If you didn’t grow up in Lagos, adjusting to the hustling and bustling life of the city may be difficult for you even if you are just to spend few days, especially if you grew up in a calm city like Agbor town or Akure.

People who are visiting Lagos for the first time or have never visited usually have different conceptions based on the stories they have garnered from various Lagosians they have met back at home, many have concluded they cannot settle in Lagos – “it is too noisy”, “it is overcrowded”, “I can’t cope with the stress of the traffic” they do say.
You will agree that sometimes, circumstances beyond your control will make you become a resident of Lagos or a visitor – new job, marriage or attending an event of a loved one. Putting aside the stories you have heard, everyone can cope in Lagos, you just need to open your mind to it and adhere to some dos and don’ts like these ones below.

The 5 Dos

Keep Calm and be respectful
You may probably see new things around - landmarks, structures, and more, it’s okay to look, but staring for too long or touching may just make you look awkward with people around wondering what planet you dropped from. Learn to say sorry if you bump into someone, don’t attack with words like “are you blind?” or any other offensive word - try as much as possible to stay out of arguments.

Don’t look Intimidated or Frightened
Depending on the area, there may be lots of noise from traffic or people yelling at each other, don’t let that frighten you, simply go about your business or steer clear from the area and move as fast as you can because you may never tell when a fight will break out from those arguments. Don’t be sloppy or move around like a wanderer, act smart rather than intimidated by the environment.

Blend
Relax, not everyone in Lagos is out to snatch your belongings like you may have probably heard from those stories. Contribute sensibly to discussions; be warm and friendly – when you need to. Yes, about your dressing, if you do not want to draw stares or fall a prey to robbery, do away with excessive jewelries and beads – no Ilu Oke dressing.


The 5 Don’ts

Don’t trust easily
Just like the popular saying, you do not judge a book by its cover – just because he or she wears a suit or looks goods doesn’t mean they can be trusted, be wise.

Don’t move at night
Except you are really familiar with the area or you have a very good memory when it comes to roads, then you should stick with the day, at times even places you think you know so well looks different at night. Also avoid dark and lonely areas.

Don’t be greedy
So someone walks up to you and starts telling you about this really cool deal you should invest in or try out – “make 100,00 naira with just 10,000 naira in 3 days”, truth is, there’s a 99.9 percent chance it’s scam - he or she is just trying to eat your money.
Don’t show yourself
Even if you are your village champion, no one in Lagos really cares; bragging and shouting may get you attention but land you in trouble, be wise.

Don’t take unlabeled buses
To be on a safer side, commercial buses painted yellow or BRT buses are better options, though they are couple of private cars and buses that pick up passengers at bus stops, patiently wait for a commercial one to take you to your destination.
Hope you find these tips useful when you make your next trip to Lagos.

lekjons:
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