Lagos Nigeria Africa - The City of Dreams

Lagos Nigeria is the city of dreams for millions of Nigerians.

Why?

The reason is pretty simple.

Lagos is the centre of commerce in Nigeria. It is the centre of business. All sectors of the economy are proudly represented in Lagos. Business is brisk. And opportunities abound.

Another thing about Lagos Nigeria.

Lagos is a conglomeration of all the tribes from the 36 states of Nigeria. Therefore Lagos is more liberal and national as well as internationally oriented than most states.

This means that cultural restrictions are less promoted and Western ideologies have a greater sway.

Besides, the Western education rating or status of Lagos is about the highest in Nigeria. Simply put, people are more educated and enlightened in Lagos and life is freer.

In summary, two things drive the mass influx of people to Lagos Nigeria.

1. The opportunity for employment and business because of the commercial orientation of the city and

2. The free economy, the unprejudiced atmosphere, and the freedom to be whoever you wish to be

The most important driver of Lagos population is the employment and business side of things.

People come to Lagos Nigeria in search of jobs... in search of a better life. Majority of these people have heard stories of the bounties in Lagos and how beautiful life is. They have been told of how the streets of Lagos are paved in gold. So, they come in droves in search of the golden fleece.

The last census count showed Lagos has a population of about 15 million people. And thousands more are still trooping in yearly.

In fact, Lagos population growth rate is currently put at about 200,000 people per annum.

Lagos Nigeria is certainly a city of dreams!

Unfortunately, millions of people living in Lagos have failed to fulfilled their dreams. Those who came in search of jobs soon found out that the unemployed are far greater than the jobs available.

Some who came for the purposes of business have had their dreams fulfilled. Understandably, not all who came to Lagos for business have succeeded in their business venture.

That is understandable because not everyone knows and appreciates the mechanics of doing business. And for those who understand the theory of business, not all will succeed in business because theory is often different from practice.

What is the impact of these failed dreams?

Well, the consequence is that thousands of people who came to Lagos in search of white collar jobs have ended up as street urchins, touts, or homeless people.

At night you will find people sleeping under the overhead bridges because they have no home to go to. At night you will also find some women along the streets waiting for men ready to pick them up for the night. These are women who exchange sexual favors for money.

Some call them prostitutes, others call them sex workers but they call themselves entertainers.

The majority of the girls involved in sex work in Lagos Nigeria did not plan to be sex workers when they moved to Lagos. They were forced to their knees when their dreams for a high paying white collar job failed to come true.

Yes, Lagos Nigeria is a land of opportunities. But those opportunities are not going to just fall on your laps. You have to go for it.

So, if you are planning to relocate to Lagos or are already in Lagos Nigeria, remember that not all of your dreams will come true in one sweep. You have to constantly search for opportunities and grab them when they come.

Here is a question for you, "How prepared are you for life in Lagos?"

For example, are you thinking of getting a white collar job in Lagos? Suppose the job does not come, what will you do? Will you resort to begging, sex work, or stealing?

My candid advice is this: don't bank on a white collar job in Lagos because you may be disappointed.

Whether you are a degree holder or not, learn a skill or a vocation before coming to Lagos or while in Lagos. So that if your sources for white collar jobs fail, you can explore working using your skill or vocation on "blue collar" jobs.

Bottom line.

Come to Lagos fully prepared. Otherwise, your dreams may not come true.

About The Author

Samson Itoje is a Lagos Nigeria real estate agent and property advisor. He provides a guide to Lagos Nigeria at http://www.lagos-nigeria-real-estate-advisor.com/lagos-guide.html.