Just like any other city in Nigeria; Lagos, the economic hub of West Africa has its peculiarities. However, as a potential migrant, there are a few things you need to know before arrival or upon arrival.
Let me make this clear – If Lagos was to be a country like the USA, I would be a citizen both by birth and naturalization. So, you are receiving this information from an Industry BigDog.
- Lagos traffic is not a joke. It is terrible. I mean terrible. The best way to navigate faster to your destination is by using an Okada, not UBER or Taxify.
- Don’t buy phone, electronic gadget or transact any business on the streets of Lagos. Go inside the shop and do your business. Remember to always request for a receipt after every transaction.
- “Come Lagos, you go get a job” – many people have been misled by that phrase. Arm yourself with skills before coming to Lagos. There are many applicants vying for the position of a cleaner a bank. It is as bad as that.
- There are many motivational speakers in Lagos that do not practice what they preach. Just have that in your head. Some of them present to you ”how to run a successful business.” In contrast, they do not own a shop. Always analyze and critic whatever information you get from them.
- Do not have strong ties with a popular slay queen who lives within the neighborhood. You may end up competing with area boys when you do.
- As a foreigner, hire a driver if you can afford one. This way – you may avoid being involved in a motor accident. Majority of the drivers do not obey traffic rules in Lagos.
- Be polite and open-minded, but don’t be a nice guy. If you do, be ready to pay the price. It is better to be kind than to be nice.
- Be careful whenever a public vehicle stops at a non-designated bus stop to pick you up. Just have a rethink before entering that bus, especially if they are all men. You may end up being robbed, kidnapped. (One Chance)
- Before you consider paying rent for a new apartment, find out how much bill each tenant pays on electricity (monthly). If the bill is more than one-fourth of your monthly rent, then, you may need to search for another apartment.
- Avoid showing off your tattoos in public places, if you do, just be ready to deal with whatever that comes up. The police are looking out for things like that.
- The police will always want to arrest you at every slightest mistake. Always have a valid ID card when leaving your house.
- Avoid wearing complete colored clothes, such as yellow, black and red, you are not a cultist. It raises a red flag when you dress that way.
- If you were to make a choice between knowing how to speak Yoruba and not knowing how to speak Yoruba. Just choose the former. This is not compulsory but it may save you from plenty of drama.
- You will always meet a crowd at bus-stops, banks like GTB, Diamond, etc, immigration office, ATM stand, food joint, Akara joint, etc.