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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Culture & Society

Lagos residents ditch umbrellas for nylon raincoats as rainfall intensifies

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Lagos residents are increasingly opting for nylon raincoats over traditional umbrellas due to convenience and affordability.
  • The shift is driven by the rising cost of umbrellas and the practical benefits of raincoats, especially for commuters and those frequently moving.
  • Raincoats offer better body coverage and are seen as a less stressful, more economical alternative in the current economic climate.

As rainfall intensifies in Lagos, a noticeable trend has emerged: residents are increasingly abandoning umbrellas in favor of nylon raincoats. This shift is attributed to the perceived convenience and affordability of raincoats, making them a popular choice among motorcyclists, schoolchildren, traders, public servants, and commuters.

Using a raincoat reduces stress, and it is affordable.

— Adedipe MuhammedA public servant explains the practical and financial benefits of choosing raincoats over umbrellas.

Many residents cited the rising cost of goods in the current economic situation as a primary factor influencing their choices. Nylon raincoats are generally cheaper than even the least expensive umbrellas. Mr. Adedipe Muhammed, a public servant, noted that raincoats provide better body coverage than umbrellas and eliminate the hassle of carrying an extra item. He also pointed out that raincoats reduce the risk of forgetting them in vehicles or public spaces, adding, "Using a raincoat reduces stress, and it is affordable."

A raincoat is easier to move around with. I just wear it, and I am good to go.

— Joshua OkohAn undergraduate student highlights the convenience and ease of use of raincoats for daily commuting.

For individuals like undergraduate Joshua Okoh, who navigates the city frequently, the portability of raincoats is a major advantage. "A raincoat is easier to move around with. I just wear it, and I am good to go," he explained, highlighting the freedom of movement and better protection compared to umbrellas. Prices for raincoats vary, with light ones costing between ₦500 and ₦1,000, and thicker ones ranging from ₦2,500 to ₦3,000.

Raincoats are actually cheaper than umbrellas, so I prefer the cheaper and more protective alternative.

— Miss Abdullateef HalifaxA frozen foods seller explains her preference for raincoats due to cost and better protection.

Traders like Miss Abdullateef Halifax also prefer raincoats for their superior protection, especially for personal items like hair, and better overall body coverage compared to umbrellas, which can leave the lower body exposed. Ibrahim Sulaiman, a phone repairer, added that umbrellas are easily misplaced and have become more expensive, making nylon raincoats a more accessible option for the average person. The trend also reflects a change in perception, as raincoats, once less common among professionals, are now preferred by bankers and government workers for their practicality.

The price of umbrellas has increased, so the nylon raincoat is more affordable for the common man.

— Ibrahim SulaimanA phone repairer comments on the economic factors driving the preference for raincoats.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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