As an “I Just Got Back” (IJGB), you have survived long flights, made it through immigration and have landed safely in Lagos. You have even braced yourself for the traffic. But here is the real challenge: how do you actually enjoy your time here?
The thing about being an IJGB in Lagos is that you are operating between two worlds. You are used to the convenience of apps that actually work, payments that go through, and services that show up on time. Lagos? Lagos has all of that, too. You just need to know where to find it.
This isn’t your parents’ Lagos, where everything required phone calls, physical cash, and showing up in person. This is the app-powered Lagos, where your December experience can be as smooth as the life you left abroad – you just need the right setup.
Here are 5 apps that will transform your Detty December from “Why did I come back?” to “I might actually extend my trip.”
1. Quidax – Your Payment Lifeline (Because Your Foreign Cards Will Fail You)
Let’s start with the most important thing: how you are going to pay for anything in Lagos.
You landed with your fancy metal American Express card. You are ready. You are confident. You have money.
Then you try to buy something and…transaction declined.
Your bank blocked it because their fraud detection system just had a panic attack seeing “Nigeria” on the transaction. You call them. They unlock it. You try again. Transaction declined again.
Welcome to the IJGB payment nightmare.
The Solution: Quidax
Here is what saved IJGBs last December and will save you this year: Quidax.
Before you say “I don’t do crypto,” hear me out. You are not trading Bitcoin or becoming a crypto bro. You are simply using stablecoins like USDT (that’s always worth $1) as a bridge between your foreign money and actually being able to pay for things in Lagos.
Here’s how it works:
- Download the Quidax app
- Convert your pounds/dollars to USDT
- Send your USDT to Quidax
- Pay with Crypto
Why This Changes Everything
With Quidax, you can:
- Send money to any Nigerian bank account instantly – no more declined cards
- Hold USDT, which doesn’t fluctuate (unlike Bitcoin)
- Pay businesses directly from your Quidax wallet
- Convert back to foreign currency when you are leaving
- Avoid crazy exchange rates that banks charge.
2. PartyVest – Your Social GPS for Detty December in Lagos
Even though it’s the new kid on the block, you can think of PartyVest as your social calendar, event discovery platform, and party planning tool combined.
This is your all-access pass to everything hot:
- Concerts
- Raves
- Beach parties
- Exclusive brunches
- Curated Lagos experiences for IJGBs and locals
- The kind of events where you suddenly run into your secondary school crush or your cousin who wasn’t invited
PartyVest helps you discover events, buy tickets, and avoid the heartbreak of “Sold Out” happening right before your eyes.
IJGB Tip:
Some events allow alternative payment methods. If the organiser is smart (and we hope they are), tell them to enable Basqet.
Ask for a “Pay with Crypto” option: it saves you from insane payment charges and network problems.
3. Chowdeck – Because An IJGB Is Not Cooking In Lagos (Let’s Be Honest)
Chowdeck is Nigeria’s fastest-growing food delivery app, profitable (rare for food delivery), and actually reliable. They deliver from over 2,000 restaurants across 8 cities with an average delivery time of 30 minutes.
Why You Need It
You are in Lagos to party, reconnect with friends and family, and enjoy December. You are NOT here to cook, shop for ingredients, or spend hours in traffic going to restaurants.
Chowdeck delivers:
- Food from everywhere: From local spots like Yakoyo to restaurant chains like Burger King, KFC, and Chicken Republic.
- Groceries: Need snacks, drinks, or basics? They’ve got partnerships with supermarkets
- Pharmacy items: Headache from last night’s party and stomach upset from all the spicy foods? Medicine delivered from pharmacies.
The IJGB Experience
Order breakfast to your Airbnb when you can’t face Lagos morning traffic. Order lunch wherever you are hanging out. Order supplies for pre-drinks before heading out.
Average order: ₦2,500-5,000, but can go higher for premium locations.
Delivery: Actually, Ok.
4. GoLemon – For When IJGBs Need Groceries (Or Forgot Something Important)
GoLemon is your online grocery delivery service with over 7,000 products, delivered in eco-friendly reusable crates and paper bags. They deliver from major supermarkets and provide everything from fresh produce to household essentials.
Why You Need It
You’re staying in an Airbnb or with family, and you need:
- Water (because Lagos tap water is not it)
- Snacks for your room
- Toiletries you forgot to pack
- Drinks for pre-games
- Basic food items if you’re staying somewhere long-term
- Emergency supplies at 11 PM
GoLemon delivers all of it without you having to navigate Lagos traffic to multiple stores.
The IJGB Convenience Factor
Zero extra charges. You pay for products + a small delivery fee (as low as ₦1000). No hidden fees.
Create shopping lists: Weekly fruits list, house supply list – organise it however you want.
Schedule deliveries: Set recurring deliveries for water and essentials, or one-time for that midnight emergency snack run.
5. Uber – Your Sanity-Saving Transportation
You know what Uber is. But Uber in Lagos during December is different from Uber anywhere else. It’s not just transportation – it’s survival.
You are not driving in Lagos December traffic. Just… DON’T. Even if you have a license. Even if you “drive like a pro.” Lagos traffic during Detty December is its own beast. Let someone else navigate it while you sit in the back.
Uber options in Lagos:
- UberX: Standard affordable cars, everyday rides
- Uber Economy: Cheaper cars, the driver might not turn on the AC for you.
- Uber priority: Newer cars, faster pickup
- Uber Wait & Save: Cheaper cars with selected drivers
What to expect:
- Surge pricing during peak hours (Every evening during Detty December = permanent surge)
- Longer wait times for pickups during events
- Creative routing by drivers to avoid traffic.
- The driver is calling you to confirm the location (yes, every time)
The IJGB Uber Experience
Download the app before you need it. Link your payment card (if you have any. Set your home location. Have at least ₦50,000-100,000 credit in your Uber wallet for emergency rides.
Accept that December rides cost more. The surge is real. The traffic is real. The driver is also suffering. Tip when you can.
Share your location with friends. Lagos can be chaotic, especially at night. The safety feature isn’t paranoia, it’s smart.
Protect yourself and make sure you have a good time in Lagos.
