Nigeria Abroad
Not everyone has a relocation plan. Others need time to figure that out—but for now they get to live in Nigeria and should do so in decent places. Disclaimer: All Nigerian cities are facing one issue or the other and a lot has gone wrong with the country generally. Yet, great Nigerian cities exist:
1. Abuja
Usually, praises come before criticisms but for the Federal Capital Territory, let’s start with the flaws: Abuja is quite expensive compared to other Nigerian cities. The standard of living is decent but overpriced, and there is scarcity of places to relax and cool off for low-income earners. Also, the classism is a little too much for people who don’t have health insurance and basic amenities.
But Abuja more than makes up for all its downsides with good roads, serene surroundings, and light traffic. If you are looking to work and still have a social life, this is the city for you. Another good thing about Abuja is that you can always find somewhere within your means to live.
2. Uyo
Part of Uyo’s biggest flex is that you can take an in-state vacation and feel like you traveled abroad. It’s a beautiful, clean city. The standard of living is a little higher than average, but the cost is worth it. There are also nice spots to hang out weekends after the week’s hustle and bustle.
3. Abakaliki
For those in love with a city that doesn’t sleep, Abakaliki isn’t the best option. However, you can have your night fun at the club or at the bar, so long as you have arranged your means of transportation beforehand. The good thing about the city is its serenity and the fact that transportation is quite cheap. There’s also an affordable standard of living in terms of food and other basic needs.
4. Ibadan
A lot of people having been moving to Ibadan recently, especially from Lagos, and you may wonder why. Ibadan is big, and this makes for easy traffic and prevents the city from getting rowdy. Enjoyment there doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. You can pay up your bills and have something left for hanging out with friends and indulging in one or two frivolities. If you are looking for a sane city with good vibes, you should consider this ancient Oyo city.
5. Enugu
If you are looking towards Southeastern Nigeria for a city with jaye energy and good outlook, Enugu is it. It has become quite expensive recently, especially regarding rent and other utility bills, but it’s nothing like Abuja. The traffic has been building up lately, but unless your commute takes you through Holy Ghost Bus Stop, you are cool. Generally, the merits outweigh the bad by a mile, so Enugu is a go ahead.
6. Calabar
The one thing that might annoy you about this city is how far everywhere is from everywhere. There will be times you will ask a taxi or Uber driver if he has changed his mind about taking you to your destination and has decided to just kidnap you. Also, standard of living is on the high side, although nothing compared to cities like Port Harcourt and Abuja. But you are compensated with a serene environment and, if you like hanging out on weekends, you have so many options here.
7. Lagos
I know you may, for many reasons, protest having Lagos on this list. Truth is that the things that push people away from Lagos don’t apply to everyone. If you work remotely or run an online business that doesn’t require your always being in traffic, this is a lively city to stay in and enjoy life. If you love a city that doesn’t sleep, Lagos is all yours. You can live on the Island or the Mainland, depending on which you can afford. Here’s the best part: Lagos’ fun is evenly distributed—call it social democracy if you will.
This story first appeared in Nigeria Abroad
