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Digital Nomad Guide to Nigeria | Digital Nomad Exchange
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Lagos, Nigeria

Digital Nomad Life in Nigeria

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Summary: Nigeria is becoming an increasingly popular destination for digital nomads. The most popular cities for digital nomads in Nigeria are Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. Digital nomads like living in Nigeria because of its vibrant culture, low cost of living, and access to a wide range of activities. A digital nomad in Nigeria can live on a monthly budget of around $1,000 to $1,500. This budget can cover accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment. The culture of Nigeria is diverse and vibrant. It is a mix of traditional African cultures, as well as influences from the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas. Nigeria is known for its music, art, and cuisine, and is a great place to experience the culture of West Africa.

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How do I meet people in Nigeria?

When we asked people living in Nigeria about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"Expats in Nigeria often join clubs and activities such as golf, tennis, and sailing. Expats can also join local book clubs, art classes, and language classes. Additionally, expats can meet people by attending local events such as festivals, concerts, and art exhibitions. Expats can also meet people by attending networking events, joining online forums, and attending meetups," remarked one member in Nigeria.

What is life like in Nigeria?

When we asked people living in Nigeria what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Nigeria can be both exciting and challenging. The country offers a vibrant culture, friendly people, and a wide range of activities to explore. Expats and digital nomads can find a variety of accommodation options, from luxury apartments to more affordable guesthouses. The cost of living in Nigeria is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget. The country also offers a wide range of job opportunities, from freelance work to full-time positions. Despite the many advantages, expats and digital nomads should be aware of the security risks in Nigeria, as crime rates are high in some areas," said one person in Nigeria.

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William Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

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Where should I live in Nigeria?

We asked digital nomads and expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"One way to find a place to live in Nigeria is to search online for rental listings. Websites such as Jumia House, ToLet, and Private Property Nigeria are great resources for finding available properties in Nigeria. Additionally, you can also search for rental listings on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. Additionally, you can also ask friends and family who live in Nigeria for recommendations. Finally, you can also contact local real estate agents who can help you find a suitable place to live," said one expat in Nigeria.

What do I need to know before moving to Nigeria?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Nigeria, they said:

"1. Expats should research the cost of living in Nigeria before retiring, as prices can vary significantly depending on the city and region. 2. It is important to understand the local laws and regulations, as well as the cultural norms, before retiring in Nigeria. 3. Expats should also consider the availability of healthcare and medical facilities in the area they plan to retire in. 4. It is important to ensure that all necessary documents, such as visas and residence permits, are in order before retiring in Nigeria. 5. Expats should also research the security situation in the area they plan to retire in, as crime rates can vary significantly across the country. 6. Expats should also consider the availability of amenities such as banks, supermarkets, and other services before retiring in Nigeria. 7. Finally, expats should ensure that they have a reliable source of income before retiring in Nigeria," said one person in Nigeria.

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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

William RussellWilliam Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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What do people appreciate most about the culture in Nigeria?

"Expats in Nigeria appreciate the warm hospitality of the local people, the vibrant culture and the diverse range of activities available. They also enjoy the delicious local cuisine, the vibrant music and dance, and the beautiful landscapes. Additionally, they appreciate the strong sense of community and the strong family values that are so important in Nigerian culture," said one person in Nigeria.

William Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

Learn MoreGet Quote

William Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

Learn MoreGet Quote

What do people find most challenging about the culture in Nigeria?

"Expats in Nigeria often find the local culture to be quite different from what they are used to, which can be challenging. The language barrier can be difficult to overcome, as English is not widely spoken in many parts of the country. Additionally, the local customs and traditions can be difficult to understand and navigate, as they are often quite different from those of the expat's home country. Furthermore, the climate can be difficult to adjust to, as temperatures can be quite extreme in certain parts of the country. Finally, the infrastructure in Nigeria can be unreliable, making it difficult to get around and access basic services," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Nigeria.

"The electricity was cut off for a month and a half. Also a week without water! Malaria and fear to go out at night. Security problems and I have to be back home at 10. One day a bomb explosion rocked my window," explained one person living in Abuja, Nigeria.

What residency documents or visas did I need if I will be in Nigeria for a while?

"If you plan to stay in Nigeria for a while, you will need to obtain a valid Nigerian visa. Depending on the length of your stay, you may need to apply for a long-term visa, such as a work visa, student visa, or residence permit. You will also need to provide proof of identity, such as a passport, and other documents, such as a letter of invitation from a Nigerian host or sponsor. Additionally, you may need to provide proof of financial resources, such as a bank statement, and a valid return ticket," remarked one member in Nigeria.

What cultural blunders should I try to avoid making in Nigeria?

We asked people in Nigeria if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. They wrote:

"It is important to be mindful of cultural differences when visiting Nigeria. It is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions, and to dress modestly. It is also important to be aware of the local language and to avoid making assumptions about people based on their ethnicity or religion. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the local etiquette when it comes to greetings and interactions with people. It is also important to be aware of the local laws and to avoid engaging in activities that are illegal in Nigeria," said one person in Nigeria.

William RussellWilliam Russell
Get Quote

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

William RussellWilliam Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

What are healthcare services like in Nigeria?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Nigeria, they replied:

"Nigeria's healthcare system is composed of both public and private services. Public healthcare services are provided by the government and are generally of lower quality than private services. The public healthcare system is largely underfunded and understaffed, leading to inadequate access to basic healthcare services. Foreign residents have limited access to the public healthcare system, as it is primarily intended for Nigerian citizens. Expats in Nigeria typically use private healthcare services, which are of higher quality than the public system. Private healthcare services are often more expensive than public services, but they provide more comprehensive care and better access to specialized treatments," said a member in Nigeria.

William RussellWilliam Russell
Get Quote

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

William RussellWilliam Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

What are the pros and cons of living in Nigeria?

"Expats and digital nomads often appreciate the vibrant culture and friendly people of Nigeria. They also enjoy the country's diverse cuisine, which is a mix of African, European, and Middle Eastern flavors. Additionally, the cost of living in Nigeria is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget. On the other hand, expats and digital nomads may find the infrastructure in Nigeria to be lacking, with unreliable electricity and internet connections. Additionally, the security situation in some parts of the country can be concerning, and the healthcare system is not always up to international standards," said one member in Nigeria.

William RussellWilliam Russell
Get Quote

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

William RussellWilliam Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and serves as Co-President of Expat Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

William Russell
William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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William RussellWilliam Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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Lagos, Nigeria
William Russell
William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

William RussellWilliam Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

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