Visiting Nigeria for the first time as a Cameroonian was an eye-opening experience. I spent a couple of weeks traveling through Lagos, An...
Visiting Nigeria for the first time as a Cameroonian was an eye-opening experience. I spent a couple of weeks traveling through Lagos, Anambra, Kaduna, Abuja, and more, and I was genuinely surprised by so many aspects of Nigerian life. Here’s a breakdown of 10 cultural shocks that stood out to me:
1. Every State Is Developed
I expected most of the development in Nigeria to be centralized in major cities like Lagos or Abuja. But I was shocked to see big roads, impressive buildings, and active infrastructure in nearly every state. Governors are clearly working hard, and no state wants to be left behind. It was amazing to see this level of progress outside the typical urban hubs.
2. How Massive Lagos Is
Despite being the smallest state in Nigeria, Lagos is enormous. Travel within the city can take hours—even for short distances—because of traffic and sheer size. It was a real shock to see a “small” state feel so vast.
3. Nigeria Is Surprisingly Affordable
Before visiting, I heard stories about how expensive Nigeria could be. But I found it very affordable, especially compared to Cameroon. My money went much further, whether I was shopping in supermarkets or enjoying local meals. This was a pleasant surprise that changed my perception of living costs in Nigeria.
4. Large Portions and Variety of Meat
One thing that amazed me was the massive portions and variety of meat in Nigerian dishes. In Cameroon, meals are usually more restrained—you might have beef or fish, but not everything in one pot. In Nigeria, a single dish could have beef, turkey, snails, periwinkles, crayfish, and more. It was a true cultural shock to see this abundance.
5. Ease of Making Money
Nigeria has a hustler-friendly environment. It’s easy to start a business, sell online, and earn money. Even as a content creator, I noticed a significant increase in earnings from videos made during my visit. The country encourages entrepreneurship, and opportunities are abundant for those willing to hustle.
6. Nigerians Are Extremely Welcoming
Despite what you might hear online, Nigerians are incredibly friendly and warm. From taxi drivers to people I met in markets, I experienced genuine kindness and hospitality. This hospitality was a refreshing contrast to the skepticism I had before arriving.
7. People Eat “Dry” Food
In Cameroon, street foods like puff-puff or egg rolls are usually served with sides—beans, sauce, or pepper. In Nigeria, many snacks are eaten on their own, without these accompaniments. This took some getting used to, and it was definitely a cultural difference that surprised me.
8. The Blend of Polite and Direct Behavior
I noticed that Nigerians have a unique mix of being very polite and very direct at the same time. Someone could praise you with sweet words one moment and then be blunt or confrontational the next. It’s a skillful way of communicating that was new to me.
9. Minimal ID Checks
Traveling within Nigeria—by road or air—I was rarely asked for identification. Police or security didn’t stop me to check IDs, unlike in Cameroon where showing your ID is a regular requirement. This freedom of movement was surprising and made traveling much easier.
10. High Cost of Plantain and Bananas
I was shocked by the price of plantains and bananas, which seemed very high even compared to my currency in Cameroon. While other aspects of life were affordable, these staple foods were surprisingly expensive.
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