My friend and I decided to visit the Jaekel House Railway Museum in Ebute-Meta, Lagos, after watching a video about it on Instagram. It is a mini museum located inside a 126-year-old building, a place that holds many memories about Nigeria’s railway history.

Getting In
When we arrived at the museum, we were told there was an entrance fee, but the amount you pay isn’t fixed. It depends on how good you are at bargaining. Some people managed to get in for just ₦1,000, while others paid as much as ₦2,000, but my friend and I paid ₦1,500 each.
The Tour with a Museum Official
After getting our tickets, a friendly museum official approached us and offered to take us on a guided tour. We were happy to have someone who could explain what we were looking at because it made the experience much more meaningful. The official was very knowledgeable about the history of the railway in Nigeria. He told us stories about the early days of the railway, sharing interesting facts and giving us a deeper understanding of how important the railway was for Nigeria’s development.

He took us from one room to another, showing us old photographs, tools, and other objects that were used when the railway first began. Some of those items were well over a century old and he also shared anecdotes about the lives of the people who worked on the railways, painting a vivid picture of what it looked like back then. We saw so many black-and-white photographs of the early railway, including images of old trains, railway stations, and some workers who operated the trains. We also saw maps of the old railway lines, showing how the network connected different parts of Niger.
Outside the House
After we finished exploring the inside of Jaekel House, the official led us to the garden, where some unique displays were located. We didn’t see old trains, but there were interesting railway-related objects like a train car and a railway bicycle. The train car was a small, open vehicle used to inspect railway tracks, while the railway bicycle looked like a mix between a bike and a trolley, used by railway workers to quickly get up and down the tracks.

The official explained how these items were used in the past. The train car was used by rail supervisors who needed to move quickly to check on the tracks and ensure everything was in good condition. The railway bicycle, on the other hand, was a tool for maintenance workers who needed to cover shorter distances faster than they could on foot.
The Surroundings
Jaekel House itself is an example of colonial architecture. The building has wide verandas with thick wooden pillars, large windows, and heavy wooden doors. It is white-painted and the peaceful gardens around the house add to the relaxing atmosphere.
The museum official explained that the house was originally built as a residence for senior railway officers during the colonial era. It was named after Francis Jaekel, a former superintendent of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, and it has been preserved to keep the memories of that period alive. Every part of the building, from the old-style doors to the wooden floors, carries the spirit of Nigeria’s colonial past.

Why You Should Visit Jaekel House
Visiting Jaekel House was not just about seeing old railway items — it was about seeing a piece of Nigeria’s history. The museum captures the story of how the railway played a role in bringing people together, transporting goods, and supporting the economy at the time. It shows how much Nigeria has changed over the years, from the days of colonialism to independence, and highlights the importance of preserving the past.
The tour made us appreciate the railway’s contribution to Nigeria’s development and gave us a glimpse of what life was like when trains were the backbone of travel and trade. It made me see how far technology has come and how important it is to remember where we started.
Final Thoughts
Our visit to Jaekel House Railway Museum was both educational and enjoyable. It’s a perfect spot for history lovers, students, or anyone looking for something different to do in Lagos. The museum gives you a chance to learn.
If you find yourself in Lagos and want to explore a piece of the city’s history, the Jaekel House Railway Museum is worth a visit whether you’re there to learn about the railway or just to take beautiful pictures.
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