These step – by – step guide will highlight a few key elements of a typical Nigerian life, which will help you get a closer glimpse of what it feels like living in Nigeria.

Nigerian Major Languages

Nigeria is one of the most linguistically diverse countries in the world, with over 525 native languages spoken.

However, the official language is English – which is the language of former colonial British Nigeria, but it is spoken less frequently in rural areas and amongst people with lower education levels.

Nigerian English and Nigerian Pidgin are the second languages of around 100 million Nigerian citizens.

There are 3 major native languages that are spoken throughout the country. They are are: Hausa (spoken by over 80 million Nigerians), Yoruba (spoken by over 50 million Nigerians), Igbo (spoken by over 30 million Nigerians).

Other common languages includes: Efik-Ibibio cluster (over 15 million), Fulfulde (13 million), Kanuri (8 million), Tiv (5 million), Nupe (3 million) and approx. 2 to 3 million each of Karai-Karai Kupa, Kakanda, Edo, Igala, Idoma and Izon.

Hausa is spoken mainly in the north of Nigeria, whereas Yoruba is spoken mainly in the west of Nigeria, and Igbo is spoken mainly by the Eastern part of Nigeria.

As a visitor you will be able to get by speaking English but you may also benefit from learning some words or phrases in Hausa, Yoruba or Igbo depending on the cities and areas of the country you are visiting.

Nigerian Food

Nigerian cuisine consists of a variety of dishes, foods and ingredients from the many ethnic groups throughout Nigeria. If you have ever been to a Nigerian restaurant or eaten at your Nigerian friend’s house, you will probably have had Jollof Rice or Iyan (Pounded yam).

Most Nigerian dishes are packed full of flavour and spices. While Jollof Rice is eaten all over Nigeria there are other dishes like Suya that you are more likely to find on the plates of the Hausa people of Northern Nigeria.

Other popular Nigerian dishes and food items include Egusi Soup, Garri, Akara, Moi Moi, Pepper Soup, Ewa Agoyi (cooked mashed beans with a pepper sauce) and Kilishi, a delicacy similar to beef jerky.

Nigerian Holidays

Nigerians love to celebrate and tradition is an important part of everyday life for people of all ages. As a result there are several public holidays celebrated across the country. There are public holidays linked to religion such as Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Good Friday, Mawlid, and Easter Monday.

There are also public holidays linked to national pride such as National Day, which commemorates Nigerian Independence on 1st of October, and Democracy Day, on 12th of June.

On the 1st of May Nigerians celebrate Workers’ Day and on the 27th of May they celebrate Children’s Day. All the holidays are celebrated in unique ways and for many of the larger national holidays families will gather, traditional Nigerian dishes will be served and dancing will ensue.

Where to live in Nigeria

If you are thinking of living in Nigeria there is a lot to consider. Are you looking for peace and tranquility? Or do you want to be based in a bustling metropolis? You can have it all in Nigeria.

If you want to live in a city that is safe, has lots of job opportunities and a thriving cultural scene you want to live in Lagos or Calabar or Abuja. On the other hand if you are looking for a quieter life, where you will still have access to all the conveniences of a city, then you may prefer Osun, Ibadan or Ilorin.

Your decision will depend on your personal and professional circumstances so it is important you do some research before making a move. The large economic centres like Lago, Kano or Onitsha are great for young business people whereas Enugu or Kwara may be more your speed if you are looking to relax.

Working in Nigeria

There are a wide variety of thriving industries throughout Nigeria that offer plenty of job opportunities for all kinds of people.

In 2021, a person working in Nigeria typically earns approximately 339,000 NGN per month which is equivalent to 616 GBP. To put this in perspective, the average cost of living in Nigeria for a single person per month is around 218,250 NGN which is 56% less expensive than the cost of living in London.

It is easier than ever to be financially secure in Nigeria and the banking sector in Nigeria is also growing to accommodate more and more people every year.

Nigeria, being one of the largest economies in Africa, is welcoming to skilled workers from overseas. In 2021, the Nigerian tech and communication sector is booming and looks set for expansion throughout the decade.

With healthy banking, agricultural, construction, consumer goods and entertainment industries, working in Nigeria has never been easier or more rewarding, especially if you are a skilled worker based in one of Nigeria’s large cities like Lagos, Ibadan, Kano, Benin City or Port Harcourt.

Nigerian Currency

The currency of Nigeria is the Naira. The naira that is currently used was introduced in the 1970s and is one of Africa’s strongest and most stable currencies. The currency is controlled by the Central Bank of Nigeria and is printed and minted by the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company Limited.

The Naira is recognized by the sign: ₦, and by the international currency code NGN. The name for the Nigerian currency, “naira” was coined by Chief Obamfemi Awolowo who was Nigeria’s Federal Commissioner for Finance from 1967 to 1971.

Getting a Nigerian Visa

The Visa application process will depend on the country from which you are applying. Similarly, the process will depend on whether you are applying for a tourist/visitor visa, a business visa or a temporary work permit.

To learn more visit the official website of the Nigeria Immigration Service for detailed visa application guidelines.

Included on their site is a list of Embassy visa fees for every country, for example for a single entry visa from Denmark you would need to pay $88 whereas for a single entry visa from the UK you would need to pay the equivalent of $144.

During the pandemic the travelling and entry process in Nigeria has been disrupted. Currently, the UK government recommends that you get a valid visa before travelling although some business travellers may be eligible to apply for a visa on arrival.

Generally, the visa process is not difficult or especially lengthy because Nigeria is one of the largest trading, industry and tourist hubs within Africa. If you have a Nigerian residence permit (CERPAC or Green Card) you don’t need a visa.

Sending Money to Nigeria

Now you know more about Nigeria you may be ready to start sending money to family and friends based in the country.

