Living in Lagos: Accommodation, Cost of Living, Transport, Security & Value for Money. Mainland, Island or Ogun State—which one you choose?
Part II
Digression: I woke up early to drink Ogi, but there was no sugar. I left 7:00am to get sugar; all corner shops in Ibara GRA were closed.
I took Okada around sleepy Abeokuta; all shops in Onikolobo & Omida—the commercial center—were closed by 07:15; kids were off to school. At Panseke, I finally bought Dangote sugar for N700 per satchet & N1,000 bowl of tomatoes.
In Lagos, shops open around 5:00-6:00am, with millions struggling to work. Amazingly, I saw an Ogun State CNG bus in operation. Every state capital should have a fleet of CNG Public buses on key routes to help commuters but it will be counterproductive for the cab & okada operators
Continuation of my journey around Lagos by public transport unaided
My plan was to leave Magodo to Surulere, on to Yaba, then rendezvous at Ebute Ero at 15:30 with Paul, my Wakanda friend, enjoying island life in Lekki, to tour Red & Blue Line Metro. Paul said no Naija Time, lol😀 So I left Magodo at 12:00
Google search showed the Blue & Red lines meet at Iddo all the way to Marina. This is factually incorrect, as I was about to find out. They are separate lines; the link is under construction.
Navigating the Lagos transport system is chaotic if you don’t know where you are going. There are no bus schedules, and the only demarcated routes are by BRT, which doesn’t go on every route.
I crossed the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway to the Alausa Secretariat bus stop looking for a bus going to Surulere. After the incomprehensible shouting from conductors, I got on a bus expecting to alight at Ojota or Stadium. However, the bus took me to Yaba bus garage. The conductors shout all the stops as they approach, but I never heard Ojota or Stadium. I don lose road o
I changed plans to do what I needed to do in Yaba. I saw Lagos State Yaba Red Line Metro station as well as Mobolaji Bank Anthony Nat Railway Corp. (NRC) Station to Ibadan.
After walking all over the place and going to Ebute Metro & Oyingbo Metro stations. The rail staff told me the link from the Red Line to the Blue Line was still under construction, so I have to take a bus if I want to get to the island.
Paul called, saying there is no Metro at Ebute Ero. I apologized, and we agreed to meet at Marina Station, the first stop on the Blue Line.
To cut a long story I took Marawa to Costain, then a bus to the CMS bus stop & an Okada to Marina Metro terminal, getting there late at 5:00. Paul had been waiting for 1½ hours catching fun and enjoying the experience of Lagos dodenity at Marina Metro station.
What we noticed is the lack of commercial activity at most train, metro, & airports. Most public spaces & facilities around the world are concessioned to become major commercial hubs, with the potential to generate billions for the government.
These are huge business opportunities for Nigerians & Diasporans. Imagine having a chain of fast food outlets, retail outlet franchises, phone shops, bars, etc. at each of the stations. Whoever grasps this will become a billionaire before long, that is if authorities, evil servants, & politicians don’t block the opportunities for themselves.
Marina Metro station is well maintained and very orderly. It was very busy being closing time. We took pictures, though you are not allowed officially to film. Then we got on the train. Entry is automated; no cowry card, no entry.
The trip to Mile 2 was quick, and with an air-conditioned cabin, everything was spotless. On the way back, I got off at the National Theatre, and Paul went back to the island. A worthwhile experience; we were both impressed.
The National Theatre has just been refurbished. The multistory carpark is near completion. I recommend you go there and get refreshments at the enjoyment centre.
When will the National Stadium be concessioned and commercialised with mixed-use high-brow residential and a shopping mall like many stadiums around the world so we can all be proud of our former National Stadium again? There are so many opportunities to invest in Nigeria, but the system is slow & cumbersome. What happened to the government being open for business? Our unions & many CSO’s remain stumbling blocks to progress. Na wa o
I took a bus to Adeneran Ogunsanya to fulfil my original agenda. At the end of it all, I was tired; I had worn out, so I took an Uber back to Magodo. Too tired to take another danfo night ride, make I not lose road again.
A 2-bed flat in Ikorodu ranges from N350k to N1m. I stayed overnight in a nice 2-bed flat in Gbogbo, Ikorodu, far from Ikorodu Garage. It has a borehole pop and is very modern. At N750k per year, it is far better than many 2-bed flats for rent in Abeokuta Ibara GRA housing going for N2.5m pa with poor finishing.
To be continued. What’s your view? Please share, thanks
Femi Oke
Betta9ja
