Living in Lagos, Nigeria

Lagos is the most populated state in Nigeria, with a population of 18 million people. Many Lagosians will agree that if you must live in Lagos, you have got to have your wits about you or else, you will hate every minute of living in the state.

Erratic power supply is the most common problem that many Lagosians face. How does one tackle this problem? The answer is quite simple; buy a "power generating set", also popularly referred to locally as a "gen". There are various brands you can choose from, depending on your power supply needs. The most common type of gen can be bought for 8,000 Naira ($67), it is commonly referred to in pidgin English as "I pass my neighbour".

Traffic in Lagos is murder! If you work on the Lagos Island, you have to get up very early in order to beat the traffic or else you will be stuck in it for God knows how long. For pedestrians crossing the road to the other side is no picnic. I heard someone say that "sometimes rush hour traffic is so bad, to get to the other side of the road, you have to be born there!"

Unpredictable hikes in transportation fares is what drives most Lagosians crazy. Bus drivers and conductors hike the price of transporting passengers. Why? Because they can.

If you do not own a car, you will be at the mercy of Lagos commercial transporters. You see, the transportation system works like this; the bus fare goes up early in the morning because workers have no choice but to report to the office on time (transporters take advantage of this fact). Bus fares drop during office hours and it is hiked up again in the evening by 80%.

The state owned buses (with fixed rates) are not enough to serve the whole of Lagos. The state government has promised to purchase new and comfortable buses, perhaps the privately owned commercial bus drivers will desist from their fare hiking acts.

Invest in security paraphernalia because if you are one of those people who leave the office at late hours; you will need some form of protection. Many people have been robbed by thieves posing as commercial bike and taxi drivers. Please be very observant because some robbers also pose as police officers and order you to stop your vehicle, if you sense something amiss, do not stop, just keep driving. Many cars have been stolen using the old police check-point trick.

You need somewhere to live? Lagos has an array of accommodation choices, namely:

Face me, I Face You: this is the most common type of housing you can get for a very affordable rate. This consists of a single room or room and parlour affair. However you'll need to pay 2-3 years in advance and share amenities such as toilet, bathroom and kitchen along with the rest of the occupants of the building.

Mini-flat: this type of accommodation is a little bit pricey, it could come in a single or double room(s), it is self-contained. You will also be required to pay 2-3 years in advance.

Flat: this is perhaps the most expensive kind of accommodation in Lagos (depending on the location). It consists of a 2-3 bedroom and living room area, suitable for raising a family. Rent is paid 2-3 years in advance. (Strictly cash! No credit cards, thank you)

You might wonder, why on earth will anyone (in their right senses) ever consider living in Lagos? The reason is because Lagos is the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria's business and job employment opportunities. The business and employment opportunities in Lagos are far better than any other state in Nigeria.