Is Nigeria a good place to live? Actually, the answer to this question depends on several factors and conditions which we will be explaining in this article.
If you are a foreigner and you are looking to move to Nigeria, of course, safety is the first thing that would come into your mind, and to be sure of the right and most approach answer to the question “Is Nigeria a good place to live?” kindly read this article carefully because after reading it, you would know for yourself if moving into Nigeria is a good option or not.
However, before we talk about the safety of Nigeria and if Nigeria is a good place to live or not, let us take a look at a brief history of Nigeria.
About Nigeria
Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, located in tropical West Africa.
It is also the world’s sixth most populated country.
It is bordered on the west by Benin, on the southeast by Cameroon, on the northeast by Chad, on the north by Niger, and on the south by the Gulf of Guinea.
While it is known for its people, it is also Africa’s largest oil producer and, since April 2014, the continent’s largest economy. Nigeria also has some of the most amazing talents in Africa from its movie industry (Nollywood) to musicians who are taking afrobeat across the world.
To the question, of whether Nigeria would be a safe place to live for you, it’s with a matter of different factors that you’ll find out this answer today.
Factors that Determine if Nigeria is a Good Place To Live?
Below are the factors that determine if Nigeria is a good place to live.
1. Security
Insecurity has increased in Nigeria in recent years, ranging from Boko Haram insurgency in the north to kidnappings and militancy in the oil-rich Niger Delta.
Religion, poverty, and criminality are all aspects that contribute to the country’s instability. The Nigerian government has launched a number of steps to address security concerns.
It’s critical to be aware of high-risk places and situations that might lead to unrest. Make sure you’re up to date on local news and your company’s security policies.
2. Healthcare
Nigeria has a poor healthcare system which makes it difficult for individuals to get the greatest medical treatment, and it’s no secret that Nigerians would rather fly overseas for treatment than improve the broken system crippled by the government.
In order to receive treatment in a government hospital, you must wait in lengthy, winding lines and pay in advance.
There are, nevertheless, a few private hospitals that are well-equipped. In order to acquire adequate medical care in Nigeria, proper health insurance is required.
3. Transport and Taxis Risk
When it comes to transportation, you should always take taxis or hire a driver to go about Nigeria. Buses, on the other hand, are trustworthy and can carry you to any region of the nation you choose to travel to, despite the dangers of probable roadblocks and passenger attacks. Even still, use extreme caution when traveling through Nigeria.
There are, however, private taxi drivers government by external bodies such as Bolt and Uber which are the most adopted transport systems in cities like Lagos.
4. Natural Disasters Risk
Each year, from May to September, Nigeria is pounded by intense tropical rains, which can result in flash floods. Floods are Nigeria’s most deadly natural calamity, and they have also wreaked havoc in the Niger Delta.
Farmers are seen losing their farm produce to floods. In many slum areas, Nigerians are seen losing their houses to floods due to the poor drainage system across the country.
5, Scam Rate
Of course, frauds exist in Nigeria so does in every other country. Therefore, double-check your change, never pay anything in cash, and always bargain ahead of time. Avoid ATMs at all costs during late hours, and be watchful of anyone attempting to divert you.
Avoid walking alone during late hours, especially in less exposed areas. Also, if you are taking a private taxi, remember to double-check that the plate number is the same as the one on your app to avoid following fraudsters.
6. Immigration
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Temporary Work Permit (TWP);
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Business visa;
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CERPAC (long-term work permit);
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ECOWAS permit.
Is Nigeria A Good Place To Live?
Yes, Nigeria is a good place to live. Nigeria has one of the largest megacities in Africa and the world. Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Calabar are all really good places foreigners can live in peace.
You wouldn’t need to fear any security measures as Nigerians are fond of treating whites differently from themselves. Find out more in our post about if Nigeria is safe for white tourists.
Is Nigeria Safe to Live?
You should be aware that many foreign governments advise against visiting Northern and Central Nigeria owing to ethnic strife, anarchy, and the presence of homicidal Islamist organizations like Boko Haram.
In a nutshell
Nigeria is a safe place to live. However, avoid some northern states where the level of insecurity has become severe. Abuja and Lagos are still peaceful places to live in Nigeria.
Why is Nigeria not a Good Place to Live?
Nigeria has the world’s greatest population of out-of-school children, as well as an ineffective healthcare system, bad governance, and insecurity. It has one of the highest rates of infant mortality in the world, a metric that is commonly used to assess the performance of healthcare systems.
How much do you need to live comfortably in Nigeria?
On average, the amount you need to live comfortably in Nigeria ranges from N1000 to a million naira. However, the minimum wage is far less than that which is why the rate of poverty is high in the country and the rate of unemployment is pathetic.
Conclusion
Nigeria is not a good place to live but then many people don’t have an option because it is their place of birth and they can’t afford to travel abroad.
From the governance to insecurity, bad road, and others, tourists are not advised to come to the country without travel insurance or some securities agencies for protection.
