English, Pidgin, Yoruba
Nigerian English is the default in every hotel, restaurant, mall, office and Bolt in Lekki. The accent is distinct and the vocabulary has local twists ("go-slow" for traffic jam, "drop" for taxi ride, "take-away" for takeout) but you will be understood and understand back within a day. Signage, menus and receipts are all English. You do not need to learn any other language to have a smooth trip.
Nigerian Pidgin is the lingua franca of casual life — market traders, danfo conductors, security guards, tradespeople. Learning 10 phrases ("How far?" for hello, "I dey come" for I’m on my way, "How much be this?" for what's the price, "Abeg" for please) will change how people respond to you from tolerant to warm. Yoruba is the indigenous language of Lagos and you’ll hear it constantly, especially from older residents.
Small phrases with big returns
"E kaaro" (good morning), "E kaasan" (good afternoon) and "E kaale" (good evening) in Yoruba get smiles from anyone over 40. "O se" means thank you. "Bawo ni?" is how are you. Nobody expects tourists to speak Yoruba, so any attempt lands well. Do not attempt Igbo or Hausa unless you know your audience — Lekki is majority Yoruba territory.
Reading the room: Nigerians often speak loudly and directly and it is not aggression. Interrupting is normal in group conversation. Prices are negotiable in markets and firm in shops. "I’m coming" often means "I acknowledge you and will address this later" not "I am literally walking toward you now." "Just now" can mean anytime in the next hour. Adjust your expectations of urgency downward and you’ll be much happier.
Bon à savoir
Do I need a translator or guide who speaks Yoruba?+
No. Every service you’ll use as a tourist operates in English. A guide is worth hiring for Lekki Market or Balogun Market for negotiation help, not translation.
Will people understand my accent?+
Yes. Lagos hears every accent daily — British, American, French, Chinese, Lebanese, Indian. Speak at normal speed. If you hit a wall, slow down slightly and rephrase; don’t shout.