I Nearly Got Scammed While House-Hunting, but Lagos Still Feels Surprisingly Efficient

I moved from Jamaica to Lagos in 2020 to lead impact and research at a new foundation. My first months were difficult. I lived in hotels and short-let apartments, struggled to find a home, and nearly transferred company money to an agent who was not authorised to represent a landlord. Work also required a major adjustment. I learned that professional communication in Nigeria depends heavily on relationships, respect and understanding hierarchy. Later, I left my full-time role to become a fractional strategic consultant, earning in dollars while building a life in Lagos. Despite unreliable infrastructure, difficult house-hunting and occasional overpricing because of my accent, I find Lagos remarkably efficient. Tailors, vendors, delivery services and domestic workers make it easier to get things done quickly. Living here has also made it easier for me to save, invest in my ideas and imagine a future with homes across Africa.

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