Which City in Nigeria is Best for Foreigners?

Which City in Nigeria is Best for Foreigners?

Are you thinking about moving to Nigeria but unsure where to settle?

Meet Mark, an adventurous entrepreneur from the UK. He fell in love with Nigeria's culture, energy, and business opportunities.

But before packing his bags, he had one big question: Which city is best for foreigners?

Like Mark, thousands of expats move to Nigeria yearly for work, business, or adventure.

In fact, Lagos alone hosts over 250,000 foreigners from different countries. But while some cities are welcoming and full of opportunities, others can be overwhelming for newcomers.

So, where should you live as a foreigner in Nigeria? Let’s break it down!

What You Will Learn

• The best cities in Nigeria for foreigners and why

• Cost of living comparisons

• Safety, job opportunities, and lifestyle options

• Common challenges and how to overcome them

• Real stories from expats living in Nigeria

Table of Contents

1. Best Cities in Nigeria for Foreigners

2. Cost of Living Comparison

3. Where Do Most Foreigners Live in Nigeria?

4. Best Nigerian States for Making Money

5. Cheapest Cities in Nigeria

6. Cities with the Most Job Opportunities

7. Most Expensive Cities in Nigeria

8. Challenges of Living in Nigeria as a Foreigner

9. Frequently Asked Questions

10. Conclusion

    
    

Best Cities in Nigeria for Foreigners

Here’s the truth…

Not all Nigerian cities are foreigner-friendly. Some have better infrastructure, security, and job opportunities than others. Here are the top picks:

1. Lagos – The economic hub of Nigeria. Ideal for business, jobs, and entertainment.

2. Abuja – The capital city. Clean, secure, and perfect for diplomats and professionals.

3. Port Harcourt – Known for oil and gas jobs and expatriate communities.

4. Calabar – Peaceful, beautiful, and great for tourism and relaxation.

5. Ibadan – Affordable and fast-growing, with good business opportunities.

   
   

Cost of Living Comparison

The cost of living varies widely across Nigerian cities.

Here’s a rough breakdown:

• Lagos – High rent, expensive food, and traffic stress, but great job opportunities.

• Abuja – Costly but highly organized and secure.

• Port Harcourt – Mid-range cost with an oil industry advantage.

• Calabar & Ibadan – Affordable housing and living expenses.

If you’re on a budget, Ibadan or Calabar might be better than Lagos or Abuja.

Where Do Most Foreigners Live in Nigeria?

Lagos and Abuja have the highest concentration of foreigners. Places like Ikoyi, Victoria Island, and Lekki in Lagos are expat hotspots.

Best Nigerian States for Making Money

If your goal is to make serious money, focus on these cities:

• Lagos – Business, finance, tech, and entertainment thrive here.

• Abuja – Government contracts, real estate, and consulting opportunities.

• Port Harcourt – Oil and gas dominate the economy.

• Kano & Kaduna – Manufacturing and trade hubs in Northern Nigeria.

Cheapest Cities in Nigeria

If you want to live affordably, consider:

• Ibadan – Low rent and food costs.

• Abeokuta – Peaceful and cost-effective.

• Enugu – Good infrastructure at a reasonable price.

Cities with the Most Job Opportunities

Looking for work? The cities with the highest job opportunities include:

• Lagos – Tech, finance, marketing, and business development.

• Abuja – Government and corporate jobs.

• Port Harcourt – Oil and gas sector.

• Kano – Agriculture and manufacturing.

Most Expensive Cities in Nigeria

Some Nigerian cities are insanely expensive for rent, food, and lifestyle. The top three are:

1. Lagos – Costliest in terms of rent and transportation.

2. Abuja – High living expenses, especially in Maitama and Asokoro.

3. Port Harcourt – Expensive due to the oil economy.

   
   

Challenges of Living in Nigeria as a Foreigner

• Traffic – Lagos has one of the worst traffic situations in Africa.

• Power Supply Issues – Most places rely on generators.

• Cultural Differences – Adjusting to Nigerian culture takes time.

• Security Concerns – Some areas have safety issues.

But don’t worry—many expats love Nigeria despite these challenges!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do foreigners live in Nigeria?

Most expats live in Lagos (Ikoyi, VI, Lekki) or Abuja (Maitama, Asokoro).

Which state in Nigeria is best for making money?

Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt offer the best income opportunities.

What are the best cities to start life in Nigeria?

Lagos, Abuja, and Ibadan are great for starting fresh.

Which state in Nigeria has the highest job opportunities?

Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt lead in job creation.

Which state is the cheapest to live in Nigeria?

Ibadan, Abeokuta, and Enugu are among the most affordable.

Which state is the most expensive to live in Nigeria?

Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt top the list.

Conclusion

If you’re a foreigner thinking about moving to Nigeria, Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt are your best bets for business and job opportunities.

However, if affordability matters more, Ibadan, Enugu, and Calabar offer a lower cost of living.

Want to start life in Nigeria but don’t know where to begin?

IBIFoundry can help you settle in, start a business, and connect with the right people.

Which city in Nigeria do you think is best for foreigners? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

Simon Taki Zaku

Founder, CEO, IbiFoundry Limited

For the IbiFoundry.com.ng E-magazine.