Each December, Lagos turns into dwelling to the returnees we name IJGBs — “I Simply Obtained Again.” These are Nigerians who reside overseas and fly dwelling for the vacations, with contemporary accents, designer suits, and a starvation for the Lagos vitality they’ve missed all yr.
For IJGBs, Lagos is a homecoming expertise — a mixture of nostalgia, networking, and pure indulgence, and regardless of how lengthy they’ve been away, there are some things each IJGB immediately recognises the second they land.
They begin to convert each worth of their head to {dollars} or Euros. Then comes the chaotic, and irritating Lagos visitors, as a result of nothing says “welcome dwelling” fairly just like the soundtrack of honking horns. After which, after all, there’s the warmth. That first blast of humid air at Murtala Muhammed Airport looks like strolling right into a sauna.
ALSO READ: 10 Most Expensive Estates in Lagos: See How Much It Costs to Live There
These reasonably priced date spots in Lagos really feel luxurious of their atmosphere, meals, and repair, however don’t value as a lot.
Is the iPhone 17 higher than the iPhone 16? We evaluate design, show, cameras, efficiency, and worth that can assist you resolve.
Hate the sensation of earbuds? Open-ear headphones are safer, comfier, and simply as highly effective. Listed below are 7 of the perfect you should purchase proper now.
As a consequence of these components, IJGBs have a tendency to remain in Lagos neighborhoods that provide a semblance of the sanity that they’re used to within the western world. As a result of Detty December is a blur of live shows, seaside events, day raves, weddings, artwork gala’s, and late-night link-ups, it makes all of the sense to remain near the motion.
Additionally, if you’re questioning the place to fulfill IJGBs this December, listed below are 5 Lagos neighbourhoods IJGBs can’t resist.
5 Lagos Neighbourhoods IJGBs Like to Keep
1. Lekki Part 1
&format=jpeg)
Lekki Part 1 is virtually a hotspot for IJGB reunions, crammed with short-term leases, Airbnb lodging, and brunch cafés. It’s the place you’ll discover the whole lot from smoothie bars to rooftop events. Well-liked landmarks embody Admiralty Method, Nike Artwork Gallery, Lekki Leisure Lake, and the favored Landmark Seashore. Whether or not it’s a live performance or a pool social gathering, Lekki is the beating coronary heart of Detty December. It’s Instagrammable and effortlessly social, making it the right aesthetic for returnees chasing comfort, consolation, and connection.
RELATED: Lagos Festival Season is Here: 9 of the Best Every Tourist Should Experience
2. Victoria Island (V.I.)
&format=jpeg)
Once you assume V.I., assume five-star accommodations, unique lounges, waterfront residences, and a classy nightlife. It’s a favorite for IJGBs and common landmarks embody Eko Motels & Suites, Terra Kulture, Onerous Rock Café, Landmark Seashore, and Oniru Non-public Seashore. By day, you’ll discover V.I. alive with brunches and enterprise conferences; by evening, it glows with yacht events on the Marina, reside music at RSVP, and late nights at golf equipment like Quilox or DNA. For those who’re an IJGB trying to mix enterprise, leisure, and life-style, that is your playground.
3. Ikoyi
&format=jpeg)
For many who crave calm with class, Ikoyi delivers that. Ikoyi presents leafy streets, high-security estates, and understated luxurious, making it the go-to vacation spot for returnees preferring their December to be refined, not rowdy. Landmarks embody Banana Island, Ikoyi Membership 1938, The Wheatbaker Lodge, and Lagos Polo Membership. Behind the tranquility, Ikoyi conceals a vibrant social scene, paying homage to fantastic eating at Orchid Bistro, rooftop cocktails at The Madison, or non-public dinners in lush gardens. It’s the place the extra mature IJGBs come to get pleasure from Lagos with out shedding peace of thoughts.
YOU MIGHT LIKE: Party Till Late? These Late Night Food Spots in Lagos Have You Covered
4. Ikeja
&format=jpeg)
Each IJGB’s Lagos story begins right here, from the place they land on the Murtala Muhammed Airport. Ikeja is central, handy, and lively. It options main accommodations, malls, and lounges, providing a style of the town with out the island visitors drama. Landmarks embody Ikeja Metropolis Mall, Kalakuta Museum, The Shrine (Fela’s legacy), Radisson Blu Ikeja, and Maryland Mall. For IJGBs who need to keep near dwelling, Ikeja is a balanced location.
5. Yaba
&format=jpeg)
Yaba is the town’s cultural and tech hub. It is dwelling to startups, pop-up markets, streetwear manufacturers, and rooftop music periods. IJGBs who need to join with the “actual Lagos” discover themselves right here. Yaba has grit, artwork, and vitality, and its landmarks embody Tejuosho Market, College of Lagos (Unilag) and Herbert Macaulay Method. It’s youthful and alive with risk. You’re extra prone to hit upon a thrift market or a bar than a flowery lounge. For IJGBs in search of authenticity, Yaba is the place Lagos’s future is unfolding in actual time.
For IJGBs, selecting the place to remain isn’t nearly location; it’s about reconnecting along with your roots, and Lagos presents a model of dwelling for each returnee.
READ ALSO: ‘Lagos Parties are Wild’ — Lagosians Share Their Shocking Experiences Flying Solo

&format=jpeg)
&format=jpeg)