Lagos is an adventure in its own right, with many unique experiences. And whether you are living in Lagos or visiting for the first time, the city never ceases to shower you with surprises.

There’s a popular saying that every Lagos resident is mad, and it’s easy to see why. How can you navigate the never-ending traffic, danfo horns, and agbero hustles without losing it?

But the good news is that you can experience the worst of Lagos street life and still maintain your steeze.

Here, let’s look at some simple but proven tips that can help you keep your head above Lagos’ street madness as you go about your activities.

ALSO READ: How to still live your best life amidst Lagos street chaos

1. Start Your Day Before the City Wakes Up

Lagos is wild – I know. But the craze starts when the day breaks. Waking up early gives you a head start before the traffic gods rise. You’ll beat the rush, enjoy some rare silence, and get into your day’s activities before the city wakes up.

2. Master the Art of “Soft Ignorance”

Sometimes, you just have to ignore things. That bus conductor is shouting in your ear off? The guy cutting the line as you wait to buy breakfast? All of them have one mission – to frustrate you! But peace comes the moment you realize you can pretend like none of the chaos exists. Nothing beats minding your business amidst all the provocations in the street. You’ll be glad you did.

3. Invest in Good Headphones (and a Power Bank!)

Whether you’re on a bus, bike, or BRT, your playlist or podcast is your sanity shield. Drown out the chaos and escape into a world of beautiful music. And trust me, your phone dying mid-Lekki traffic is a tragedy you don’t want. So don’t forget always to carry your power bank.

4. Build a “Calm Corner” at Home

ALSO READ: Street OT 101: How to avoid intimidation from Lagos touts

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You need a space where Lagos can’t reach you. Decorate a corner with soft pillows, candles, books, maybe even fairy lights. Make it your chill zone – where all the shouting, fights, drama, and online banters can’t reach you. Just you and yourself!

5. Find Your Escape Spot

It could be a quiet café in Ikoyi, a beach in Tarkwa Bay, or your favorite amala joint in Surulere. You need a go-to spot to recharge when the city gets too loud. You don’t know how much happiness you get from these places.

6. Accept That Traffic Is a Lifestyle

Lagos traffic is a love language. You’ll spend hours in it. Instead of fighting it, prepare for it. There are so many things you can do in it. Bring your movie playlist, movie bucket list, and even official works to it. Trust me, the route is always shorter when you’re drowned in something you enjoy.

7. Surround Yourself With Good People

Your Lagos tribe matters. People who lift you, laugh with you during PHCN outages, and send you traffic updates. Keep your circle strong and drama-free. Lagos friendships are gold when they’re real, but you have to be picky to find the best people who can match your vibe.

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8. Laugh Often – Even When Things Are Mad

Laughter is indeed a medicine, and in Lagos, sometimes all you can do is laugh. Missed the bus? Laugh. No fuel and PHCN disappeared? Laugh again. If you don’t learn to find humour in the madness, the madness will find you first.

Dear Pulse,

I have a crush on my pastor! He is a young, fine, sexy man, but very married. He pastors a small, growing church in my area, and I am relatively new, let’s say 3 months in. Honestly, I don’t like the church, it’s not giving me the vibe, I prefer those big churches where you can meet fine boys and see fashion, but God is everywhere, sha.

The real reason I am still in this church is the pastor!!! I have developed a huge crush on him, but he doesn’t know. He usually says hi to me after service, although I know it’s him just being nice to a new member, but I have grown fond of him.

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He sexually arouses me. When he is talking to me, I get wet. When he is praying for me, I get wet. When I watch him on the pulpit, I also get wet. I see him in my dreams, and I sometimes touch myself at home when I am listening to his sermons. May God forgive me.

It’s more than a crush now, I think it’s love. In my opinion, his wife is not up to his standards. Could it be that he made a mistake and I am his real wife? I go to every church service now just to see him. I manufacture problems so that he can counsel me alone. I even fall under the anointing so that he can touch my body.

I am thinking of taking it a step further. I want to get naked in front of him when we are alone. Should I do it? Maybe he likes me and he can’t say it, but when he sees my nakedness, maybe he will have the courage.

No one is perfect, so please don’t judge me. Should I go ahead?

— Jacinta.

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ALSO READ: ASK PULSE: I have sex with my husband 3 times a day yet he still cheats

Dear Jacinta,

Thank you for being honest and vulnerable; it’s not easy to admit these kinds of feelings. My 1st advice to you would be to separate fantasy from reality. What you’re experiencing sounds incredibly intense and consuming. Crushes can be powerful, especially when they’re focused on someone who seems spiritual, charismatic, and gives you attention.

