Satellite Images Show Dramatic Revival of Ancient African...

By Amir Daftari

News Reporter

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From above, Benin City in southern Nigeria tells a striking story as forests and farmland give way to sprawling neighborhoods, laterite roads and industrial zones.

In just four decades, the city has swelled, growing from about 350,000 residents in 1980 to more than 2 million today—making it one of Africa's fastest-growing secondary cities.

Satellite imagery captures the scale and speed of this urban boom, providing a rare window into how the continent's urban landscape is evolving and what life looks like on the ground in rapidly expanding cities.

Newsweek has contacted Nigeria's Foreign Ministry for comment via email.

Why It Matters

Nigeria—Africa's most populous nation, with almost 240 million residents—is experiencing urban growth that few countries can match. While Lagos dominates headlines as a megacity of 17 million, secondary cities such as Benin are quietly becoming engines of economic activity, innovation and migration.

These cities are shaping regional economies, providing jobs and attracting young populations, but they also face intense pressures on housing, transportation and public services. Rapid urbanization can strain water and sanitation systems, increase flood and heat risks, and drive the growth of informal settlements. Tracking and managing these changes is critical not only for Nigeria's future but also as a model for urban planning across Africa, where secondary cities are projected to see some of the fastest growth in the world.

What To Know

These smaller cities often experience faster growth rates than their larger counterparts, reshaping regional economies, straining infrastructure and testing governments' capacity to provide essential services. Understanding their expansion is crucial for urban planners, environmental scientists and policymakers trying to manage rapid population growth sustainably.

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Benin City's growth has been driven by multiple factors. Rural-to-urban migration brought residents seeking employment in industry, government and services. The University of Benin draws tens of thousands of students, contributing to a younger and more mobile population. The city also serves as a production hub for sand, rubber and aluminum, while hosting state government offices that anchor its administrative and political importance.

Satellite imagery shows the transformation in striking detail. Landsat 7 captured the city in 2002, when it was home to about 1 million residents. Large patches of farmland, savanna and forest remained intact. By 2025, Landsat 9 imagery showed almost double the developed land area, with more than 650 square kilometers of previously vegetated land converted to urban uses. Laterite roads, characteristic of early-stage infrastructure, thread through the city, while remaining lowland forests provide a stark green contrast.

History of Benin City

Beneath Benin City's modern growth lies a rich historical legacy. The city was once the heart of the Kingdom of Benin, a powerful precolonial state known for its sophisticated governance and monumental earthworks. It was also famous for its intricately crafted plaques, sculptures and ceremonial objects, collectively known as the Benin Bronzes.

In 1897, British forces looted the bronzes and burned the royal palace, sending the artifacts to museums across Europe and America. In recent years, institutions—including the Horniman Museum, the University of Aberdeen, Cambridge's Jesus College, the Smithsonian, and several German and Dutch museums—have returned or pledged to return them. Today, Benin City's growth unfolds alongside the revival of its cultural heritage, linking centuries-old artistry to its modern identity.

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What Happens Next

As Benin City continues its rapid growth, satellite monitoring will remain crucial for urban planning, infrastructure management and environmental oversight. By combining decades of imagery with modern mapping techniques, researchers and policymakers can help the city grow sustainably while preserving its rich cultural heritage and preparing for the next wave of urban expansion.

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