Atlantic City: Engage with the Oniru Royal Family, explore the historical stewardship of the Atlantic coast, and discuss future-oriented urban development.
• Makoko Floating Community: Guided visit (with prior arrangement and community consent) to understand the challenges, innovations, and advocacy efforts of this struggling iconic water settlement.
• Lagos Island: Ferry or Bus Ride along the shoreline, exploring historical and iconic landmarks of the city, major water routes and urban infrastructure.
• The Lekki Arts and Crafts Market: Curated market visits with chaperones to ensure safety and maximize the learning and cultural experience.
• Randle Center: Walking Tour of the Lagos Randle Center, a notable cultural institution located in Lagos, Nigeria, established to honour Dr. John Randle, a prominent medical doctor and philanthropist who played a significant role in the city’s social and civic development in the early 20th century. The centre serves as a hub for cultural exhibitions, community events, and educational programs, reflecting the rich heritage and contributions of Lagos’s diverse communities.
• National Museum: The National Museum, Lagos, founded in 1957, is one of Nigeria’s most important repositories of historical and cultural artifacts. It houses a vast collection of archaeological, ethnographic, and artistic objects, including notable pieces such as the Benin Bronzes and Nok Terracotta. The museum provides insight into Nigeria’s precolonial history, its journey through colonial times, and the evolution of its contemporary society, making it a key destination for understanding the nation’s past and cultural identity.

Preconference Logistics

Dispositions en matière de transport

• Multi-Modal Transit: Participants will utilize a combination of chartered buses, train and ferry, to navigate between key sites, including Oniru Kingdom, Makoko, Lagos Island, and Randle Center. Each transportation mode is selected to provide authentic exposure to Lagos’s water-related infrastructure while ensuring efficient and safe travel.
• Pre-Arranged Schedules: All transfers are scheduled for early departures and returns to minimize exposure to peak traffic and ensure timely arrivals at each destination.
• Dedicated Vehicles and Ferries: Chartered buses and ferries will be reserved exclusively for the group, with seating capacities adjusted for comfort and safety. All vehicles are equipped with air conditioning, first aid supplies, and emergency contact protocols.
• Guided Walking Tours: Walking segments, especially in markets and cultural sites, will be led by local guides and chaperones, with clear meeting points and group check-ins at regular intervals.

Dispositions en matière de sécurité

• Du personnel de sécurité du Département de la sécurité de l'État (DSS), entièrement équipé, armé et agréé, sera déployé avec des escortes de la police de l'État de Lagos pour accompagner le voyage. Ils seront présents lors de tous les déplacements et activités du groupe. Ils procéderont à des comptages réguliers et surveilleront les points d'entrée et de sortie de chaque site. L'équipe de sécurité comprendra 4 agents du DSS, 12 escortes de la police mobile, 3 véhicules d'escorte de sécurité et 1 véhicule tout-terrain d'urgence. L'équipe de sécurité sera également chargée de
  • Local Authority Security arrangements developed in collaboration with local police and community leaders, particularly for sensitive areas like Makoko and busy market districts, to ensure respectful engagement and immediate support if needed.
  • Santé et soutien en cas d'urgence : premiers soins, itinéraires et procédures d'évacuation d'urgence établis et communiqués lors de la séance d'orientation. Les contacts d'urgence des participants seront également collectés à l'avance.
  • Évaluations de la sécurité du site avant chaque visite, afin d'identifier les risques potentiels et de s'assurer que des consignes de sécurité spécifiques au site sont données à tous les participants.
  • Rapport d'incident, avec des protocoles clairs pour traiter les incidents de sécurité ou de santé et des informations de contact pour le personnel clé distribuées à tous les participants.

  • Engagements with Local Experienced guides, custodians, translators, and logistical coordinators to facilitate all aspects of the tour. Their roles include assisting with crowd management, ensuring safe passage at busy or sensitive locations, and supporting communication in case of emergency.

Dispositions relatives à l'hébergement

• Centralized Lodging: Participants will be housed in the centrally located, Marriott Ikeja Hotel in Lagos, selected as the Venue of the entire conference due to its proximity to major sites, robust security features, and modern amenities.
• On-Site Support: The hotel provides 24-hour front desk service, secure entry, and daily breakfast. Group briefings and debriefs will be held in a designated meeting room each evening.
• Transport to and from Accommodation: Daily group transportation will depart from and return to the hotel at scheduled times, with contingency plans in place for late arrivals or emergencies.

Preconference Registration Cost

The preconference registration cost is $540 USD per person; an additional payment processing fee of $34.14 is assessed by Whova and Stripe. This includes 2 days of lodging, tea, lunch, dinner, security, transportation, language interpreters (French and Spanish), tour coordination and facilitation, and entertainment. 

To register for the Preconference, attendees can select and submit payment for the “This Is Lagos” Pre-Conference Tour – August 29-30 through the Registration portal.

Comité de planification pré et post conférence ICCP 2026

Planning Committee

• Tiffeny Jimenez
• Nkiru Nnawulezi
• Moshood Olanrewaju
• Leo Wilton