A Nigerian city like Lagos but without the traffic

Lagos, the informal economic and entertainment capital of Nigeria, home to the brawlers and hustlers, land of the free and loud, city of the happy and traffic delayed, could there be any other like you? In the search of a Nigerian city like Lagos but without the traffic, the first step would be to identify what Lagos is. What kind of city is Lagos?

Lagos is the largest city in Nigeria and second fastest growing in Africa with a population of about 10 million people; it is also the sixth most populous city in the world. It is a seaside city with creeks reaching through the mainland and islands. The indigenous people are Yoruba speaking, though for many years the city has been home to numerous ethnic groups. Malls, spas, cinemas, beautiful hotels and awesome restaurants have called this place home, along with major industries. Along the business district it is not difficult to find headquarters of banks and investment firms, oil and gas servicing companies, tech companies and many startups thronged together in high rise buildings. The industry of the city is palpable and on the roads connecting the different sectors pedestrians walk at a brisk pace, fast outpacing the numerous cars and buses stuck in various gridlocks especially during the peak hours.

In the far and wide search through all the cities in Nigeria, from the northernmost to the south, through the breadth and across the Niger, only one city stands out to have all of these things as Lagos, but without the traffic; Port Harcourt city. Treasure base of the nation, a seaside port city just like Lagos, it lies on the coast of the Atlantic channeling into the ocean through creeks around the different islands. In Port Harcourt, the pace of industry is visible; the people work hard in the day and play hard at night. The oil which powers the nation is recovered from this soil serving it up as the economic stronghold of the country. The indigenous people of Port Harcourt fall across three major ethnic groups: the Ikwerre, the Ogoni and the Kalabari. However, over time many others have come to call this city home, drawing from across the south-south of Nigeria. While traffic in this city is not minuscule, compared to Lagos the traffic jams which occur at peak periods are mere playthings. Beautiful gardens and parks, luxurious hotels, malls and resorts can be found in this city, making it a haven for visitors and tourists as in Lagos. If you have lived in Lagos and desire another flavor of the same, but without the terrible traffic, Port Harcourt is your next best bet.