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Pros and Cons of Living in Nigeria | Expat Exchange
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Lagos, Nigeria

Pros and Cons of Living in Nigeria

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Last updated on Jan 01, 2024

Summary: The pros of living in Nigeria include the vibrant culture, the friendly people, the diverse cuisine, and the abundance of natural resources. On the other hand, the cons of living in Nigeria include the high levels of poverty, the lack of access to basic services such as healthcare and education, the high crime rate, and the political instability.

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What are the pros and cons of living in Nigeria?

Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Nigeria responded:

"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," explained one expat living in Nigeria.

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What do expats in Nigeria appreciate most about the local culture?

"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," explained one expat living in Nigeria.

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What do expats find most challenging?

"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," replied an expat in Abuja.

"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 in Nigeria.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat 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.

Lagos, Nigeria

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