If you just moved to Lagos, or you’ve been living here for a while, chances are you have encountered one or two agberos during your daily commute.
Agbero is slang for street tout, young people who sit around minor and major roads doing menial jobs and any kind of “hustle.”
You can easily spot them when they’re gathered because the air will either be filled with cigarette smoke or chants of agba, egbon, etc.
So what should you do when you meet them on the street and they’re demanding money or other things from you? I made a list that can help.
Be Friendly
Agberos respond kindly to friendliness. Once they approach you, you might want to force a smile and pay them compliments (if you can). In essence, as they’re whining you, whine them back.
However, you also have to be careful. If you’re too friendly, they might take it as foolishness and want to forcefully take stuff from you. Keep your interactions as short as possible.
Channel Your Inner Streets
This sounds very cliché but when you’re faced with agberos making demands, you have to bring out whatever street you have inside you.
Drop your Queen’s English and speak to them in rapid and fluent Yoruba or Pidgin. If you can’t speak either of these well, then the Lord is your strength.
Stay Firm
For you to successfully avoid becoming a cash cow for agberos, you have to treat them firmly. Even if you’re afraid, you have to look confident.
You can tell them that you don’t have any money and promise that you’ll give them next time. That always works. If they perceive that you’re afraid, they will try to intimidate you more and can turn violent.
Don’t Ignore Them
Despite their economic situation, agberos are human beings and deserve to be heard. If you ignore them, they see it as disrespect and might want to harm you because of it. Even if you’re not paying attention, just pretend like you are.
Give Occasionally
Inasmuch as you need to be careful about them, you can also give them sometimes. Apart from the fact that giving is a great thing, they might also be of help in the future. You never know.
If you have the cash to spare, you can give them at intervals, that way, you’ll build a rapport with them.
While you’re looking to apply my advice, don’t forget to stay safe and avoid confrontation because everything is easier said than done. Deescalate situations as fast as you can and don’t try to be a hero, there are people who love you at home.
We hold a biweekly Twitter Space on Saturday mornings called Hacking Lagos to talk about Lagos and how you can navigate life in the city that never sleeps. Don’t miss it.