Alariiwo:
Lagos is stressful, but most companies have their headquarters there. So it depends on your line of work/business.

Abuja on the other hand is calm and organized, you find mostly big men and Govt. workers. All the core Agencies and Parastatals have their towers here like NNPC, PTDF, CBN, CAC, Foreign Affairs Ministry and others.

So, the choice is yours.

For someone who would like to start importation of foreign doors, what would be your advice?.

SingleDaddy:


That's good sir. But what kind of business would thrive in Abuja. Lagos is over saturated with various works and businesses, and you would hardly grow in such place.

A lot of friends advised me to relocate to Abuja, as that would be much more preferable to Lagos state.

Vocational jobs .... much more like Barbing, Hairdressing, Retailing Businesses, Home lessons for pupils, owning your private enterprise ( producing perfumes, e.t.c) and so on

you can even work with construction companies!
_as it would have been better if you had specified the type of job you intended to do there !
wish you Best of luck.

SingleDaddy:


That's good sir. But what kind of business would thrive in Abuja. Lagos is over saturated with various works and businesses, and you would hardly grow in such place.

A lot of friends advised me to relocate to Abuja, as that would be much more preferable to Lagos state.

Vocational jobs .... much more like Barbing, Hairdressing, Retailing Businesses, Home lessons for pupils, owning your private enterprise ( producing perfumes, e.t.c) and so on

you can even work with construction companies!
_as it would have been better if you had specified the type of job you intended to do there !
wish you Best of luck.

asha80:
strange hearing this from a Lagos brought up

I have experienced better, living and working outside Nigeria, A calm location is my ideal place that is why whenever I arrive Lagos I feel disconnected.

prodogunwanoe1:


Vocational jobs .... much more like Barbing, Hairdressing, Retailing Businesses, Home lessons for pupils, owning your private enterprise ( producing perfumes, e.t.c) and so on

you can even work with construction companies!
_as it would have been better if you had specified the type of job you intended to do there !
wish you Best of luck.

Vocational jobs .... much more like Barbing, Hairdressing, Retailing Businesses, Home lessons for pupils, owning your private enterprise ( producing perfumes, e.t.c) and so on

you can even work with construction companies!
_as it would have been better if you had specified the type of job you intended to do there !
wish you Best of luck.

I intend to start importation of foreign doors. But I'm at a cross road between Lagos and Abuja. Lagos is saturated with importers already.

sunbilor:
Bro I'm currently in Lagos. The city is overhyped. I feel strong pity for it's residents. How they cope with daily traffic jam here baffles me. Na wa o. Make I do begin dey go back to the East.

overhyped in what way?

Abuja is sweet to live and Lagos is the best for business

SingleDaddy:


Why did you say that sir?

Because it is the slum.

People are saying Abuja, Lagos but there are other lovely towns in this country were people are doing very well, making so much money and less stress.

DONADAMS:
overhyped in what way?

I think Lagos is over hyped!! Too much stress, expensive and high cost of living if you want a neat environment, etc

And people are not even making even the money. Lagos is over hyped.

djon78:


I think Lagos is over hyped!! Too much stress, expensive and high cost of living if you want a neat environment, etc

And people are not even making even the money. Lagos is over hyped.

Who hyped Lagos for you? The fact is, there's a reason for its high population; people are making money, it's a costal city, it's also a border state where goods and services flow in easily from outside the country so commodities are cheaper, labor is cheaper and houses are cheaper than Abuja. There's nothing over hyped about that, it's fact.

aywhy93:


Well, it depends on the type of business and targeted audience. My type of business fits into Abuja as there are lots of competition in Lagos. Satisfaction is available at both locations, one with stress and the other without. So I'll stll choose Abuja.

aywhy93:


Well, it depends on the type of business and targeted audience. My type of business fits into Abuja as there are lots of competition in Lagos. Satisfaction is available at both locations, one with stress and the other without. So I'll stll choose Abuja.

aywhy93:


Well, it depends on the type of business and targeted audience. My type of business fits into Abuja as there are lots of competition in Lagos. Satisfaction is available at both locations, one with stress and the other without. So I'll stll choose Abuja.

uhmm, what type of business are you talking about

DONADAMS:
overhyped in what way?