There are several international money transfer service companies, approved by the CBN – that can help millions of people all around the world send and receive money across borders.

To help you make a quicker decision, here are some of the most popular:

• Wise (formerly transferwise)
• Small World fs
• World Remit
• Western Union Money Transfer
• Money Gram
• Ria Money Transfer
• Boss Resolution

Summary: A Complete Guide to Living In Nigeria

This is in no way a comprehensive guide to living in Nigeria, but it will surely get you started on the basic knowledge about moving to or living in this great country.

This article is updated regularly, to keep up to date with the latest information about Nigeria, so feel free to check back to this page for an updated version.

Traffic congestion costs the economy of Lagos billions of naira daily.

Due to an unmet demand for traffic, it faces a major obstacle in the suppressed productivity of its residents and skilled labour force caused by constant traffic and poor road networks.

The 6.39 million employed in Lagos spend an average of 2.21 hours in traffic daily losing the equivalent of N1,1180 per hour in wages or N17m daily, according to Danne Institute for Research.

Long commutes between where Lagosians live and work are the cause of unending traffic jams. Every day 8 million people move about in five million cars on a network of 9,204 roads between the mainland and the island in Nigeria’s smallest state in terms of landmass.

Federick Oladehinde, the former Commissioner for Transportation, Lagos State said that Lagos residents and businesses are struggling with productivity due to issues related to mobility which is limiting the economic prospects of the state, adding that half of the people in Lagos state spend approximately 40 percent of their income on transport-related expenses.

Here are 10 tips on how to survive and deal with Lagos Traffic:

How to Survive Lagos Traffic in 2025

I. Make sure to leave home early 

This is how the traffic has defined the life of many Lagosians. The routine is to leave early and arrive late to avoid and survive the gridlock. I would advise you to set and be halfway through your destination before 6:30 AM or before 5:30 PM in the Evening.

II. Always listen to Lagos traffic radio programs

The Lagos State Government on May 29, 2012, launched the Lagos Traffic Radio 96.1 FM to give Lagosians situation reports on traffic.

It offers information on alternative routes and locations where the gridlock is worse. They work in conjunction with the Lagos State Road Maintenance Agency (LASMA) and it is a reliable platform to get traffic information.

A great tip is to always keep up to date with popular social events that happen in areas you are driving to each day.

For example, People living around the Ojodu Berger area always prepare for heavy traffic caused by the Mountain of Fire Ministry (MFM) and the Redeem Christian Church of God (RCCG) Church on a Specific Friday of every month that makes the Lagos Ibadan Expressway traffic gets blocked.

Then the Access Bank Annual Marathon in Victoria Island /Ikoyi Route must also be noted by people going to the Island on such a period that Saturday morning.

III. Plan to live closer to your workplace

If you can afford to rent a house or apartment closer to your office, where you work daily or spend a huge chunk of your time. It will reduce the daily stress of long hold-ups daily.

IV. Always wind up your car windows 

This is a safety tip to ward off the popular snatch-and-run thieves. Lagos traffic jams are the perfect cover for a lot of pickpockets who pretend to be beggars or street hawkers.

V. Turn Traffic Time into Learning Time

If you are not driving, this is a perfect time to read books and learn new skills via an online course. For those driving you can listen to audiobooks, YouTube, and podcasts on Learning New knowledge online.

VI. You don’t always need to drive

Most times, deciding to take public transport on some occasions is one of the best ways you can beat the Lagos traffic. For example, those who have the luxury of BRT buses around where they reside can decide to use those buses which gives some level of comfort at the same time.

Taking the seaways like boat rides to the Ikorodu axis or from CMS to the Mainland axis etc Make sure you have your life Jacket on for safety purposes on Boat rides.

Taking Uber or Bolt is another viable option for those who can afford it. To reduce the fare, you can decide to order Uber jointly with your colleagues at the office and share the bills collectively to reduce costs individually.

You can also take the train – for a more comfortable and faster commute. For movement within Lagos, you can use the Lagos Rail Mass Transit – which includes the Blue Line, Purple Line, Green Line, Orange Line, Yellow Line, and the Red Line. Each of these rail lines services different locations. Click here to see which one going your way. Alternatively, if you’re going outside the Lagos-Ibadan axis, then you can take the NRC Lagos-Ibadan train service.

VII. Get insights from Google Map

Google Maps gives you a bird’s-eye view of the current traffic build-up along your route. This is very important, because it gives you the luxery of knowing the times of day and week when traffic is at its peak – thereby helping you plan your movement the right way.

VIII. Monitor the traffic situation on social media 

There are some Twitter handles like LagosTrafficReport – that provide authentic Lagos traffic updates daily, follow them, and monitor their tweets religiously. With these updates, you can map out your routes. Other accounts include: LASTMA and Lagos Traffic Radio 96.1 FM

IX. Shake your head to the melodious tune of your music player

When you’re stuck in Lagos traffic, staring at the unending line of vehicles in front of you to move forward, you can always occupy your mind with music while you wait. Great music will soothe you and reduce the mental stress you go through in traffic.

X. Make use of Tech when necessary

Since after the Covid, a lot of offices started implemeting the work from home program. And not just offices, even churches, seminars, and conferences now has the option of people joining online if they can’t physically be available.

So, to save you a lot of traffic wahala, and especially if your physical presence is not needed, first check if your office can give your the grace of working some days from home, and for churches, seminars, workshops, etc – also check if there’s an option of joining from home.

Final Thoughts

Navigating Lagos traffic can sometimes be scary and tiresome. But with some thoughtful strategy and plans, you can successfully survive and deal with the traffic situations to some extent. And you can get started today by trying any of the 10 tips listed above.

Credit: This post was first published by Dr. Laide Okubena - A Real Estate consultant in Lagos State.