By Omotayo Edubi
Nigeria’s commercial capital, Lagos, is one of the busiest cities in the country.
The city has lots of attractions like cinemas, clubs, lounges, boat clubs, yacht clubs, boat cruises, and a lot more just like every other city and like most cities, it still deals with issues of overpopulation, traffic, pollution, and crime.
According to Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) in 2019, Lagos ranked among the most dangerous place to live in, violent crimes, including armed robberies, rape, house burglaries, and a whole lot more.
Quest Times brings you 7 to ensure you are safe in Lagos State.
Be alert of transport means
When on public transport you have to beware of your surroundings and very important to trust your instincts, if you don’t feel comfortable in a vehicle, you should get down.
You have to keep all your belongings close to yourself and avoid using your phone if you sitting close to the window.
Protect your privacy
Avoid making private conversations especially if it involves money.
A lot of people have gotten robbed because of phone conversations or private talks with friends getting followed by criminals or robbed immediately.
Take Precautions
Avoid night trips and if you must go, and avoid lonely corners, using a major highway is a better option.
Dark and lonely roads are mostly ‘safe’ spaces for illegal activities, if you must go through the route be sure hasten your foot steps and leave the place as fast as possible or move in the company of people.
Be money conscious
Do not carry a lot of money with you because Lagos is a crowded city and you might be followed that is why it is preferable to go cashless to avoid being attacked.
And when entering transport it is more preferable to “enter with your change” like the conductors always chant. Fights happen because something as little as change.
Don’t become too familiar with strangers
The present condition of society where rape, kidnapping, extortion and lots of crimes is growing rapidly. Getting to close to strangers is not a good idea.
We daily read about this in newspapers and watch in televisions.
When in doubt, ask?
Due to the nature of the rowdiness of the city, when you are not sure of your directions, the best way to go about it; is to ask for direction so you don’t get lost.
“When in Rome, do as the Romans do”
This tip is for people coming from other countries, it is very easy to spot someone who isn’t Nigerian or an expatriate, so if you are in Nigeria, behave like a Nigerian, that includes dressing, speaking, and overall behavior.
When criminals notice you dress differently, you become a target for robbery