In everyway. I didn't want to carry luggage hoping to buy some clothes and shoes here. I was surprised that the price of clothes here were far higher than what we get in Aba.

The stench that pervades the air as you approach 3rd Mainland bridge from Ikoyi despite I don't wind down the car windows.

The long heavy traffic jam on the 3rd mainland bridge.

The constant estortion of area boys in Mushin.

I do not know how Lagosians survive. No wonder they are aggressive.

travelland:


Who hyped Lagos for you? The fact is, there's a reason for its high population; people are making money, it's a costal city, it's also a border state where goods and services flow in easily from outside the country so commodities are cheaper, labor is cheaper and houses are cheaper than Abuja. There's nothing over hyped about that, it's fact.

I still stand by my word, Lagos is over hyped. The stress level in that city is so something else.

May be it's because I have lived in other places in Nigeria and overseas so I give my own judgement.

SingleDaddy:


For someone who would like to start importation of foreign doors, what would be your advice?.

Lagos is your best bet..
Your target market should not only be Lagos, but other neighbouring states like Ogun, Oyo up to the Middle belt, SS and SE regions.

The proximity of Lagos to the ports and other great cities will favour you.

SingleDaddy:


Thanks for the heads up and advice sir. I would consider Abuja, because i intend to venture into importation of foreign doors. Do you think such business would survive abuja and what's the best location to fit into?.

A perfect business package for the Abuja clientele. To succeed in this business model, you should do a strategic marketing campaign. Most residents of Abuja love classy stuff and want to stand out of the crowd.

Are the design of the doors unique from what is obtainable from here locally? Are they durable and will they last? If the answer to the above questions is "YES", then you have a pack of potential clients ready to do business with you.

As for location, the city centre to be candid is very expensive as per rent. A 24x24 space in most plazas go for as high as N3m per annum. If you rent upstairs, you may have to cough out about N1m to N1.5. Most business persons prefer renting downstairs which is costlier because many big men/women no dey like to climb step.

So what should be done about this huge rent? Get a space in the suburbs of Abuja like Apo, Gudu, Lugbe, Kubwa etc. These places and similar areas will cost you about N250k-N300k max for rented space.

Now what happens after you rent your space? Don't just sit and wait for the big boys to drive their toys to your shop. You need to take your market to them! How?

Print handbills and fliers about the product and distribute them across so it can reach them. You can go to private schools and churches to drop some of these handbills. You can also print posters and paste them in strategic points in the metropolis. You can also make use of Graffiti (using spray paint) to advertise...something like "Foreign Doors for Sale...Call 0**********" in places like flyovers and pedestrian bridges.

Another thing is to liaise with property and estate managers. They are the ones who will give you almost 90% patronage. All these Military top guns and politicians wey dey launder money for Abuja usually throw them into long term investments of property (Estate)...if you know, you know. Take a catalogue of what you can offer to their table and give them great offers. If you are talking to a representative of the owners of the estate, let them know that they can get "kickbacks"...it is a very important marketing strategy which has always worked for me

You can also meet Hotel owners too as they will be also interested in your product.

You should also take advantage of radio ads. Go to Wazobia FM and Human Rights Radio (Hembelembe) and get time slots. These are the major 2 radio stations Abuja residents tune to daily both Rich and Poor. Every other radio station na wash! Trust me...even Buhari himself listens to Hembelembe

The last but not the least...MAKE SURE YOU HAVE AN ONLINE PRESENCE! Get an eye-popping website!! Abuja top dogs love packaging and they can ask you for your website so they can see what you have to offer especially those foreigners. That is where I come in...i can design a website for you at an affordable price. PM me! At least na that way you go fit pay me for all this consultancy wey I don give you.

SingleDaddy:


Sir. Foreign door importation!. Advice me please.

That is a good idea though you have to brace yourself for competition in Abuja. Cost of living in Abuja is also high. It's good that you know The spending pattern in Abuja housing business because most customers are civil servant and government policy can affect your business like government cutting allowances of workers.

djon78:


People are saying Abuja, Lagos but there are other lovely towns in this country were people are doing very well, making so much money and less stress.

List them out Sir

SingleDaddy:


For someone who would like to start importation of foreign doors, what would be your advice?.

hey dear. I live in Abuja. And I'll always prefer Abuja to Lagos.
There's that calmness and peace that comes along with your daily job here unlike Lagos. Less traffic and all. Even tp isn't so high for real. Highest highest for tp anywhere here is #350. I lie?

