IJGB Starter Pack: 10 Things You Must Know Before Touching Down This December
- Sean
- Dec 3
- 3 min read
Landing in Lagos in December is a sport. Not football, not basketball — more like a live-action obstacle course where the weather is hot, the streets are loud, and the exchange rate will humble even the most confident diaspora warrior. Every year, a fresh batch of IJGBs arrive with accent, ambition, and a luggage full of winter jackets they won’t need. But beneath the jokes is one simple truth: Lagos in December is an experience, and if you’re not prepared, it will prepare you by force.
Lagos will not adjust to you — you will adjust to Lagos. Better to land with sense than learn the hard way.
So here’s your unofficial, absolutely essential IJGB Starter Pack — the ten things you must know before that plane touches down.
1. Your Accent Will Trend — For 48 Hours Only
The first two days? Everyone will “oh my gosh” with you. After that, the same accent becomes content for small teasing. Don’t take it personally — Lagos people clown everything. Just own it.
“If your accent is fine, Lagos will still stress it.”
2. The Exchange Rate Is Waiting to Beat You
No matter what you budgeted, Lagos will add “tiny” extras. Uber surge, cocktails priced like rent, or random shopping temptations — everything will test that your account is truly ready.
3. Google Maps Doesn’t Know Lagos
Maps will confidently lead you into a street that doesn’t exist, in traffic that absolutely exists. Always double-check with a human being. Preferably a Lagosian with common sense.
4. Detty December Is Not a Holiday — It’s a Marathon
From concerts to pop-ups to “just come out na,” your schedule will choke. Pace yourself. Lagos nightlife doesn’t sleep; you will.
“Enjoyment in Lagos isn’t free — it collects stamina.”
5. Don’t Overdress Lagos Weather Will Finish You
No matter how cute the outfit is, if it’s layered, long-sleeved, or winter-coded, just forget it. The sun does not rate you. Pack light, breathable fits and plenty of deodorant.
6. Cash Is Still King in Surprising Places
POS may fail you. Bank apps may disgrace you. And sometimes, the vendor will just say, “network is bad.” Walk with cash, small change especially.
7. Lagos Traffic Is a Moral Lesson
There’s no shortcut, no hack, no charm. If you have a 5 PM hangout, start planning your movement by noon. And never argue with anyone that Lagos traffic isn’t spiritual — you will lose.
8. Family Expectations Are a Full-Time Job
Prepare for aunties that want pounds, uncles that want gist, cousins that want gifts. Don’t promise what you cannot deliver. December entitlement is real.
9. Everyone Is Outside — Including Your Secondary School Crush
December is reunion season. Get ready for random linkups, surprise “long time!” messages, and the temptation to overspend because someone from your past is watching.
10. Enjoyment Is Sweetest When You Let Lagos Lead
The best memories won’t be the planned ones. It’s the unexpected invites, the accidental adventures, the chaos you didn’t see coming. Let the city show you its wild, beautiful side.
The IJGB Starter Pack Takeaway
Lagos in December is loud, stressful, exciting, and unforgettable. Come with an open mind, a flexible plan, and a sense of humor. Everything else, you’ll learn on the road.
Lagos will not baby you — but if you surrender to the madness, it will give you stories for years.
😂 😂
Google map doesn't know Lagos aswear true true