How To Survive in Nigeria
Living in Nigeria comes with its unique challenges and rewards. Whether you’re a local trying to navigate daily life or a foreigner adapting to the culture, this guide will help you survive in Nigeria — and even thrive — in Nigeria.
Part 1: Staying Safe and Aware
1. Stay informed about your area.
One of the strategies to survive in Nigeria is to know about your community. To be aware of the things you should do and those that you should not do. But how can you make friends in your community?
One strategy is to make friends with your neighbour or someone in the community. But when making friends make sure that they are good people.
If there’s any local news, or X ,( twitter ) in the area subscribe to one of them, so as to get the latest information about the area.
Subscribe to local news channels, community WhatsApp groups, or use X (Twitter) for real-time updates about your city or region. Although not all areas that have community news.
2. Avoid high-risk areas, especially at night.
Nigeria is a vibrant and beautiful country, but like many places around the world, it has areas where safety can be a concern.
To protect yourself, it is important to exercise caution and stay aware of your surroundings—particularly at night[1].
Criminal activities do occur in certain areas, putting innocent people at risk. One of the most effective ways to stay safe is to avoid moving around late at night.
If you’ve been warned about a community being unsafe, it’s best to steer clear of that area entirely.
In my neighborhood, for example, there is a well-known location where many people have been robbed after dark.
It is common knowledge that those who pass through there late at night are likely to be targeted and lose their belongings.
While it may not be possible to know every dangerous area, there are warning signs to look out for. If a street or neighborhood appears unusually quiet or deserted—especially at night—it’s advisable to avoid it.
Instead, stick to routes and public spaces where there is regular foot traffic. Criminals are far less likely to act in areas with many people around. Don’t ignore this technique to survive in Nigeria.
Your personal safety should always be a priority. Being alert and making smart choices can go a long way in keeping you safe.
3. Be cautious with police and security personnel.
The Nigerian police and other security agencies are working hard to maintain law and order across the country.
When you encounter any of them—whether it’s the police, private security guards, or neighborhood watch groups—always remain calm, polite, and respectful.
However, it’s important to be aware that some officers may engage in unprofessional behavior, such as asking for money without cause.
If this happens, do not feel pressured to comply. You are not obligated to give anyone money unless you are willing to do so voluntarily.
To avoid unnecessary attention or suspicion, avoid dressing in a way that may be associated with criminal activity—especially when walking late at night or in unfamiliar areas.
Always know your rights and act responsibly. If you’re not breaking any laws, the police have no reason to detain or harass you.
Staying informed, respectful, and mindful of your appearance can go a long way in preventing uncomfortable encounters with law enforcement.
4. Secure your belongings.
To survive in Nigeria, don’t just trust everyone around you—no matter how peaceful the area seems. Not every human being has good intentions, so you need to stay alert.
Always lock your doors, even during the day. Make sure anything valuable in your compound is safely kept. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
When stepping out, keep your phone and other valuables secure.
Don’t hold your bag carelessly—tighten it or wear it properly so nobody can snatch it and run off. Some people are just looking for the smallest opportunity to strike.
If you want to survive in Nigeria without falling victim to petty theft or carelessness, always stay one step ahead and protect your space.
Part 2: Managing Money and Resources
1. Use cash wisely.
In Nigeria, cash is still king — especially in rural areas, markets, transport hubs, and even many urban businesses. If you don’t have money most people won’t borrow you. If you ask some, that is when you start hearing a different kind of story of their life: how their sister swallowed a shovel.
Here’s how to manage it smartly:
Don’t Carry Large Sums
Walking around with ₦100,000 in your pocket?
Bad idea…
That is when all your favorite ( snack, and others ) will start hungrying you, until you spend all the money with you.
Instead, carry just enough for the day’s expenses, plus a little extra for emergencies purposes we can’t predict the day. Keep large amounts safely at home, preferably in a lockbox or with a trusted bank.
Use Multiple Wallets
Split your money into two or three wallets (or pockets).
One for small purchases (e.g., snacks, transport), and another hidden one for backup.
This reduces the risk if you’re pickpocketed or overcharged.
Embrace Mobile Money (When You Can)
Nigeria has different banking apps that you can use like Opay, Palmpay, or Moniepoint to do transfers.
A lot of Nigerians are using it on a daily basis. Whenever you transfer money for anyone you should recheck how much you sent to them, because sometimes you might make mistakes. Most of them won’t tell you have paid more than the amount.
Budget for the Week
Don’t wait until you’re broke to think about food, fuel, and airtime.
