Lagos Lifestyle Vs Abuja Lifestyle

Abuja is a unique city. It is the Federal Capital Territory of the most populous black nation in the world. It is the host to Presidential Complex, which houses the residence and offices of the Nigerian president in the Three Arms Zone on the eastern edge of the city. Nearby are the National Assembly and the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

On the other hand, Lagos is one of the oldest cities in the country and one of the fastest growing cities in the world. It has often been referred to as the commercial and financial capital of the country. It is not just the largest on African continent but the most populous city in Africa and with highest Gross Domestic Products (GDP).

Even though living in Lagos or Abuja comes with high price tags from food to accommodation, transportation to social life yet, many Nigerians grew up dreaming of living in Lagos or Abuja.
Even Corps members choice remains Abuja and Lagos. This is not unexpected. The two cities are very critical not just to the country but the continent and the world by extension.

The cities share some similarities especially in the areas of political activities. Lagos was the Federal Capital Territory until 1990. The busiest Airport in Africa, Murtala Muhammed International Airport is in Lagos just as Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport is located in Abuja. Most social, political, media and mass movements targets both Abuja and Lagos because of the importance of these great cities.
In spite these similarities, there are distinctions in the lifestyle and social vis-à-vis entertainment lifestyles of residents of these cities.

While Abuja is a city for the rich, Lagos combines the diversities, characters, foibles and strengths of Nigeria. It is a city for the rich and the poor. It has been referred to as a micro Nigeria. Every tribe and nations are found in Lagos.
While there are eyebrow areas in Lagos like Lekki, Victoria Island, Epe etc. yet, the city is still well affordable unlike Abuja. One can comfortably live in Lagos with little compared to the luxury lifestyle in Abuja. More affordable lifestyles are found in highland and mainland areas of Lagos.

When it comes to social lifestyle, entrainment and fashion, Lagos is no doubt pace setter. Social life in Abuja is boring probably because of its residents who are mostly politicians, diplomats, senior civil servants and contractors. The social life setting that one embrace in Lagos may never leave you. There are lots of necessary social behaviors in Lagos, like the small talks, fashion, communication and socialization that run deep in every fibre of Lagos.
Lagos has been identified as a city where life begins socially and spread to other parts of Nigeria, even Abuja.

A quick look at the entertainment industry confirms this position. Idumota and Alaba markets have been acknowledged as markets for entertainment industry in the country.
Similarly, Lagos is home to most stars and upcoming artistes in the entertainment industry from films to music, comedy to media. Most renown stars in the entertainment industry today had their root from Lagos. Many examples abound. Even those who probably began from another city had to come to Lagos before they become a star.
In fact, most of them started their career as a ghetto boy from the hoods of Lagos. These areas include Ajegunle, Mushin, Lagos Island etc. Many examples abound in the early entertainers in Daddy Shoki, Tony Tetuila, Eedris Abdulkarim to recent entertainers in Plantation Boys which eventually broke into 2Face Idibia, Face and Black Face .
What of the likes of Davido, P-Square, Olamide Badoo, Tekno etc. Popular religious entertainers also started in Lagos for instance, Lanre Teriba is a Mushin boy.

Also, in the film industry, Lagos is the hub for the Nollywood. Most actors and actresses lives in Lagos. The comedy industry is not left out, the likes of Ali Babas, ‘I go Die’, Basketmouth, Bovi, AY, Tejubabyface etc are considered Lagosians because they live and work in the beautiful city.

In fact, only few celebrities live in Abuja. It is only in Lagos that you see the highest number of celebrities and entertainers living in Nigeria. The city is vibrant with lots of social functions happening almost every day. Indeed, there is no dull moment in Lagos because it is a city where talents are born and grown. Lagos has earned its name not only as the music and movies birthplace, but where entertainment is done better than anywhere in Nigeria.
Spending weekend in Lagos is always fun compared to Abuja. The vibe is felt in the air and the parties colourful, engaging, wild and sometimes crazy.

There is no rule on how parties are held in Lagos, which means that you’ve got an array of choices for clubs, hookup spots, bars and hotels all waiting for you to join in the fun. This does not mean that clubs, bars, hookup spots and even best hotels are not in Abuja but the magnitude and craziness is nothing compared to Lagos.
We have seen people coming to Lagos to celebrate their weekends because that is where the social activities make the difference. This is an undisputable fact.
Media organizations are not left out. Both broadcast, print, advertising agencies, social media etc. have their headquarters in Lagos. They are all battling to control media space in the country.

In terms of tourism, Lagos is far ahead of any city in Nigeria, not even Abuja. Lagos is always bustling with activities with its posh hotels, restaurants and places to explore. The city has become the face of tourism compared to Abuja. You can immerse yourself in deep cultures, surroundings and histories from spiritual shrines, beaches, parks and many more. The tourism journey in Lagos always gives a worthy run for your money because the fun never ends. Little wonder, thousands of tourists visit Lagos to have a lifetime experience. The annual Lagos Eyo Festival is an event to behold with its rich cultural values and lifetime experience.

There are carnivals, for instance Abuja carnival but the inconsistency of this carnival has made it less attractive compared to various carnivals in the city of Lagos.

Abuja no doubt has better roads and road networks compared to any Nigerian city. However, transportation system in Lagos is far lower than that of Abuja. There are lots of transport alternatives like the BRT buses, Yellow buses, taxis, cabs and tricycles for you in Lagos unlike Abuja where you can only get green-cabs and “special drops” which are quite expensive and few. The high cost of ‘special drops’ can be discouraging and to compound your challenge in Abuja, trekking may be a herculean task because of the design of the beautiful city.

Lagos is one of the most congested cities in the world partially because of its huge population and its hustling and bustling which many times culminating into heavy traffics which can sometimes be frustrating, and an eyesore compared to Abuja. A lot of people sometimes look for the next available cheap flights that will allow them to take a flight from Lagos to Abuja to see the city from their perspective, but they in no time rush back to the bustle of Lagos.

Lagos is such an amazing place to live in.
Lagos is a city where anyone one can get job easily because of the productiveness of the city. One can become a self-made millionaire without the help of any politician. This is where anyone can start from the scratch and become a millionaire easily. Everyone in Lagos is a hustler; they are always busy working or doing something that will bring them money. Street knowledge is what sustains Lagosians. They are taught to be ‘street-wise’ unlike Abuja, where almost everyone behaves like rich kids popularly called ‘Ajebutter’ compared to that of Lagos poor kids called “Ajepako”.

However, no matter how one compares Lagos lifestyle with that of Abuja with regards to entertainment, economic, social and cultural life, they are cities that everyone looks forward to live and own property one day. If you could live in Lagos, grab it. Trust me, such opportunities do not come often.