Lagos has a deep tradition of giving — to family, church, mosque and neighbours — and a growing range of organisations to volunteer with. Done well, it helps. Done carelessly, it feeds fake appeals.
Check the organisation
Non-profits in Nigeria register with the Corporate Affairs Commission as incorporated trustees. Before you give money:
Fake appeals
Appeals on social media for urgent medical bills, school fees or disaster relief are often genuine and sometimes not. Give to verified fundraisers, pay hospitals or schools directly where you can, and be wary of pressure to give now.
Giving things away
Clothes, books, furniture and household goods are welcome at orphanages, schools, churches, mosques and community centres. Ask first what they need; an unwanted donation is a burden. Many estates and community groups run collection drives.
Volunteering
- Skills are often more useful than hours: teaching, accounting, design, medicine, legal help.
- Commit to what you can sustain. An organisation plans around volunteers who keep coming.
- Working with children: expect, and welcome, checks on your identity.
Giving in emergencies
After a flood or a building collapse, the state’s emergency agency coordinates relief. Give through it or through established organisations working with it, rather than turning up with goods.