Experience in Lagos, Nigeria by REBECCA

What is it like to live in Lagos? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Lagos is a state filled with hustle and bustle. Lagos houses over 20 million out of the over 200 million Nigerians. Lagos is the smallest state in Nigeria out of all the 36 states including the Federal Capital territory (Abuja). It is the center for commerce and trade in Nigeria. Because of the number of people in Lagos, there is rapid development unlike other state. However, infrastructures in Lagos are stretched to unbearable limit. If you want to do business, I would recommend Lagos. If you want to lead a quieter life, I would not recommend Lagos. Lagos is too stressful.

What is the student lifestyle like in Lagos?

Many students are involved in businesses. Students are very studious during exams or tests and are more into business and relaxing at the beginning of a session or semester. Students love going out to watch movies and visit friends.

How much does it cost to live in Lagos?

A decent house consisting of a three bed room apartment in Lagos mainland will cost between NGN350,000 to NGN1,000,000 a year. While on the Island it could cost between NGN1,000,000 to NGN12,000,000 a year. Transport cost is generally high because of heavy traffic. Average transport a day is about NGN1000. It could be more or less depending on the location. Feeding is about NGN1000 a day per person. Miscellaneous can be N2000 a day.

Transport and housing is most expensive in Lagos. Cost of feeding is fair.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Lagos? Is there any advice you can give?

It is not difficult to find a house in Lagos. Once you have your money, you can get whatever house you are looking for in which ever area you want the house. However, you have to be careful of dupes. There are so many people that want to cheat you. They will collect your money and you will not see the house. Be careful of house agents. Some are thieves. It is better to deal directly with the landlord of the house.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

There is lots of good food in Lagos and Nigeria generally. We have the very delicious jollof rice everyone looks forward to eating when they attend a party. We have amala and ewedu, fried rice, Ohra soup, Afang soup, Vegetable soup, yam porridge, moimoi, etc.

My favorite dish is Plantain (roasted, boiled or fried, Unripe or ripe) with pepper stew and fish. My second favorite dish is Yam (Boiled, Fried or roasted) with tomato and pepper sauce and fried eggs.

What places would you recommend visiting in Lagos?

In Lagos, there are many beaches. Those are the places I like to go. But be careful because tides can be very high. But if you don't go too far into the water, then its ok.

Is it good to eat out in Lagos? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

There are many nice spots to eat out. Nigerians mostly eat out in big restaurants during festive periods like Easter, Christmas, El Kabir or during a celebration. Else, most people eat at a Bukar's shop (Like a mama put. They sell very affordable food) or cook at home.

My favorite spot is Mega Chicken at Apple Junction Mile 2. Its a big restaurant. I like it because they sell nice varieties of tasty food and its close to my house.

Is the nightlife good in Lagos? Where is good to go?

Night life is good mostly on weekends and public holidays when people go clubbing. That is when people relax. During the week days, Night life is more about being in traffic and being very stressed out. Most people prefer to rest at home in the night. Generally, its people selling their market on the road and people coming back from work you see outside at night.

What advice would you give future students heading to Lagos?

Lagos is not for the faint in heart. Its for people that are ready to be stressed to succeed. If you are resolute about achieving your goals, then you will be fine