One can not write about a typical day in Lagos without mentioning the incessant hustle and bustle that marks a "Lagos day".
A typical day in Lagos begins at about 4.00 am when people begin the pilgrimage to their places of employment. The uninitiated may immediately wonder why anyone has to leave their homes this early to get to work.
For native Lagosians there is only one reason. TRAFFIC.
So, starting at 4.00am Lagosians begin to rush off to work.
The surprising thing is that despite going out that early you would still encounter traffic 
jams with the usual cacophony of screeching tires, yelling drivers, and impatient bus conductors.
The fact is that, if you don't leave your house before 6.00 am, especially for those going to the Island and Ikeja, you are assured not to get to work in time.
Usually Lagos expressways are either like race tracks when free or heavily crammed when there is traffic jam.
One captivating aspect of a typical day in Lagos is the mode of boarding buses.
Usually buses wouldn't ordinarily stop for passengers except at designated bus stops. But even at that designated stop, drivers of public transport buses seem to have a way of making alighting and boarding by passengers one of either jumping out or into the bus while it is still in motion.
This is part of the hurry state of things in Lagos. That is the reason you will find men and women dressed for work and other important occasions jumping buses and sometimes getting soaked before getting to work.
You can then begin to imagine what life is like when buses are scarce. A popular saying in Lagos is "there is no gentleman in Lagos". This is because everyone, whether old or young, man or woman, jumps buses in Lagos.
This haste also fosters unmentionable and embarassing behaviours related to otherwise normal bodily functions. To be sure, these things are a great spectacle to behold. Every Lagosian knows EXACTLY what I mean.
Lagosians are also always easily spotted when they visit other states or countries. The Lagosian is usually the one running after a bus. This spectacle has even been observed in western cities like London. An "occupational hazard" you might say - You can take the guy out of Lagos but you can't take Lagos out of the guy.
There are normally two rush hour periods in Lagos-mornings and evenings- afternoons are usually relatively free except for Ikeja, which has a hyper traffic jam situation, and the Island.
Another interesting thing about Lagos traffic jams is that it affords good drivers the opportunity to display their skills. Usually good drivers do little with their horn.
All they do is meander through any little space in between cars thereby displacing dull and gentle drivers. It has been said that if you can drive in Lagos, you can drive anywhere in the world.
Lagos traffic jams are therefore a haven of harassment from "molue" drivers, drivers of long vehicles and good drivers of other smaller buses or cars who usually have their way in the seemingly battle who will get out first.
A typical day in Lagos also showcases an array of latest vehicles in the world. You would usually see them at Ikeja and on the Island. That's where the banks and the oil companies are.
A day in Lagos is imcomplete without mention of the harassment from `Area Boys on either 
bus drivers or unsuspecting visitors to markets.
You can see them scanning the faces, looking for their victim. And if they decide you are the rich type, good luck to you, because they will sing your praises until you dropped something for them.
One more thing....these "area boys" are the first to leave their neighborhood to "work?" and most times the last to get home.
That is Lagos for you.
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