And to save money, places to stay with cheaper house rent .. I'm not saying for your business o I mean to live
, At least you will get single room or a room and parlor at affordable prices within 100k to 150k. I presently stay in a room and parlor I rented at 150k.

Lugbe,
Nyanyan/ new Karu (there's traffic there tho)
Gudu
And even mpape. For real affordable houses are in mpape
Apo.
Dutse.

Then you can get ur shop at all this eye catching places in Abuja.

You can contact me if you're around and you need someone to help you around.
Thanks

djon78:


I still stand by my word, Lagos is over hyped. The stress level in that city is so something else

May be it's because I have lived in other places in Nigeria and overseas so I give my own judgement.

Who over hyped Lagos for you and how did they over hype it? Explain

Being a highly populated state many people have corporate jobs where they work 8 - 4/5. Afterwards, everybody enters road at the same time, of course there will be traffic during rush hour. But if you don't transit during rush hour or your route is usually against traffic, how will it be stressful?

Wherever you work, rent a house in a place nearby and you won't face traffic. It's not stressful for everyone except those who move through long distances daily and this is not good for health.

SingleDaddy:


In terms of business sir, i want to go into importation of foreign doors, and i did a little survey , and from my findings, Lagos is wide spread with the business already, and a lot of competitions are all over the corner.

doors ...abuja will be best ...fasting growing city in Africa in term of property and u have another branch around lekki -ajah axis too

skales67:


A perfect business package for the Abuja clientele. To succeed in this business model, you should do a strategic marketing campaign. Most residents of Abuja love classy stuff and want to stand out of the crowd.

Are the design of the doors unique from what is obtainable from here locally? Are they durable and will they last? If the answer to the above questions is "YES", then you have a pack of potential clients ready to do business with you.

As for location, the city centre to be candid is very expensive as per rent. A 24x24 space in most plazas go for as high as N3m per annum. If you rent upstairs, you may have to cough out about N1m to N1.5. Most business persons prefer renting downstairs which is costlier because many big men/women no dey like to climb step.

So what should be done about this huge rent? Get a space in the suburbs of Abuja like Apo, Gudu, Lugbe, Kubwa etc. These places and similar areas will cost you about N250k-N300k max for rented space.

Now what happens after you rent your space? Don't just sit and wait for the big boys to drive their toys to your shop. You need to take your market to them! How?

Print handbills and fliers about the product and distribute them across so it can reach them. You can go to private schools and churches to drop some of these handbills. You can also print posters and paste them in strategic points in the metropolis. You can also make use of Graffiti (using spray paint) to advertise...something like "Foreign Doors for Sale...Call 0**********" in places like flyovers and pedestrian bridges.

Another thing is to liaise with property and estate managers. They are the ones who will give you almost 90% patronage. All these Military top guns and politicians wey dey launder money for Abuja usually throw them into long term investments of property (Estate)...if you know, you know. Take a catalogue of what you can offer to their table and give them great offers. If you are talking to a representative of the owners of the estate, let them know that they can get "kickbacks"...it is a very important marketing strategy which has always worked for me

You can also meet Hotel owners too as they will be also interested in your product.

You should also take advantage of radio ads. Go to Wazobia FM and Human Rights Radio (Hembelembe) and get time slots. These are the major 2 radio stations Abuja residents tune to daily both Rich and Poor. Every other radio station na wash! Trust me...even Buhari himself listens to Hembelembe

The last but not the least...MAKE SURE YOU HAVE AN ONLINE PRESENCE! Get an eye-popping website!! Abuja top dogs love packaging and they can ask you for your website so they can see what you have to offer especially those foreigners. That is where I come in...i can design a website for you at an affordable price. PM me! At least na that way you go fit pay me for all this consultancy wey I don give you.

Thank you very much for the detailed information at no cost. I salute you.

But between the following suburbs in Abuja : Apo, Gudu, Lugbe, Kubwa , which is much more suitable, with a promising future for the business.

In regards to the website, i would need your contact information. Hope your charge are not neck cutting?.

