Lagos: A peaceful and a center of Exellence

Lagos state is one of the peaceful states in Nigeria, although some prospective visitors may be apprehensive due to some negative reports or what they have read on the pages of newspapers. There might be some problems in some areas as we do have in many places around the world but that is not enough for any visitor to nurse whatever fear.

If you adhere strictly to the following tips, you will never encounter any problem throughout your stay in Lagos, instead, you will have a peaceful and a memorable experience. Let me first of all assure you that Lagosians are very hospitable, they want visitors from all over the world to have a taste of what Lagos is made of, in terms of rich culture and tradition, high economic activities etc. They are friendly, kind and can actually go out of their way to satisfy visitors. The following tips will make your stay in Lagos peaceful:

DUST: - Asthmatic patients or people with related health problems should try as much as possible to always go out with their handkerchief because of dust. This is due to the fact that some of our roads are dusty, and moving vehicles and other automobiles raise a lot of dust when plying such roads.

ALWAYS ASK! You should imbibe the habit of asking the people around you for things you do not know, for leads so as not to miss your way. It can even save you from troubles with the traffic wardens or other security agents monitoring the highways. It does not matter whether you have spent donkey of years in Lagos, just make sure you always ask questions. At least there is no crime in asking for what one does not know.

THE AREA BOYS: The area boys are street boys in almost all the local government areas of the state and they are very popular. They praise people for money and they are sometimes used by the mighty and powerful to cause mayhem. You may come across them in the markets, your streets, party venues, bus stops, motor parks etc. All you need to do when you come across them is to part with a few coins to have your way. Interestingly, if you settle them a couple of times, you become known and special to them and they can bring you out of troubles when you enter one. So, don’t be too miserly to the area boys.

OBSERVE TRAFFIC RULES AND REGULATIONS: Many road users who refuse to obey simple traffic rules always run into problems with the officials of the Lagos state transport management authority (LASTMA), and they end up paying huge fines imposed by the state government. It therefore becomes imperative for you to observe these rules to save yourself from unnecessary fines.

TRADITIONAL RITES: The constitutional freedom to practice any religion one wishes is highly respected by the state government. This gives opportunity to traditional worshippers in Lagos to perform their traditional rites or rituals which at times take place in the broad day light. But, it is worthy of note that the rituals take place mostly in the night. Before the events, the public is warned to remain indoors throughout the period. As a visitor you are advised on your own interest to adhere strictly to such announcement, it does not really matter whether you are a Pastor, Archbishop, Imam or whatever. One can run into a big trouble if you fail to obey the order.

AVOID FREE THINGS: To avoid being duped or kidnapped, avoid nosing for free things all the time. For example, you may close so late in the office and of course, it is a must to be home. Some strangers may offer to give you a free lift, make sure you reject it politely to save your head from troubles. You may however accept such from people known to you.

STAY INDOORS AT NIGHT: It is a fact that crime in Lagos is on a downward side because of the great attention the present governor is paying to security issues. But, we still have people who use darkness to perpetrate their heinous crimes. As a visitor, you should try as much as possible to get home early, around 6.30 – 7.00 pm

USE THE PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE: Avoid crossing the highway or express way to avoid being hit by fast running vehicles or arrested by security agents. It is true that some people are in the habit of doing such but you must be a good model worthy of emulation by trying to do what is right.

PAY YOUR TAX: Tax evasion is a serious crime in Lagos so, whenever you are in Lagos, you should ensure that your tax is paid as at when due to avoid the wrath of the State government.

MAKE LAGOS GREENER AND SAFER TO LIVE: As a visitor to Lagos, you too can contribute your own quota to make Lagos a safe place to live, by planting trees and flowers, maintaining a cleaner and hygienic environment. The present governor of the state is doing everything within his power to make sure that the beauty of Lagos as it was while he was young is restored.

General Tips

Be self disciplined

Be careful about the church you attend to avoid dubious and fraudulent men of God

Never throw dirt on the road, instead, make use of public waste bins

Be observant to detect the slightest danger that may likely occur, never be a Lagos looker!

Maintain a cordial relationship with people to get what you need or want easily