Rules when going to the market in Lekki Lagos Island Nigeria

Rules when going to the market in Lagos Nigeria

Hi Friend,

You are now in Nigeria and everyone on the street on Lagos seem to recognise that, this person is “se se de” or “journey just come” or “ara ilu oyingbo”. They terms mean, someone who has just returned from abroad or diaspora.

But, you keep saying to yourself, how do they know?

Your looks.
Your skin.
Your clothes.
Your English.
You are asking too many questions because you don’t have a clue.

They know. So, they will rip you off and overcharge you at the market.

Even if you send your small cousin, niece or house help or driver to the market for you, they will rip you off too. It is the Nigerian way of life. You just have to get used to it.

Rule 1 – Be willing to invest at least 1 month of your time and know the prices in Lagos. In this one month, take your notepad, pen and go to every market that, you can think of. Eg yaba, Ojuelegba, Oshodi, Mile 12, your local markets, etc.

You are not buying anything, you are doing an extensive research. Write the prices in your notepad.

For instance, go to 4 sellers and price the same thing.

Rule 2 - Remember to haggle, or “price it” or “na oja” or “price the market”.

Rule 3 - When at the market, speak in Yoruba or Pidgin English. Don’t speak, proper English. They will charge three times the price.

For instance, you say, “How much is Expression Hair?”

The seller will look at you from head to toe and quickly figure out how much she will charge you.

Seller replies, “500 Naira”.

You say, “Haba, na wetin, 250 Naira”.

Seller replies, “350 Naira”.

You insist on “250 Naira”.

Wait for her reply.

If she says, 300 Naira.

You still insist 250 Naira.

Again, wait for her reply. If she wants to sell, she will say come and take it.

Walk away. (This is a common tactic that works in the market)

She will call you back and say, come and pay.


Rule 4 - In Lagos, if you are in the market and you want to buy anything, whatever price they call it, cut it into half.

Rule 5 - Dress down when going to the market. Wear jeans or Ankara and no jewelry.

If you go out with a relative or friend who lives in Nigeria. Don’t speak while they are haggling. Just look and pretend that, what you are buying is not yours.

You will save yourself some cool Naira by following these rules.

Thank you for your time.

I relocated from the UK back to Nigeria and I have decided to share my life experiences to make your journey back home to Nigeria an easier one!

My office details are below, if you need any further assistance.

I am a UK Mortgage Broker and a Real Estate Agent who sell lands, properties, lets properties, manage properties, assists clients with buying their property in an estate and under mortgage.

Adorn Homes Ltd. RC 860200
Suite 105 Pearl Plaza,
After Doren Hospital,
Km 24 Lekki Epe Expressway
Ajah
Lagos State

Tel: +2347065221108
Tel: +2348078338263
Tel: +2347041374302

Email: adornhomes@yahoo.com
Email: adornhomes@gmail.com

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