Every other advert strategies you listed above are top notch and impressive, i really appreciate them. But what will be will be, if you know , you know

But rent fee seems to be expensive at the city centre

Awaitingkopa:
hey dear. I live in Abuja. And I'll always prefer Abuja to Lagos.
There's that calmness and peace that comes along with your daily job here unlike Lagos. Less traffic and all. Even tp isn't so high for real. Highest highest for tp anywhere here is #350. I lie?

And to save money, places to stay with cheaper house rent .. I'm not saying for your business o I mean to live
, At least you will get single room or a room and parlor at affordable prices within 100k to 150k. I presently stay in a room and parlor I rented at 150k.

Lugbe,
Nyanyan/ new Karu (there's traffic there tho)
Gudu
And even mpape. For real affordable houses are in mpape
Apo.
Dutse.

Then you can get ur shop at all this eye catching places in Abuja.

You can contact me if you're around and you need someone to help you around.
Thanks

Thank you sir/ma for the details and information's. But where are the eye catching places in Abuja for my kind of business. Since all of the following places are good for living:

Lugbe,
Nyanyan/ new Karu (there's traffic there tho)
Gudu
And even mpape. For real affordable houses are in mpape
Apo.
Dutse.

Please kindly list places good for business, as that would really help me alot

ahiboilandgas:
doors ...abuja will be best ...fasting growing city in Africa in term of property and u have another branch around lekki -ajah axis too

Thank you sir. So Abuja is the best place to situate my business?.

sunbilor:
In everyway. I didn't want to carry luggage hoping to buy some clothes and shoes here. I was surprised that the price of clothes here were far higher than what we get in Aba

The stench that pervades the air as you approach 3rd Mainland bridge from Ikoyi despite I don't wind down the car windows.

The long heavy traffic jam on the 3rd mainland bridge.

The constant estortion of area boys in Mushin.

I do not know how Lagosians survive. No wonder they are aggressive.

I was wondering about this over hyped stuff you kept repeating.

Did you go to the Market alone as a first timer in Lagos? That's a mistake, you won't get a good bargain. Do you know that there are major matkets for all items or goods? For example for Dubai fashion wears, US, Turkey and China,
For second hand fashion items and even jewelries.There are major markets for autoparts, food product, electronics, computer, etc.

Refuse disposal and sewage management is only good in rich areas and organized estates, many markets are terrible at managing their refuse, hence the odor

I've not encountered private vehicles being extorted, most LGs allow the collection of these money by the area boys from commercial buses/cyclists, it's like tax payment (which I don't support) even some police are involved.
Mushin is among the roughest areas na, so what do you expect? You won't see that in some other areas

Lagosians survive by making money na business thrives here.

Nobody should hype Lagos for you o, it's a commercial state where most people are after money.

Alariiwo:


Lagos is your best bet..
Your target market should not only be Lagos, but other neighbouring states like Ogun, Oyo up to the Middle belt, SS and SE regions.

The proximity of Lagos to the ports and other great cities will favour you.

Over 500 foreign door importers lay waste in Lagos, and the 24hrs competition is so alarming. The above figure might not be accurate because they might be above that figure.

In such a rush hour area, adding myself to the numerous door importers means, slow business for me. Even retail sellers are in extinction due to the presence of the importer, because contractors rather buy from the importers, and everyone has his/her own importer attached to them.

What do you think?.

travelland:


I was wondering about this over hyped stuff you kept repeating.

Did you go to the Market alone as a first timer in Lagos? That's a mistake, you won't get a good bargain. Do you know that there are major matkets for all items or goods? For example for Dubai fashion wears, US, Turkey and China,
For second hand fashion items and even jewelries.There are major markets for autoparts, food product, electronics, computer, etc.

Refuse disposal and sewage management is only good in rich areas and organized estates, many markets are terrible at managing their refuse, hence the odor

I've not encountered private vehicles being extorted, most LGs allow the collection of these money by the area boys from commercial buses/cyclists, it's like tax payment (which I don't support) even some police are involved.
Mushin is among the roughest areas na, so what do you expect? You won't see that in some other areas

Lagosians survive by making money na business thrives here.

Nobody should hype Lagos for you o, it's a commercial state where most people are after money.

I went to market with my cousin. I'm not a first-timer in Lagos market. I bought my first laptop in Lagos in my NYSC year. I have also been to Lagos a couple of times for job interviews and other issues.

