Lagos Residents Choosing Nylon Raincoats Over Umbrellas as Rainfall Increases

As the rain gets heavier in Lagos State, many people are dropping their regular umbrellas for nylon raincoats. They say raincoats are easier to use and cheaper.

This shift to raincoats is clear among motorcyclists, schoolchildren, traders, public workers, commuters, and other Lagos residents.

Some residents told the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday that they want a more affordable way to stay dry.

Mr Adedipe Muhammed, a public servant, said raincoats cover the body better than umbrellas. He also pointed out that raincoats are easier to carry.

He mentioned that nylon raincoats cost less than even the cheapest umbrellas.

Muhammed added that wearing a raincoat means no more forgetting an umbrella in a bus or somewhere else.

He said, "Using a raincoat reduces stress, and it is affordable."

Mr Joshua Okoh, an undergraduate from Ojo Barracks, also prefers raincoats. He finds umbrellas inconvenient because he moves around a lot in the city.

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

Okoh said that with a raincoat, he can move quickly and stay protected better than with an umbrella.

He noted that raincoat prices depend on their quality and thickness. "The light ones cost between ₦500 and ₦1,000, while thick ones go for between ₦2,500 and ₦3,000."

He shared that he likes wearing raincoats for their convenience and better protection against heavy rain. Many prefer raincoats over umbrellas because they are cheaper and easier to handle during rainfall.

Miss Abdullateef Halifax, who sells frozen foods at Iyana Ipaja, also prefers raincoats. She believes they protect her hair and cover her body better than umbrellas, which leave her legs exposed.

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

Mr Ibrahim Sulaiman, a phone repairer at Computer Village, Ikeja, said he also likes raincoats because umbrellas can be easily lost. He pointed out that nylon raincoats are budget-friendly.

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

Mrs Blessing Addo, who sells carbonated drinks at Apapa, shared that she uses a nylon raincoat because it easily folds up and fits in her bag.

She observed that in the past, “white-collar and executive workers” rarely wore raincoats.

"Today, bankers and government workers in official attire prefer to use nylon raincoats. They no longer see them as something meant for low-class people."

She added, "There is no shame in wearing them because they are actually more convenient."

According to her, a nylon raincoat cost ₦200 last year but now sells for between ₦500 and ₦1,000.

Mrs Kehinde Wale also noted that umbrellas have become too costly, pushing more people to choose raincoats, especially nylon ones.

NAN reports that umbrellas were first made in ancient civilisations as sunshades before being adapted for rain protection in Europe. Over time, they became popular for both sun and rain protection, though many cheap umbrellas today are not very durable in heavy rain and strong winds.