The potential is Lagos, Nigeria's business capital, as a top night economy hotspot, is hampered by poor infrastructure.
As darkness gradually envelopes the skies, Kabir Adamu begins to set up his makeshift kiosk ahead of the day’s business. Some young men in loose ties walked lazily past Mr Adamu’s tables as he struggled to put on two rechargeable lamps, unperturbed by the cacophony of voices from passers-by and commuters.
Like Mr Adamu, Memunat Ajoke––a food vendor—is also one of the entrepreneurs keeping Lagos evening economy alive at Ojota, a major transport hub in the city. Her makeshift shop, located at the entry point of the Ojota motor park, serves motorists and commuters alike. The growth in business activity at night-time was so phenomenal that the Mayor of London was prompted to appoint TV presenter and performer, Amy Lamé, as London’s first “night czar” in 2016.
“The evening economy requires policies and structures, just as much as the day time economy. That’s why leading economies of the world are working round the clock to ensure that basic policies cater essentially for night time economic activities.”In Nigeria, poor infrastructure and widespread insecurity have made it near-impossible for cities to operate the night economy, leading to massive loss of potential revenues by state governments.
One of such moves was the decision of the state government to undertake massive illumination of the state under a street-lighting project birthed through a directive by the immediate past governor of the state, Akinwunmi Ambode. Bayo Kasumu, a night-time entrepreneur who sells grilled fishes around Mafoluku area of Oshodi, complained that many of the lamp posts have gone rustic and dead, slowing down the pace of night-time activities in the city.
Tayo Sanni, a young school leaver who sells barbeque fish at Ojodu-Berger area told this newspaper that the challenge of power notwithstanding, he makes a reasonable amount of money at night. “It’s a big challenge for Yellow taxi drivers in this city, apart from the issue of low patronage,” he explained. “That’s one competitive edge that these Uber people have ahead of us; because their own Apps are still considered safer and secure.”In recent months, Lagos has witnessed a surge in robbery and other criminal activities. In June, motorists and commuters plying the Eko Bridge, for instance, expressed worries over the spate of attacks by armed robbers on the bridge.
High crime rates, noise pollution and promotion of illicit businesses are considered the downside of the night economy. But a pharmacist who declined to have his name in print told PREMIUM TIMES at Abule-Egba that the notion is somewhat fallacious. “It can also bring wealth to local economies, develop the tourism and entertainment sector and create job opportunities,” he argued.
“The Lagos night economy is thriving and there are impressive developments, especially since the lockdown measures were relaxed after Covid-19 struck,’ he explained.
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