But when we act on those feelings without boundaries, especially with someone who is married and in a position of spiritual authority, it can cause deep emotional harm, both for you and others involved.

Let’s be clear: this man is married, and as a pastor, he holds a responsibility to serve, not to fulfil personal or romantic desires. Pursuing someone else’s spouse, especially through manipulation or seduction, doesn’t create a real relationship; it creates a cycle of guilt, secrecy, and emotional damage that will likely leave you feeling even more alone or rejected later.

You’re human. Attraction happens. But what matters most is what you do with those feelings. You said you don’t really like the church, so it might be a good idea to step back, find a church community where you truly feel spiritually nourished, and give yourself space to process this emotionally.

My advice:

• Don’t act on your desire to seduce him. It will not bring the love or peace you’re hoping for.

• Consider taking a break from the church and seeking out a faith-based counsellor or therapist who can help you explore these feelings in a safe, supportive way.

• Redirect your energy toward self-love, personal growth, and finding healthy, mutual relationships where love is honest and free.

Love should not be hidden, complicated, or hurt someone else.

— Pulse.

ALSO READ: Ask Pulse: I slept with my best friend’s husband on their wedding night…

For Nigerians planning to travel abroad, it’s important to know that not all destinations are safe. Some countries are outright hostile, while others pose serious risks that could turn your journey into a nightmare. 

You’ve probably heard the horror stories: Nigerians being attacked in broad daylight, scammed by corrupt officials, or even killed just for being Nigerian. And it’s not just random violence; sometimes, it’s deeply rooted hatred that even social media amplifies. 

If you’re planning to travel soon, you need to know where NOT to go, or at least, where to tread carefully.

Here are the five most dangerous countries for Nigerian travellers, why they’re risky, and what you should know before booking that ticket.

1. South Africa, the xenophobia capital

If there’s one country where Nigerians have faced consistent, brutal hostility, it’s South Africa. The xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other Africans have been going on for over a decade!

Nigerian-owned businesses were looted, people were beaten in the streets, and some were even killed, all because they were foreigners.

But it’s not just physical violence. The hatred runs deep online, where South Africans constantly drag Nigerians on X (Twitter), calling us “drug dealers,” “fraudsters,” and worse. Remember when Miss Chidinma Adeshina was disqualified from a South African beauty pageant just because voters didn’t want a Nigerian to win? That’s how deep the bias goes.

Even the South African police can’t be trusted. Nigerians have reported being framed, extorted, or ignored when seeking help. If you must go, stay in safe areas, avoid flaunting wealth, and keep a low profile.

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2. Libya

Libya used to be a transit route for Nigerians trying to reach Europe, but it has become a graveyard for many. The country is lawless; human traffickers, armed militias, and slave markets operate freely.

Nigerians have been kidnapped, tortured, and sold into slavery for as little as $400. Women are especially vulnerable, facing rape and forced prostitution. Even if you survive the journey, Libyan detention centres are hellholes where migrants are starved and beaten.

The Nigerian government has repeatedly warned against travelling there, but desperate Nigerians still risk it. If you value your life, Libya is a no-go zone.

3. India 

India might seem like a spiritual getaway, but for Nigerians, it’s a hotspot for racial profiling and wrongful arrests. There have been multiple cases of Nigerians being framed for drug trafficking—some sentenced to 10+ years in prison based on false accusations.

Worse, Indian mobs have attacked Nigerian students, calling them “criminals” and “drug peddlers.” The police often side with locals, leaving Nigerians with little protection. If you must visit, avoid carrying suspicious packages and stay in groups.

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4. Malaysia 

Malaysia has a history of suddenly deporting Nigerians without explanation. Many travellers have reported being detained at airports, forced to pay bribes, or accused of cybercrime just for having a Nigerian passport.

In 2022, over 100 Nigerians were stranded after being denied entry despite having valid visas. The authorities are known to profile Nigerians, assuming we’re all fraudsters. If you’re going for business, triple-check your documents, and be ready for unnecessary scrutiny.

5. Brazil 

Brazil might be great for carnival, but it’s dangerous for Nigerians. Robberies, kidnappings, and police violence are common.

If you must go, avoid favelas (slums), don’t walk alone at night, and always keep your documents safe.

Travel smart, stay safe

Not every country welcomes Nigerians, and some are outright dangerous. Before you travel, research your destination, register with the Nigerian embassy, and always have emergency contacts.

Your life is worth more than any opportunity abroad. Choose your destination wisely.

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