This thing mentioned if you do not have them life can be so miserable in Nigeria.
To survive in Nigeria Withdraw what you’ll need for the week, divide it by days, and stick to your budget like your survival depends on it — because it does.
Be Prepared for POS/ATM Issues
Inconsistent network and failed POS/ATM withdrawals are common in Nigeria. Some of these POS business owners may not tell you that there’s a bad network, they still go ahead to withdraw the money until network seize the money.
If your money hang in the air.
The next English you hear from them that you should come later to receive your money.
To avoid this Always have a Plan B: keep some small cash hidden at home or with someone you trust.
And avoid using random roadside POS agents — stick to those in shops or established locations for safety purposes.
Real-Life Example:
Lanre used to withdraw ₦10,000 and spend it without tracking. Now, he splits his weekly ₦10k into envelopes labeled “Food”, “Transport”, “Data”, and “Misc.”
He’s not only surviving — he’s also saving better too. Still date she is still using this method to survive in Nigeria.
Also Read : How To Become Rich In Nigeria
2. Budget for essentials.
Food, transport, and electricity can be unpredictable. To survive in Nigeria you need to take your needs so seriously over wants.
Gather enough money with you and go to the market, purchase a list of Nigeria food items. So you won’t be spending money on a regular basis knowing that you have food in your house.
3. Be ready for fuel and power shortage
Nigeria has power outages all the time. You could be watching an interesting movie and suddenly the lights go off.
To survive here, you need steady power. The three things that help are a generator, solar energy, or rechargeable devices.
If you have money, buy solar energy stuff first. Then get rechargeable devices like touch lights or power banks.
Finally, get a big generator if you can. Solar uses the sun to recharge, so you can use that power in the evening and at night. Generators are good for pumping water and bigger power needs. Rechargeable devices support things like charging your phone.
Part 3: Naivigating Daily Life in Nigeria
1. Respect the culture
Nigerians take their culture so seriously. You have to greet the elders you come across, even some that you don’t know at all. If you greet them they will see you has respectful and well trained person.
That doesn’t mean you should greet the whole Nigerian, greet those you pleased to that come your way.
And also dress modestly because if you don’t some will people will abuse or criticise you, but if you dress modest you get praise from them (oh, this person is nice with good manners.)
Another thing again is to understand the importance of religion and tradition in Nigeria. Learn some local phrases for better connection, you will need it to communicate always.
2. Be street smart.
Learn to bargain in markets no matter how the seller’s face is innocent. If you’re a smart person you won’t be scammed no matter where you go.
Nigerian love those that are smart, if you’re not they’ll call you different name. For example, Jolli just come Lagos, Mugu, e.t.c.
3. Visit hospitals early.
To survive in Nigeria, don’t wait until you’re seriously sick before going to the hospital.
Many people ignore early signs of sickness and only rush to the hospital when the condition becomes severe—but by then, it might be too late.
Make it a habit to visit the hospital as early as possible, even if it’s just for a check-up. This helps you stay ahead of any health issues before they become dangerous.
Use government clinics or well-reviewed private hospitals.
If you’re not sure which one to go to, ask people around your community for recommendations. There’s always someone who can guide you to the best option nearby.
Your health is your life. Don’t take it for granted.
Tips
Learn basic Pidgin English to communicate more freely.
Always have backup internet options (e.g., different network SIMs or MiFi).
Join supportive communities (church, mosque, local groups) to network and feel connected.
If you’re from foreign countries who want to live and survive in Nigeria, you should open social media account ( Tiktok, Facebook, and the rest then start posting your experience in Nigeria.
Post video like how you speak Nigeria popular language igbo, Yoruba, and pidgin language, and many others things you feel comfortable to share.
Most people that do this become famous with huge followers and engagement. Nigeria love to support those who their culture.
Warnings
Avoid political discussions in public or online — it can be sensitive.
Be wary of online investment schemes and “get-rich-quick” traps. Although most people do it to survive in Nigeria but it doesn’t favour them.
Don’t display expensive items openly — theft can happen quickly.
Things You’ll Need
Power bank or generator
Internet data and airtime
Cash and a working ATM card
ID card or means of identfiication
Mosquito repellent and net
Reusable water bottle
Emergency contact list
So here is the end on how to survive in Nigeria, follow this steps and enjoy the blessed country.
Also Learn : Troaversing Nigeria’s Roads with Confidence: 10 Essential Safety Tips
[ ARTICLE REFERENCE ]
- https://riskcontrolnigeria.com/blog/traversing-nigerias-roads-with-confidence-10-essential-safety-tips[↩]
