Originally Posted by
Goaguy
Hi All
I have been traveling/living for many years in Eastern and Southern Africa, but this is new territory for me.
Ideally I should be traveling to Lagos to meet up with potential clients. This means traveling around town, making (at times impromptu) visits to smaller companies, often located in typical retail-areas around the city.
All travel advisories says to not travel to Nigeria, that violent crime and kidnappings even happen within Lagos and I have heard that many visitors either travel with armed security around the country or stick to meetings at their hotel.
I have a local contact on the ground that says there is nothing to worry about, but would appreciate your insights. Obviously a pale western foreigner will attract more attention than someone local. Are there certain areas best to avoid?
Any insights? I am not looking to explore the city or wander around the streets, just to conduct 5-8 meetings and be on my way again.
And while we are at it: Any recommendations for safe and reliable airlines that fly between Lagos and Accra?
Thank you
Like any city, Lagos is perfectly safe if you don't go to the wrong parts of town. Stick with known providers for your transport and accomodation (ie. don't try getting an unlicensed taxi from a nightclub at 2am) and you'll be fine.
Lagos to Accra choices are Africa World Airlines, Air Peace and Ibom Air. I am obviously partial to AWA* and so are most travelers who value reliability!
(Full disclosure - I was one of the founders of AWA and served two terms - 4+ years total - as the Chief Operations Officer there)