As persistent rainfall continues across Lagos, many residents are ditching conventional umbrellas in favour of affordable nylon raincoats, citing convenience, better protection and rising living costs.
A survey by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) found that motorcyclists, traders, commuters, schoolchildren and office workers are increasingly opting for raincoats as a practical alternative during the rainy season.
Many residents said nylon raincoats provide better body coverage, are easier to carry, and are less likely to be misplaced than umbrellas. They also noted that the economic situation has made the cheaper option more appealing.
An undergraduate, Joshua Okoh, said raincoats allow for easier movement during heavy downpours. According to him, lightweight raincoats sell for between ₦500 and ₦1,000, while thicker varieties cost between ₦2,500 and ₦3,000.
Frozen food trader Abdullateef Halifax said she prefers raincoats because they protect both her hair and clothing, unlike umbrellas that often leave the lower body exposed to rain.
Similarly, Computer Village phone repairer Ibrahim Sulaiman said the rising cost of umbrellas has pushed many people toward nylon raincoats, which remain more affordable.
A drinks seller in Apapa, Blessing Addo, observed that raincoats, once seen as attire for low-income earners, are now widely embraced by bankers, civil servants and other professionals because of their convenience. She added that nylon raincoats, which sold for about ₦200 last year, now cost between ₦500 and ₦1,000.
Another resident, Kehinde Wale, also attributed the growing preference for raincoats to the increasing price of umbrellas.
The trend reflects changing consumer behaviour as Lagos residents seek more cost-effective and practical ways to cope with the state’s intensified rainy season.