In Lagos, importance is less about what you have and more about how well you perform it. Looking wealthy, connected, or in-demand is practically a city-wide sport—and the players? Everywhere you turn.
Here are 10 classic Lagos moves you’ll spot if you look closely. If you’re visiting, take notes; if you’re Lagos-bred, prepare to laugh at the mirror.
1. The Subtle Name-Drop
Lagosians have perfected the art of mentioning the right names at the right time. It’s never “I went to a party”—it’s “I was at Ayo’s beach party last night.” Without ever explaining that they actually mean Wizkid. The flex is never loud, but it’s always calculated because that air of mystery is ‘importance’.
2. The Security Convoy
Nothing screams “Odogwu” louder than arriving with a squad of cars, even if it’s just their car, their cousin’s car, and their uncle’s. The cinematic effect is all that matters. Then the SUV with the darkest tinted takes the lead with at least one unavoidable bouncer who looks like he moonlights as a wrestler.
3. The Luxury Entrance
Premium rides, especially with a driver, do half the talking even if it’s a rental for the day. They always use it for high-visibility occasions like weddings, major events, or first impressions. A premium car can get you through almost any gate in Lagos.
4. First-Name Basis with Staff
Whether it’s the owner of their favourite restaurant or the barista at their regular café, greeting these staff by name builds familiarity and gives the impression they’re a regular VIP. Lagos loves familiarity; for them, it signals you’re “known.”
5. The ‘Personal Assistant’
Sometimes it’s an actual assistant, sometimes it’s a cousin holding the second phone. Either way, Lagos respects anyone who has to “check their calendar” before confirming a hangout. Bonus points for saying, “My PA will get back to you.”
6. The Curated Social Calendar
In Lagos, importance is measured by scarcity. The truly “important” don’t scatter themselves across every owambe or lounge opening. They ration appearances—one premium event here, one exclusive hangout there—so when they show up, it feels like a headline moment.
7. The Fashionably Late
In Lagos, lateness isn’t rude—it’s strategy. Lagosians know timing is performance. Some arrive two hours late, others stroll in just as the party peaks. Whether it’s a convoy rolling up or they’re stepping out like they own the place, the point is to be seen arriving, not to sit through small talk.
8. Mint Notes & Heavy Tips
Forget the amount, presentation is everything. In Lagos, a crisp bundle of ₦200 sprayed with steeze will always outshine rumpled ₦1,000 bills. For them, generosity isn’t just about the money; it’s about the performance. The result? Staff treat you like they own the place.
9. The Word “Project”
In Lagos, nobody is simply busy; they’re always “working on a project.” It signals money moves and serious hustle, even when the project is as ordinary as repainting an apartment. For them, it’s never just work; it’s a project.
10. Designer Wardrobe Energy
The Lagos look is all about appearing well-travelled, whether or not there’s a passport stamp to back it up. It’s in the logo, the material, and the confidence. For them, a tailored outfit mixed with one standout designer bag is enough to pass for luxury, even when it’s Balogun Market’s finest.
In Lagos, importance isn’t always earned—it’s performed. And while the city often rewards the performance more than the substance, it’s all part of the theatre that makes Lagos, Lagos.
