Kirikiri, a densely populated town in Apapa with some industrial presence, is home to the most notorious prison in Nigeria – the medium and maximum security Kirikiri prisons. To most Nigerians, hearing someone mention they live in Kirikiri means the person admitting to their prisoner status. But in reality, Kirikiri has two sets of people: those that dwell behind the “ prison walls” and those who reside outside.
The importance of the town cannot be overemphasised as the entry point leads to the Nigerian Naval base and it serves as a shortcut to other areas within the Amuwo-Odofin local government area of the state.
Kirikiri features roads that are fairly accessible. The most frequently used street is the Dillion Street which is a very busy one. The town, however, attracts manufacturers and bonded terminal moguls. This explains the dense movement of heavy vehicles in and out of the area. Saint Paul Anglican Church is a popular church in Kirikiri. Schools in Kirikiri include; Great Noble School, Dr Lucas Memorial Senior High School, Danvic Leaders School and Broadway Junior Primary School among others.
Kirikiri is a community with a lot of residents. While some of its residents are prison inmates, the others are free men and women living in the town. Located at Amuwo Odofin Local Government, the town is as old as Lagos state itself. Most of the residents are middle class.
The country’s most popular detention facility, the Kirikiri Maximum Prison is located here. Irrespective of this, Kirikiri still maintains it’s status as a community. Thus Kirikiri like a two-edged sword, a community and a prison. Kirikiri road leads to the Nigerian Navy base, and it is accessible to other areas in Lagos.
The Berger Suya market serves the Kirikiri residents well. The market consists of a number of shops owned by majorly the Igbo people in the area. There is a small spare parts market at Berger Suya market. There are also a number of warehouses in the neighbourhood. The Kirikiri market hosts a taxi park.
The number of hotels and restaurants at Kirikiri can be very appealing. Although there is no major mall or cinema house in Kirikiri. Some of the major fun spots here are; Sade Restaurant, Top Star Extension, and De Crown hotel.
