One of the characteristics of Lagos as a mega-city is its 24-hours economy. The city is considered to be a “city that never sleep” just like New York, Montevideo, Madrid, Beirut, Paris, Cairo, Marrakech, Mumbai, Las Vegas and Buenos Aires. During one of my journeys outside Lagos, I witnessed the shut of human activities in some parts of Enugu as early as 6 pm, which was strange to me as a person who is used to the 24 hours bobbing activities of Lagos.
ADVERTISEMENT
Lagos - A sleepless city
This story explore the uniqueness and business side of Lagos night economy.
Lagos at Night
Though the potential of this attribute of Lagos has been acknowledged, but successive administrations in government have failed to fully optimise this revenue opportunity.
Currently in Lagos, there are many all-night fun hubs like the Place and Ibis, eateries, taxi and other services that sustain and make life easy for night predators to indulge. Just like many metropolitan cities, Lagos night economy must be consider beyond just fun, but an extension of the city’s economy which has the potential to generate revenue and provide much needed jobs for the teeming youths in the state.
Some of the attributes of Lagos night economy are listed below.
ADVERTISEMENT
1. Get a taxi or bus anytime
At any hour of the day, there is always a bus to commute you to any part of the state, especially within the Mainland.
It is this situation that I am always certain I will get home whenever am coming into the state late at night during my business journey. I could remember getting a tax at Mile 2 to take me to Okokomaiko at around 2:30am during my National Youth Service Corp. in Enugu
As a result of this fact, business activities in the city is 24 hours base. You could get called any time for a meeting. This is one thing professionals working with the big auditing and consulting firms in the city can confirm.
2. Get out of Lagos anytime
ADVERTISEMENT
Lagos inter-state bus station is also noted for 20-24 hours operations. Take a walk to major bus terminals in the state and you will observe flourishing activities even at the dead of the night.
During one of my journey to one of the Eastern Nigeria states, my bus left the popular Maza Maza at 1am in the morning and had to stop briefly at Owo, Ondo state. This part of the state has also been turned to a semi-sleepless town.
3. Markets are always open
One of the surprising business dealings about the city is the 24 hours operation of many local markets and eateries. You should be sure to get meals at any time of the day.
Some local “Buka” – food vendors, are structured to operate at Night. I could still remember siting a food vendor at the Seme International Motor Park, Mile 2 advertising and selling food to her esteemed customers.
ADVERTISEMENT
4. Security, though not 100%.
One reason for the flourishing night economy in the city is the high sense of security in the city.
5. An All-Night club and hangout spots
Currently, there are more than five all-night clubs and hangout spots in Lagos. One of which is the Afrika Shrine in Ikeja and The Place Night club opposite Ikeja City Mall.
At these places, corporate and private spaces where official discussions could be held are usually availbale.
JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!
ADVERTISEMENT
Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:
Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng
Next story
ADVERTISEMENT