The Kirikiri Aerodrome, also known as the Apapa Aerodrome, played an essential role in Lagos's early aviation history. Located near the present-day Kirikiri Prison, it was one of the main airstrips in Lagos before the development of Ikeja Airport. Aircraft heading for Ikeja were occasionally redirected to Kirikiri when needed.
Historical Context
1. Establishment: The Kirikiri Aerodrome served as an operational base for early aviation activities in Lagos, providing a platform for cargo transport, mail delivery, and passenger flights.
2. Strategic Location: Its location near Apapa made it a convenient hub for trade and colonial administration, especially during the 1930s and 1940s when Lagos was a growing port city.
3. Telegraph Operations: The image you describe of a man using a telegraph is indicative of the period when communication and navigation relied heavily on telegraphy for directing air traffic.
Later Developments
1. Air Shows: By the 1970s, air shows were occasionally organized, showcasing aircraft and fostering public interest in aviation.
2. Transition to Ikeja Airport: As Lagos expanded, the Kirikiri Aerodrome's location became less practical, leading to the development of the Ikeja Airport (now Murtala Muhammed International Airport) as the primary aviation hub.
Contributor Information
The referenced photograph and historical insights were collected by E. H. Duckworth, a notable figure who documented Nigeria's colonial and early post-independence history through photography and publications. Duckworth’s work provides a rich visual and written archive of Nigeria’s transition through the 20th century.
The aerodrome's story is a fascinating glimpse into Nigeria's aviation beginnings and colonial-era infrastructure.
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