Lagos is one place in Nigeria that has
got affluence and glamour, much more
like Miami and New York City. However,
people from other Nigerian cities believe
that the glitz and glam attractively
presented about Lagos too good to be
true or are not real at all.
We’ve also heard people say that no
matter how amazing Lagos is being
portrayed, it is a perilous place to live.
However, we believe a lot of things
about Lagos have been exaggerated,
that is why we have rounded up a list of
6 things about Lagos that people from
other cities exaggerate about:

1. Lagos is a land of
opportunities

Lagos is indeed a land of opportunities
for many Nigeria. It is a city where a
hardworking pauper from Makoko slum
turns into someone living in one of the
most expensive people in Lekki or
Victoria Island. However, do not jump
the next bus to Lagos expecting to be
rich overnight if you have no plan, house
and support from friends or family
because Lagos is not as easy as it is
made to be. Money does not grow on
trees in Lagos because you have to work
to earn a living. Unfortunately, jobs are
limited in Lagos.

2. The legend of Area boys

You must have heard a lot of stories
about the thugs in Lagos, who are called
‘ Area boys ’; thanks to some Nollywood
movies. These exaggerated stories drive
fear in the mind of people visiting Lagos
for the first time. Even though, these
thugs are virtually everywhere, but do
not expect to be harassed by them just
like that. We are not saying that they are
harmless but it is only when you end up
at the wrong place that things may get
ugly for you. The availability of Lagos
Bus Rapid Transit System (BRT) can help
you avoid the discomfort of bus
conductors in some parts of the city.

3. Lagos is a ‘small London’

Lagos is filled with colourful
architectures and iconic landmarks that
have this seductive charm that perfectly
blends with the wide span of clean
roads. The city is home to one of the
richest and the most impoverished areas
in Nigeria. It is not every part of Lagos
that looks heavenly; some parts such as
Ajegunle, Makoko, Ijora Badia and
others, are shanty towns, sweat shops
and slums. Most of the stunning things
you see on newsprints or television
about Lagos may have been edited to
suit the producers.

4. The cost of living is
expensive

Lagos is an attractive destination,
decorated with affluence and luxury but
it can be surprisingly cheap. You can get
things – from sophisticated to standard,
extravagance to essential, bohemian to
natural. The cost of living in Lagos may
be on the high side when compared to
cities like Akure, Ibadan or Benin.
However, Lagos is not as expensive as
we are made to believe it is. The city has
been built in such a way that anyone can
easily blend in. Surprisingly, you can
even do a lot of things under N2000 in
Lagos.

5. The crime rate is high

Do not be carried away with stories that
everyone in Lagos has criminal
tendencies. Some people have been
warned never to ask for directions when
they are in Lagos but end up getting
missing. The crime rate in Lagos is not
as high as it has been exaggerated.
Actually, security is paramount in the
city to allow crime to rule the day.

6. Traffic Jam is unbeatable

You cannot come to Lagos and miss
traffic (‘go-slows’). We know that almost
every motorway is often jammed with
absurd traffic jams and speed freaks. It
is not true that you are going to spend
half of your day stuck in traffic if you do
not leave your house early in the
morning. The menace of traffic is
gradually losing its grip, thanks to BRT
lane and the train service that have
made it easier for people to escape the
Lagos traffic. Traffic is not as horrible as
it has been painted in Lagos; all you
need to do is know your route and how
to move around.

Have you heard other exaggerated things
about Lagos?

Add em below

Still thinking on wat m gonna write

The price of certain goods/services are very cheap. Over here in Bayelsa we get that a lot.

Lol #Lag ain't carrying last

lagmostkuit:
You must see a husband in lagos: This goes out to those unmarried ladies in Enugu and Onitsha, their family will force dem to go.

If u train up ur child in lagos, he/she will know how to speak English very well

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Lmao, true that

MrFlavvor:
The price of certain goods/services are very cheap. Over here in Bayelsa we get that a lot.

really? like mama put canteens

This is getting interesting, Lalasticlala pls help out here

noted!!