Experience in Lagos, Nigeria by Victor

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

Apart from the expensive rents due to the large population of over 21,000,000 plus,Lagos is just a good place to stay in. Cheap good stuffs and other items. But in terms of electricity, is very poor base on where u stay. If u find yourself living in the city centre or famous people, you can be sure of electricity. I will recommend Lagos to everyone. It is a "you live, I live" city.. The city is beautiful, small but mighty,full of life and funs,clubs and partying, cinema and live shows and auditions and so on..

What is the student lifestyle like in Lagos?

The student lifestyle I will say, is base on the decision of the person in question. If he likes party life he gets one. You eat at canteens and restaurants. If you chose to eat in exclusive places, be ready also to pay a VIP amount for a meal.

How much does it cost to live in Lagos?

It cost about €700 to €1000 euros per annum to pay for an apartment. That is, a two or three bedroom, well equipped with all requirements but not furnished. Nigerians don't furnish rented properties. If one is lucky to find such, its either it is located between political office holders buildings or is close to a national business centre and it will cost a gold. Like, €60,000 and above per annum. That is if one is lucky. And one will also pay for what is called Agent and Agreement charges. That's about €300 euros and above.

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

Its difficult to find accommodation in Lagos. There are rental sites online but due to a lot of scam, people just prefer to go about from one compound to the other asking for vacancy or they contact a friend,relative or a close person they can trust to lookout for one.

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

I am a Nigerian but slightly a Western by adoption. My traditional favorites are the Afang Soup from the south southern part of Nigeria. A delicacy one will keep spending money to have it prepare well. I also like eating Yams, boiled or porridge i enjoy that too. The Nigerian delicacies or food is incomparable with any other nation only if one can find the right cooks,kitchen or the owners of the tradition to prepare the meals. With over 250 tribes, its like for one to eat all this species of food, one will have to be a gull citizen and then decide to live here for eternity..

What places would you recommend visiting in Lagos?

Every single place in Lagos and Nigeria is fun. From Ikorodo which is almost the gateway into Lagos from within the country, to Badagary and other historic boarder areas. Sharing boarders with neighboring Togo,Cameroon, Ghana and Berne Republic.

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

Nigerians both old and young, rich or poor, adults or children are use to the culture of making their own meals. Because the enjoy it that way. But that doesn't mean they don't eat out. As I said earlier, you can find people eating in places where snacks are sold or fast food but when it comes to good solid meals, its only in exclusively renowned areas one can find good meals. Intercontinental and well prepared local dishes all at a high cost. I recommend hotels and well classy eateries. There, u will find good and well trained cooks and catering services render and to make u feel at home.

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

There are so many night life clubs. I am not a party type... But I thinks I know "Quitox". A very advance place for "Live the Life" kind of people. I have visited the place thrice but was unlucky to purchase anything due to expensive price tag. On my visits there, I came across top political figures and business tycoons. So that is a plus to the fact that the place is safe for everyone.

What advice would you give future students heading to Lagos?

Lagos and Nigeria as a whole, is very safe and secured. Let no one begging to castigate. I am certain that those nations painting Nigeria black, at the time they were 55yrs of independence, they were never closer to achieving peace as Nigeria does now. Nigeria even in the state of "chop alone, die alone", we still enjoy a whole lot of peace. Nigeria is very safe for all. If u doubt, then see it for yourself. There's no harm in trying. If any student feels like making friends, I am very very free to make friends. I am a Christian who believes in equality and freedom. Forget the bad government, the masses though at some points cry, they are also smiling in some areas. Nigeria is one country that until you research, one can never interpret properly our generous hospitality. Thank you all.