Whether you are a visitor or a local who wants to know about life in Lagos Nigeria, we got you. We will be discussing much about Lagos including what life is like in Lagos. So at the end of this article, you should be able to have a sound knowledge and understanding of Lagos. Read on.
Lagos is a state in Southwest Nigeria, the busiest and economic hub of the country, All this isn’t accidental, it happens as a result of economic activities in the state such as industries, foreign investors, seaports, and serves as headquarters to various cooperate organization in the country.
What Is The Life Like In Lagos
Life in Lagos Nigeria is interesting, funny, and fast-paced, everyone is in a rush to meet up with their daily activities, beat the traffic, and live up to the expectations of staying in Lagos. Let’s go deeper to discuss what is life like in Lagos.
3. Housing
Housing is an important factor to consider before moving to Lagos. The choice of where to stay depends on how much you have to spend, there are some luxury housing choices and good neighborhoods to stay in Lagos that are a bit expensive, and there are some affordable choices in a less expensive neighborhood with good facilities.
Your housing choice boils down to your lifestyle, preference, and budget. But the catch is that Lagos has accommodations options for different classes of people, for example, you can get a 2-bed room apartment for 6 million naira annually in high-brow neighborhoods like Victoria Island, ikoyi, and Lekki Also, you can get a 2-bed room flat with same facilities for 3.5 million naira annually in less expensive areas like Ikeja, Yaba, and Maryland. ( Prices source: jiji.ng ) So, housing depends on budget and preference.
It’s important to consider many factors before renting a house in Lagos such as location, security, amenities, and transportation links, these are what make your home easily accessible and enjoyable.
4. Safety
When Discussing Life in Lagos Nigeria it is important to mention security, Lagos faces security challenges like every other society in the world. Some areas in Lagos are more lively and safer than the other.
Some areas in Lagos have reduced cases of robbery, and burglary, you can move around by 2 am without any fear of harassment. these are high brow areas like Ikoyi, Victoria Island, and Lekki are safer due to the presence of elites and the wealthy, as such there is a high presence of security personnel to guard them and their family.
But such is not the case in neighborhoods like Iyana Ipaja where you can barely see people move around by midnight. The reason could be related to the level of exposure and the high poverty rate in these neighborhoods. The key point to note is to be conscious of your surroundings as security is an individual responsibility, so wherever you find yourself in Lagos be watchful and follow the local advice
5. Transport
Lagos is a city with different transportation options, that help people navigate from one part of the state to another, the Alternative to choose largely depends on your location, resources, and choice of comfort. Some of these transportation options include:
- Motorcycles also known as Okada in Lagos
- Triycycles referred to as Maruwa or Keke Napep
- Ride-hailing such as Uber, Bolt, Taxify, etc.
- Mini-buses are known as Korope in Lagos
- Danfo are yellow-colored Volkswagen on the road
- LAG Buses are Government owned mass transit in Lagos
To explain how transportation in Lagos is dependent on budget and preference, one can move from the Murtala Mohammed International Airport to Victoria Island on public transportation for less than 2000 naira, and the same distance may cost 15,000 naira with Bolt or other ride services, you see the difference.
In between the examples mentioned above, there are other choices to move affordably and comfortably around Lagos such as BRT buses, mini buses, and Airport shuttles. So, to transport around Lagos there are certainly affordable options for everyone.
6. Local Markets
Lagos is a huge city with a lot of economic activities, the Local markets contribute to those activities and are worth mentioning when discussing life in Lagos they can’t be ignored, these are places where people go shop for a variety of goods including food items, clothing, electrical appliances, mobile phones and Laptops, and house whole items,.
The outstanding thing about Lagos’s Local market is the availability of individual renowned markets to buy items, an example is:
- Food Market: In Lagog young find major food markets like Mile12, Ipodo, Ile Epo, and Oshodi Markets.
- Electronics Market: When you desire to buy electronics in Lagos you have the Alaba, Computer Village, and Sara Tunibu market.
- Used wear market: Katanga, Yaba, and Asuani markets are the hubs of used wear such as shirts, jeans, curtains, duvets, shoes, and other clothing accessories.
- Vehicle Spare Parts Market: To buy vehicle spare parts visit Ladipo, Jankara, and Alaba Market
Here is a Video feel of Local markets in Lagos
These famous markets in Lagos serve the city for various shopping experiences that make up life in Lagos. So as a visitor who wants to explore the city of Lagos, visiting the local market in Lagos will be worth your time.
