Nigeria is the largest country in Africa by population. The country has a population of over 227 million and one of the largest GDPs in Africa. Nigeria is the ‘giant of Africa’.
If you are interested in Living in Nigeria and would love to know some key facts about the country, then this article would help. I will go over 10 common questions people ask about Nigeria.
Keep reading to know more about the country.
Is Nigeria a peaceful country?
Nigeria is one of the most sophisticated nations on earth. There are over 371 ethnic groups in the country with just as many languages.
This diversity has its problems. And it affects the peace too.
Having said that, Nigeria is somewhat peaceful. To be clear, some parts of the country are rife with security challenges posed by terrorists, bandits, and separatists but some parts remain largely peaceful. For example, Nigeria’s commercial capital, Lagos, and its administrative capital, Abuja remain largely peaceful.
The government is tackling these security challenges and there is some law and order.
How much do you need to live comfortably in Nigeria?
Now this varies. Living in rural areas is cheaper than living in Urban areas like Lagos, and Abuja. To live comfortably in the rural area for a single individual you would need about N200,000 ($133) each month. The breakdown of your expenses is detailed below;
- Rent- N10,000
- Food- N45,000
- Transportation- N15,000- N36,000
- Electricity (Fuel for a generator)- N54,000
- Internet- N5,000
- Water- N10,000
- Domestic expenses (soap, toilet paper etc)- N20,000
- Miscellaneous- N20,000
To live comfortably in an Urban area, you can expect to spend more. It might cost about N479,000 ($319) The breakdown of monthly expenses is detailed below;
- Rent- N 50,000
- Food- N 135,000
- Transportation- N 135,000
- Electricity (Fuel for a generator)- N54,000
- Internet- N5,000
- Water, security bills- N15,000
- Domestic expenses (soap, toilet paper etc)- N25,000
- Miscellaneous- N60,000
Which state is the best state to live in Nigeria
Regarding socio-economic standards, Lagos and Abuja are the best states to live in. However, while Lagos provides enormous economic opportunities for anyone, the city is fast-paced and may not be suitable for everyone.
If you prefer a cleaner, slow-paced city, Abuja might be a better option for you.
Where does Nigeria rank in quality of life?
Nigeria ranks low on various quality-of-life indexes. Nigeria was ranked 157 out of 189 in the UNDP’s quality of life index. Over 71 million Nigerians live in extreme poverty.
What is considered disrespectful in Nigeria?
There are so many ethnic groups in Nigeria and each of them has their own unique culture. When you live in an urban area like Lagos, these cultures are confluent and people are more forgiving. You don’t need to walk on eggshells. But there are some general rules most Nigerians seem to agree with;
- Aged people have to be respected. You have to ensure that you are polite to older people in Nigeria because it is considered to be very important.
- Avoid giving anything to an adult with your left hand. It is rude to most Nigerians.
- Do not make eye contact with people who are older than you. You might come off as disrespectful.
Is Nigeria a rich or poor country?
Nigeria has the largest economy in Africa. Diverse natural resources are abundant such as oil, Tin, Natural gas, Coal, etc.
Nigeria also has an abundance of human resources as the most populous country in Africa.
However, the country has a string of challenges including poor education, corruption, weak security architecture, and Bad government policies.
These challenges have created a serious poverty and inequality problem in the country.
What are the challenges people face in Nigeria?
The challenges faced by Nigerians are so many. Some of them include;
- Insecurity
- Bad government policies
- Poverty
- Poor education system
- Poor healthcare system
- Massive corruption in Government
What are some common meals people eat in Nigeria?
Nigerians have some staples that almost everyone enjoys. Some of these dishes include;
- Jollof Rice
- Pounded Yam
- Akara
- Moi Moi
- Beans and Plantain
- Boiled white rice and stew
- Agege Bread
- Puff Puff
- Chin Chin
- Suya
- Eba
- Fufu
- Tuwo Shinkafa
Rice and Eba are the most consumed foods in Nigeria by far.
Where do most rich people live in Nigeria?
Rich Nigerians live in affluent neighbourhoods in Lagos and Abuja. Such neighbourhoods include;
- Lekki Phase 1, Lagos
- Banana Island, Ikoyi, Lagos
- Victoria Island, Lagos
- Asokoro, Abuja
- Maitama, Abuja
There are other exclusive neighbourhoods in various states across Nigeria but the areas above host some of the richest people in Nigeria.
Estates in these neighbourhoods are gated and usually have tight security because there is a high income inequality in Nigeria.
Are there billionaires in Nigeria?
Just like many other countries in the world, Nigeria has its share of billionaires.
Nigeria is home to billionaires like Aliko Dangote, Mike Adenuga, and Abdul Samad Rabiu
Wrapping up
Nigeria is not without its challenges but it remains a great country.
The country has great natural resources, a strong entertainment industry, great weather and tourist attractions.
I hope this article has been able to answer some burning questions you might have about the country. If you have other questions feel free to ask in the common section.