Is Lagos safe for expats?

Lagos has security challenges but is manageable with precautions. Stick to expat areas, avoid displaying valuables, don't walk alone at night, and use trusted transport. Many expats live safely by following local advice and maintaining situational awareness.

How bad is the traffic really?

Lagos traffic is genuinely severe. A 10km journey can take 2-3 hours during peak times. Plan meetings after 10am or use video calls. Many expats work flexible hours or live close to their offices. The BRT and boats offer some relief on specific routes.

Can I drink the tap water?

No, don't drink tap water in Lagos. Buy bottled water or invest in a quality filtration system. Most expat housing includes water filtration, but verify before moving in. Brush teeth with bottled water initially until your system adjusts.

What about healthcare?

Use private hospitals like Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Reddington, or EKO Hospital for quality care. Get comprehensive health insurance through your employer or internationally. Many expats travel to South Africa or Europe for major medical procedures.

How do I handle power outages?

Power cuts happen multiple times daily. Essential housing should include backup generators or inverter systems. Budget for generator fuel costs ($100-200 monthly). Charge all devices during stable power periods and invest in power banks.

How to live as an expat in Lagos

Living as an expat in Lagos requires securing housing in areas like Victoria Island or Ikoyi, getting a residence permit, and adapting to the city's traffic and power challenges. Budget $2,000-4,000 monthly for comfortable living, learn basic Yoruba phrases, and build local networks through expat communities and professional associations.

Secure temporary accommodation first. Book a serviced apartment or hotel for your first 2-4 weeks. Avoid committing to long-term housing until you've seen neighborhoods in person. Popular areas for expats include Victoria Island, Ikoyi, Lekki Phase 1, and parts of Ikeja.
Get your residence permit sorted. Apply for a Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Alien Card (CERPAC) within 90 days of arrival. You'll need your work permit, passport photos, medical certificate, and proof of accommodation. Process takes 4-6 weeks and costs around $300.
Find permanent housing. Expect to pay 1-2 years rent upfront plus agency fees. Budget $1,500-3,500 monthly for a decent 2-bedroom in expat areas. Use agents from Northcourt Real Estate, Landmark Africa, or Revolution Plus Property. Verify backup generators and water systems before signing.
Set up essential services. Open a bank account with GTBank, Access Bank, or Zenith Bank using your passport and residence permit. Get multiple internet providers (MTN, Airtel, Glo) as backup. Install a generator or inverter system for power outages that happen 2-4 times daily.
Learn the transport system. Download Uber, Bolt, and inDriver apps for daily transport. Budget $15-25 daily for rides in traffic. Learn BRT routes for cheaper options ($1-2 per trip). Never use yellow buses (danfo) unless you're very familiar with Lagos. Traffic adds 2-3 hours to daily commute times.
Build your local network. Join Lagos expat Facebook groups, attend British Council or American Club events, and connect with professional associations in your field. Local networks are essential for practical advice, job opportunities, and social life.

Is Lagos safe for expats?: Lagos has security challenges but is manageable with precautions. Stick to expat areas, avoid displaying valuables, don't walk alone at night, and use trusted transport. Many expats live safely by following local advice and maintaining situational awareness.
How bad is the traffic really?: Lagos traffic is genuinely severe. A 10km journey can take 2-3 hours during peak times. Plan meetings after 10am or use video calls. Many expats work flexible hours or live close to their offices. The BRT and boats offer some relief on specific routes.
Can I drink the tap water?: No, don't drink tap water in Lagos. Buy bottled water or invest in a quality filtration system. Most expat housing includes water filtration, but verify before moving in. Brush teeth with bottled water initially until your system adjusts.
What about healthcare?: Use private hospitals like Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Reddington, or EKO Hospital for quality care. Get comprehensive health insurance through your employer or internationally. Many expats travel to South Africa or Europe for major medical procedures.
How do I handle power outages?: Power cuts happen multiple times daily. Essential housing should include backup generators or inverter systems. Budget for generator fuel costs ($100-200 monthly). Charge all devices during stable power periods and invest in power banks.