When I mentioned my recent trip to Lagos, Nigeria, once again, I heard the same misconceptions I've been hearing for years. One colleague asked if I saw any lions, while another said he could never make such a trip because he "couldn't live without air conditioning." After working with people in Nigeria for over 10 years and visiting Lagos multiple times, these comments aren't new, but they're a reminder of some people's ignorance and perceptions.
Lagos is one of my favorite places in the world. It's a crowded, busy, loud city of over 15 million people, pulsing with energy vibes, and ambition. The skyline of Victoria Island rivals any major financial district, with towers housing multinational corporations and luxury hotels. The Four Points by Sheraton, Eko Hotel, and many more offer world-class accommodations with all the modern luxuries anyone could desire, including, yes, air conditioning. Omo!
More than the hotels
But it's much more than the hotels. Victoria Island and Ikoyi have high-end shopping malls where international brands and stunning Nigerian designers offer supreme couture. Thank you, Tseekina fashion, I love my new dress! Fine dining restaurants serve everything from international gastronomy to high-end Nigerian cuisine, and rooftop bars offer wonderful views of the city, the Atlantic, and the Lagos lagoon.
Although the people of Lagos know how to impress with luxury, the city's culture is what makes it most valuable and unique. From large galleries like the Nike Art Gallery with contemporary African art to the small artist-owned art stores at Lekki Phase One, tourists can purchase quality art, jewelry, sculptures, and crafts. One of my favorite things to do is explore small restaurants, from street-side suya to amala and egusi at Hilda Baci's place. I forgot the beach! Where do I start? Having drinks at Hard Rock Cafe, racing with friends in the sand, enjoying water sports, cruising, and renting private yachts, it's impossible to be bored in Lagos! And all of the above while listening to Afrobeats! Davido, Burna Boy, Rema, Omah Lay, Wizkid, Kizz Daniel, Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade, Fireboy, Ayra Starr, Asake, Olamide, Dice, Prayboy, and many more. Gosh, I love the music!!! As a behavior analyst, I love visiting universities, schools, educational centers, and hospitals, collaborating on research projects, and engaging in conceptual conversations with researchers from various disciplines. One of my favorite things to do is explore opportunities for future research and learn from each other.
What won my heart
Yet beyond the art, the food, the music, the history, science, and the culture, what won my heart can't be captured in a luxury hotel brochure. It's the warmth and kindness of the people. Nigerians across the country possess a generosity of spirit that can impact every interaction. It reminds me of home, where strangers become instant friends, offer directions with genuine smiles, share stories, and may even invite you to their family events as if they've known you for years.
This warmth isn't just politeness; it's a fundamental part of the country's character. In Lagos and Nigeria, community isn't just a concept; it is a reality. Families are strongly connected, they take care of each other, and people's values welcome visitors and make them feel at home in ways that luxury can't compete.
Let me be clear, I don't mean that all American people have misconceptions about Nigeria, nor that all of Nigeria has air conditioning. Many Americans are well-informed about Nigeria, just like many areas in Nigeria still need infrastructure development. My point is simply about challenging the stereotypes.
So to my colleagues still wondering about lions and air conditioning: Lagos has neither roaming wildlife nor any shortage of modern comfort. What it does have is something far more valuable, people with collective mindsets and values whose kindness and warmth stay long after you leave.
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