10 Reasons Why Some Nigerians Are Moving Out Of Lagos To Other Cities

For many years, Lagos has been the destination of choice for Nigerians living in other parts of the country. Lagos is the place where people hope to ”make it”. But in recent years, a combination of factors have seen Nigerians relocating to other cities.

Why is Lagos no longer the attraction it used to be?

Daily traffic snarl is one reason why people ‘hate’ Lagos

1. Aggression: Nigerians who have visited Lagos often complain that the average Lagos. In Lagos, everybody seems to be on edge. Those who live outside Lagos are often shocked when they see Lagosians tearing at one another. Fights often break out in the open. Lagos is a no-nonsense city.

2. Traffic: Lagos traffic should be among some of the worst in the world. An average Lagos resident often complains about being stuck in traffic. One of the reasons why Nigerians don’t like Lagos is because of the traffic.

3. Cost of Rent: The cost of renting or buying in Lagos is very expensive. In fact a recent international survey listed Lagos as one of the most expensive cities in the world.

4. Hostile Atmosphere: A first-time visitor cannot but not notice the hostile atmosphere in this city. From brawling street urchins and abusive conductors to reckless drivers; Lagos environment can be very intimidating.

Street Urchins, notoriously known as ‘area boys’ make Lagos dangerous

5.  Menace of Street Urchins: If you have had any form of encounter with street urchins in Lagos, then you will know why some people will prefer not to live in Lagos. They are aggressive and violent and can start trouble anytime without provocation.

6. Fast Lagos Life: Lagos life is a unique blend of adventure and living on the edge of poverty. Only the tough can survive the city. Those who cannot cope with life in Lagos often prefers to live elsewhere.

7. Standard of Living: Standard of living in Lagos is exorbitant. Only the rich can survive in this city while the rest of the people live at margins of poverty.

8. Unemployment: After many frustrating years of looking for the elusive white collar job, many people become frustrated and leave Lagos for other Nigerian cities.

Cost of Living and rent are exorbitant

9. Farming: More people living in Lagos are beginning to see that they can make money through farming. The attraction of making good in agriculture lures them to the hinterland.

10. Development in other Parts of Nigeria: For several years, Lagos was the main focus of rural urban migration. But not anymore, developments in other parts of Nigeria, especially in places like Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Kano, Enugu has seen people moving out of Lagos to settle down in those cities.