Lagos: 1st African city to have its own version of Monopoly

The makers of Monopoly have advanced to Lagos in Nigeria to launch the first African city edition of the famous board game.

Instead of Mayfair or Boardwalk, players will have the chance to buy Banana Island, a prestigious development where properties in the real world fetch millions.

The cheapest square - the Old Kent Road of London or the Mediterranean Avenue of the U.S. version - is a fishing slum on stilts known as Makoko.


The Nigerian Stock Exchange, which replaces London's 'Super Tax: Pay £100', and Murtala Muhammed International Airport also feature, while traditional favourites such as the Chance and Community Chest cards keep pride of place on the iconic board.

The 'go to jail' card has been adapted to say 'go directly to Kirikiri jail', the city's maximum-security prison.

The Lagos State Government was heavily involved in bringing the game to Nigeria not just to promote the country, but also as a means of educating the public about road safety.

One Chance card, for example says: 'For using the overhead pedestrian bridge over Ikorodu Road, move forward three spaces'.

Another reads: 'You've been caught driving against traffic. Report for psychiatric evaluation.' 

 

Picture credit: CNN & Getty Images