Lagos like Ouidah and Porto Novo, Lagos had a sizable Brazilian and Catholic population. Prior to the establishment of the Lagos mission, mass service was already being performed by a Cathechist who went by Padre Anthonio. Starting in 1863, appeals by the Catholics resulted in two visits and one infant baptism by Fr. Borghero. By 1868, land had been secured for a Lagos mission, construction of a bamboo church and residence began at the present location of the Holy Cross Cathedral. Fr. Bouche and a brother were assigned to the new mission. However, West Africa was treacherous for the missionaries, one out of four died as a result of malaria or Yellow Fever
