As I'll be arriving in Lagos in six days I thought I'd do a quick run through on the essentials that every traveler NEEDS in Nigeria.
I have chosen the top ten items that I cannot survive without... Literally.
1) Anti-Malarial Drugs
If you don't take these or take them inconsistently, there's a high chance that you will catch malaria and you really don't want to be taken ill in Nigeria. Some antimalarials can be taken daily, others like mefloquine (below) are taken weekly starting two weeks before departure. Make sure you book an appointment with your GP on time.
2) Mobile Charging Device
Lagos is a busy place so you will often find you need to charge your smartphone or tablet on the go. I use my Puku which is quite bulky compared to hundreds of other charging devices now available. It would be an added advantage if you purchase one that has a torch in case there's a blackout at your location.
3) Hand Sanitizer
I think this one is pretty self-explanatory in terms of hygiene I carry one as standard in my Longchamp, however, hand washing facilities are readily available some parts of Lagos, not all. Since Lagos has an equatorial climate humidity is around eighty percent or higher, a pack of refreshing body wipes to freshen up on the go would not go amiss either.
4) Two Sims
There's no point roaming your phone in Nigeria, its far too expensive (unless you're a wealthy business executive of course.) I suggest unlocking your phone then purchasing two local sim cards upon arrival. In Lagos the telecommunication industry is one of the fastest growing on the continent. Unfortunately, the mobile networks haven't been able to keep up with this boom so a high volume of users may sometimes mean you can't get through to your driver or friend that's waiting for you in Victoria island. So when 'this call cannot be connected' switch to your second line and hey presto!
5) Sun Cream
Whilst teaching in Lagos three years ago I was out in the sun for well over three hours each day and no the sun did not have any mercy on me. I didn't wear suncream so my shoulders were sunburned. Although it's healed I still have the marks which are very annoying. I recommend La Roche-Posay because it can be used by anyone particularly those with sensitive skin like myself and contains high-quality ingredients, unlike other sun lotions that couldn't protect your pet hamster e.g. Soltan, Piz Buin. I use the SPF 50 smooth lotion. The protecting fluid by La Mer is amazing but I prefer La Roche-Posay because it has a more neutral scent.
6) Bright Luggage Tags
If you check in your standard black suitcase then prepare to get stuck in a scuffle once you reach the conveyor belt at arrivals. If you don't want to invest in a bright pink suitcase you need a stand-out feature that enables you to spot your suitcase quickly. Bright luggage tags are a good solution because even if you use a suitcase that's identical to another passenger yours is distinguishable by a large coloured 'It's not yours' tag. You can purchase your tags from any travel retailer or customize your own on zazzle.com
7) DEET Mosquito Repellent
This item is essential if you are prone to being bitten. When I first started going to Nigeria I always carried jungle insect repellent factor 4 - with a fifty percent DEET content it's supposed to be the maximum strength but I found that over time it becomes ineffective. Perhaps the sand flies in Nigeria have built immunity to it... I use a product called odomos now (which I buy in Nigeria) and have not been bitten once :D
8) Sun Hat
As mentioned in my fifth point if your out between midday and late afternoon the sun shall not spare you! To keep cool and sunburn free take a sun hat. If you're in a last-minute rush Primark does pretty decent ones, if you want something suaver then try the Outnet.
For more tips and advice on travelling to Lagos, please visit the link below
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