To be sincere, I am not impressed with what I have seen in Lagos for the past few weeks I've been around here (judging from lifestyle and average standard of living).

I just feel Lagosians are suffering and smiling safe for the super rich.

Also, the traffic jams everywhere remain a big turn off for me.

Depends on the part of Lagos and amount of cash at hand.. I will choose Lagos any day

sunbilor:
I went to market with my cousin. I'm not a first-timer in Lagos market. I bought my first laptop in Lagos in my NYSC year. I have also been to Lagos a couple of times for job interviews and other issues.

To be sincere, I am not impressed with what I have seen in Lagos for the past few weeks I've been around here (judging from lifestyle and average standard of living)

I just feel Lagosians are suffering and smiling safe for the super rich.

Also, the traffic jams everywhere remain a big turn off for me.

Hey Bro, I'm not from Lag but I stay there for business. I don't think you should make general statements. If u wanna enjoy Lag, you can, there's an impressive foreign community here. During weekends and evenings after work, you see them on their bicycles riding about freely or jogging through Ikoyi link. It depends on where you live bro. If you live in Mushin, expect ruffians. If u wanna live fine target estates, stay around Ikeja, Maryland, Ilupeju, Apapa, Festac extension, some parts of surulere, , Airforce/Navy barracks, I've not even started naming places bro, there are many cool areas as well as rugged ones but Mushin and Ajegunle are amongst the most rugged, you can't use them to judge everywhere. Island is very cool. Lagos is too big to generalise.

peacengine:


Hey Bro, I'm not from Lag but I stay there for business. I don't think you should make general statements. If u wanna enjoy Lag, you can, there's an impressive foreign community here. During weekends and evenings after work, you see them on their bicycles riding about freely or jogging through Ikoyi link. It depends on where you live bro. If you live in Mushin, expect ruffians. If u wanna live fine target estates, stay around Ikeja, Maryland, Ilupeju, Apapa, Festac extension, some parts of surulere, , Airforce/Navy barracks, I've not even started naming places bro, there are many cool areas as well as rugged ones but Mushin and Ajegunle are amongst the most rugged, you can't use them to judge everywhere. Island is very cool. Lagos is too big to generalise.

Oga I'm currently staying at one of the hotels at Ikoyi. Clearly, you should understand that I sleep and wake up, use the same swimming pool, bar and restaurant daily with the whitemen or whatever you call them.

I am only concerned for the average Lagosian's daily life experiences when juxtaposed with those of other city dwellers.

sunbilor:
Oga I'm currently staying at one of the hotels at Ikoyi. Clearly, your should understand that I sleep and wake up, use the same swimming pool, bar and restaurant daily with the whitemen or whatever you call them.

I am only concerned for the average Lagosian's daily life experiences when juxtaposed with those of other city dwellers.

Which means you prefer Abuja to Lagos ?

sunbilor:
Oga I'm currently staying at one of the hotels at Ikoyi. Clearly, your should understand that I sleep and wake up, use the same swimming pool, bar and restaurant daily with the whitemen or whatever you call them.

I am only concerned for the average Lagosian's daily life experiences when juxtaposed with those of other city dwellers.

People should leave where they make daily bread so they can sleep and starve through the day? Lagos offers livelihood to many na, it won't change in the near future

Buy the stuffs you came for and back to your comfortable state, people will always be in Lagos cause there is money to be made and lots of entertainment for poor and rich. You can even move to Benin/Togo or Ghana easily for weekend, if you are the type then back to work again on Monday. Journey mercies back home to you.

CoolFreeday:
Lagos is more affordable and cheaper compare to abuja though Abj is more calm

All this fallacies of Abuja is more calm, you can't compare the lekki experience with ejigbo experience fact. Majority of all those people always shouting Abuja, Abuja where are they staying at Abuja? Mararaba, Karimo, Kubwa, Lugbe and the likes and if you're living in any of those satellites towns of Abuja, your experience can never be better than that of someone rocking Isolo or Egbeda.
I think when bringing the Lagos Abuja argument, the particular areas of both cities should always be put in context. Maitama experience is like Ikoyi experience, while Asokoro experience could be like for Ikeja GRA experience or Wuse experience to Lekki experience and so on