Jaekel House is within the old Nigerian Railway compound in Ebute Metta, Lagos, it is more than just a relic of colonial times — it is a gentle but powerful echo of a past that helped shape the infrastructure and urban story of modern Nigeria.
It was built in 1898, this charming two-storey wooden house once served as the official residence for senior staff of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC). Today, it stands restored and curated as a mini-museum, preserving the memory of Nigeria’s railway heritage and the colonial era that introduced it.
A Colonial Story on the Rails
It was named after Francis Jaekel, a former railway superintendent who dedicated over three decades to the Nigerian railway system, the house now wears his name as a tribute to the legacy he left behind.
- With wraparound verandas, sash windows, and gingerbread detailing, the building retains its late Victorian character.
- Inside, visitors can explore railway uniforms, tools, documents, photographs, and personal effects that belonged to colonial-era railway workers.
- The house forms part of the NRC’s effort to document and preserve what was once one of the most extensive rail networks in West Africa.
Jaekel House as a Cultural Portal
Beyond its physical beauty, Jaekel House functions as a living chronicle of Lagos’ colonial and industrial history. It tells stories of migration, movement, and the changing architecture of African labor.
- Its lush green surroundings and manicured lawns also make it a favorite venue for film shoots, fashion photography, and small historical exhibitions.
- For history enthusiasts, it’s a serene yet thought-provoking space that brings Nigeria’s colonial railway era to life, not just through objects but through atmosphere.