1. Weather
Lagos, Nigeria, enjoys a tropical wet and dry climate, marked by distinct rainy and dry seasons. The rainy season, from April to October, features frequent downpours, high humidity, and temperatures ranging between 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). This period peaks in June and September, often causing brief but intense showers.
The dry season, spanning from November to March, brings lower humidity, higher temperatures from 28°C to 33°C (82°F to 91°F), and the Harmattan winds from the Sahara Desert. These winds, especially prominent in December and January, can lower temperatures slightly and bring dusty, dry air.
Despite these seasonal changes, Lagos remains warm year-round, fostering a vibrant and bustling atmosphere. The weather’s predictability supports the city’s dynamic lifestyle and economic activities, ensuring that life in Lagos remains lively and engaging throughout the year.
2. Economy
Lagos, Nigeria, is the country’s economic powerhouse and one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities. Its economy is highly diversified, encompassing sectors such as finance, manufacturing, telecommunications, and oil and gas.
As Nigeria’s commercial capital, Lagos hosts the headquarters of numerous multinational companies and financial institutions. The city’s ports are among the busiest in Africa, facilitating significant import and export activities.
Lagos is also a hub for entrepreneurship and innovation, with a thriving startup ecosystem, particularly in technology and entertainment. The informal sector, including markets and street trading, plays a crucial role in the economy, providing employment and sustaining livelihoods for many residents. Despite its economic vibrancy, Lagos faces challenges such as infrastructure deficits, traffic congestion, and socioeconomic inequality.
However, ongoing investments in infrastructure and urban development projects aim to bolster Lagos’ position as a key economic center in Africa
7. Nightlife
If you’ve ever heard the word “Lagos never sleeps” it is for a reason, the city has a rich nightlife to keep anyone entertained, from evening music shows, and early night concerts to midnight events, so, if you are a night hawk be rest assured that you can never be bored.
Lagos has various night events to Make your visit thrilling. You will have a lot of night events to choose from back-to-back organized musical concerts within the city, and energetic nightclubs to get you rocking and rolling.
When visiting Lagos just have some spare money to enjoy the night scene and you have a long-lasting experience to cherish
8. Street Life
Street life in Lagos can never be ignored if we have to talk about life in Lagos Nigeria. it could be fun but at the same time not for the faint-hearted, everyone on the street of Lagos wants to be feared and respected, and you come across a lot of funny behaviors that never be seen anywhere in the world, How can one explain someone urinating in the middle of the road, that’s insane right?, yes I guess it, that one of the only in Lagos moments, welcome to street life in Lagos.
9. Religious Diversity
Lagos is a civilized city that attaches less significance to religion. Although, it is a religiously diverse state with many people worshiping whatever they choose to believe in.
The major dominant religions in Lagos are Christianity and Islam, there are also many traditionalists like Ifa, Songo, and Ogun worshipers who don’t interface with other people’s beliefs.
From experience living in Lagos for several years, we only get asked about religion when filling out a form. So, it doesn’t matter what you believe in, nobody cares, be a good Lagosian that don’t break the law and lives in harmony with everyone around you.
10. Food Scene
Lagos is a city with diverse tribes, nationalities, and people from different backgrounds, It has a variety of food to feed from, and you can eat various kinds of dishes from Chinese, Italian, and Nigerian Local restaurants, lest I forget let’s me mention that there also many popular Lagos street food which you can eat on the go without tearing the pockets.
When it comes to food and feeding in Lagos it is nothing to worry about as you will have different types of food choices to eat from and explore the kinds of foods you never thought existed
Conclusion
Lagos, Nigeria, is a city that defies simple descriptions. It’s a place where the vibrancy of street life meets the serenity of its diverse religious practices, where the hustle of local markets blends seamlessly with the rhythm of nightlife. The weather, though often hot and humid, reflects the city’s fiery spirit and relentless energy. The economy, bustling and diverse, offers opportunities and challenges alike, mirroring the resilience of its inhabitants.
Housing in Lagos ranges from opulent estates to modest dwellings, symbolizing the city’s wide economic spectrum. Safety, a concern for many, is addressed with community vigilance and a growing sense of security.
The local markets are the heartbeat of Lagos, showcasing its rich culture and entrepreneurial spirit.
In essence, Lagos is a city of contrasts and confluence, where tradition meets modernity and presents a new adventure. It’s a place where the soul of Nigeria beats strongest, inviting everyone to experience its unique blend of chaos and charm.
