Are you moving to Lagos for a job?I have lived and worked in Nigeria as an expatriate and it gives me great pleasure to share my unique experience in this fascinating country.

Culture in Lagos

They have great respect for the environment and they constantly strive to make Lagos a cleaner and a greener place. There is a sanitation day (last Saturday of every month) dedicated to cleaning the streets of Lagos and you cannot move out before 10 am unless you are ready to participate. People are very kind, helpful, friendly and warm. They are fluent in English which is more popularly known as Pigeon English. They greet very often and always use words like Welcome and No Wahala (No problem frequently).Nigerians respect women tremendously and are certainly church going and happy people. It is very common to see women as traffic police and working at petrol stations.I must say Nigerian women are very strong and are often seen doing hard labour.

Most common FAQ's on Lagos are answered below:

1. Is Lagos a safe place to work and live in?

Safety is really an individual thing. There are many expatriates working in Lagos. It solely depends on the company and the services provided. It is very important to find out about the location of the stay and work place in Lagos before you sign the expatriate contract.Just as some streets of certain cities are not safe,the same applies to Lagos.Live a low profiled expatriate life and you will sail through your contractual period.

2. Which are the safe residential areas in Lagos?

Victoria Island, Ikoyi and even certain parts of Ikeja (GRA)are the up market locations to stay in and usually appropriate for Top Executives and Management staff. Most of the expatriate community are well spread out in Ilupeju, Ikeja, Appapa, Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Surulere etc

3. How are the schools in Lagos?

One has a vast choice to choose from depending on the affordability or the budget.There is an American school, British school, German school, French and Indian school. You can imagine now how big is the expatriate community in Lagos.

4. How are the medical facilities in Lagos?

There are two big Hospitals in Victoria Island called the Reddington and Lagoon.But these are very expensive. It is important to check with your respective employers if they are attached to good medical treatment hospitals. There are many expatriate doctors available in private clinics practising on their own.

5. Are all drug stores well equipped?

Most of the chemists’ house imported drugs from the United States or the United Kingdom.But drugs are very expensive.

It is important that you equip (stock) yourself with some local drugs (from your origin country) before you move to Lagos.

6. How is the availability of Foodstuff in Lagos?

There are many super markets selling items from different developed countries. One can look out for super markets like Emjays, Park ‘n’ Shop,Bazaar and Goodies.

7. How safe is Lagos for women and families?

Lagos may be generally considered unsafe. But I have lived alone for a year and I had no issues. It is important that you watch your back and avoid visits to certain locations. Not advisable to wear gold ornaments and move out after 9:00 pm/10:00 pm.

8.How are the restaurants and hotels in Lagos?

Lagos has multi cuisine restaurants and some good five star hotels like Eko Hotels,Intercontinental Hotel,Sheraton, Sofitel,Federal palace which also has a small casino.You will find a KFC in Lagos but no Mcdonald.

9.How is the shopping in Lagos?

Many malls have mushroomed recently.Some of the most popular malls in Lagos are mentioned below and many good international retail brands have started in these malls.

Adeniran Ogunsanya Shopping mall
Ikeja Shopping Mall
Lagos City Mall
Mega Plaza
Palms Shopping Mall
Silver bird Galleria
If you are a street smart person then Life in Lagos can be pretty peaceful...as long as your sources of contact are strong.