LAGOS is Nigeria’s commercial capital. Arguably, the sixth most populated city in the world with about 22 million inhabitants. Almost all the multinationals like FACEBOOK, Google, IBM, Microsoft, etc., have offices in Lagos.
I have shared below vital lessons and maybe strategies that could be of help residing here.
- If you were to make a choice between knowing how to speak YORUBA (local dialect) and not knowing how to speak Yoruba. Just choose the former. This is not compulsory but it may save you from plenty drama.
- Before going to Ladipo Market or any automobile market in Lagos to buy anything, make sure you have done enough research. Know the price, the types, the manufacturer, etc.
- Avoid buying smartphones, electronic gadgets, or transact any serious business on the streets. Go inside the shop and do your business. Remember to always request a receipt after every transaction.
- There is always a job even when they say there is no job. If you are skilled in certain fields you will get a job. If it’s too hard you couldn’t find a job, apply for an internship.
- Do not have strong ties with the so-called slay queens who live within the neighborhood. You may end up competing with Area Boys.
- As a foreigner, hire a driver if you can afford one. This way – you may avoid being involved in a motor accident. The majority of drivers do not obey traffic rules in Lagos.
- Be polite and open-minded, but don’t pretend to be a nice guy. If you do, be ready to pay the price. All the street boys will always beg you for money. It is better to be kind than pretending to be nice.
- Be careful whenever a public vehicle 🚌 halts at a non-designated bus stop to pick you up. Just have a rethink once you discover it’s all men that are in the car 🚘 . You may end up being robbed (One Chance)
- Before you move into a new apartment, find out from the neighbors how much they pay monthly on electricity. 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 thing 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.
- Lagos traffic is not a joke. It is terrible. I mean terrible. The best way to navigate faster to your destination is by using a motorcycle 🏍️ (Okada).
- You will always meet a crowd at bus-stops, banks like, etc, immigration office, ATM stand, food joint, etc.