Lagos: the new Dubai or simply dubious?

Among the honours conveyed upon countries, Dutch courage, French cuisine, German precision, Nigerian fraud is among the least endearing. The airport in Nigeria’s financial capital Lagos, where immigration is sub-divided into twenty needless interventions, interspersed by hours of queues, does little to re-endear the visitor. Numerous opportunities to accelerate one's passage with bribes only serves to reinforce Nigeria's swindling reputation. 

The drive between the mainland and Victoria Island however, provides a glimpse of Lagos’ potential; mangroves, shallow azure sea, wooden fishing boats, busy locals and a new marina. In the evening from the hotel, looking across the water towards the yachts and mansions of the few, I was reminded of the Florida Keys (the local beer may have played some part in this!) 

Dubai today

Lagos today

Forty years ago Dubai comprised a few scruffy buildings, a lot of sand, some sea and far too much heat. Mineral wealth and visionary leadership transformed Dubai into the desirable megalith it is today. Nigeria has the mineral wealth, more striking and diverse natural beauty and is arguably already further forward than the Dubai of forty years ago. Will Nigeria’s leadership grasp this opportunity, as the Emiratis did, or remain hamstrung by their dubious honour?