Do you want to retire in Nigeria and have been wondering how much it would cost you to make it a reality? Is it a safe place to plan a retirement and what lifestyle can you expect for your money? I will discuss this with you and give you some tips and tricks to get started.
Here’s a step by step breakdown of the retirement cost for Nigeria:
| MONTHLY EXPENSES | COST |
| Rent for a 3 Bedroom House | $1,314 USD / 500,000 Naira |
| Rent for a 1 Bedroom Flat | $525 USD / 200,000 Naira |
| Utilities (Electricity, Gas, Rates) | $27 USD / 10,000 Naira |
| Internet | $54 USD / 20,000 Naira |
| Maid Service | $78 USD / 30,000 Naira |
| Groceries | $131 USD / 50,000 Naira |
| Dining Out (2 people) For 4 times | $105 USD / 40,000 Naira |
| Healthcare | $27 USD / 10,000 Naira |
| Fitness or Social club membership | $27 USD / 10,000 |
| TOTAL MONTHLY EXPENSES (1 bed) | $974 USD |
| TOTAL MONTHLY EXPENSES (3 bed) | $2,288 USD |
NOTE: These are the most expensive costs and depending on where you live these prices may be cheaper. The lifestyle you choose will also determine the lowering of these costs as well.
Now that we have had a look at the overall costs let’s dig into them a little more and see how you could personalise these to your own lifestyle costs.
What Is Nigeria Like?
Nigeria is a culturally and socially diverse West African country. It has 211 million people and is the seventh-most populous country in the world. Known for her diverse multi-ethnicity with more than 600 spoken languages and prides itself with the country’s largest city called Lagos which has been called the “African Big Apple” in reference to New York City. The official language is English so you will find it easy to understand the locals and find everything you need.
What Is Healthcare Like In Nigeria?
There is Government healthcare in Nigeria for permanent residents and citizens but since you can not get a tourist visa you would have to stick to private health care. In fact, the current COVID-19 pandemic has made the public health care situation worse. There are shortages of doctors, health care workers are grossly underpaid and most Nigerians travel abroad for proper treatment. This explains why most of the highly trained health practitioners prefer to work in other countries instead of Nigeria.
The private health sector in Nigeria is far better in terms of quality and service. There are numerous private health care providers in all major cities in Nigeria which is what most retirees’ opt for and it’s quite affordable. Below you will find the websites of some local private health care providers.
Local Healthcare Companies Websites:
But Can A Foreign Citizen Own A Property In Nigeria?
No, Nigeria’s laws limit the right of foreigners to buy land or own property in Nigeria. These restrictions are put in place to control the rate of foreign property ownership. So, it goes without saying that you would need the partnership of a Nigerian citizen if you intend to own a property.
However, there are no restrictions for renting of homes for foreigners in Nigeria. Below you will find a couple of the biggest local real estate websites.
The top real estate websites in Nigeria are:
What Visas Are Available For Foreign Retirees In Nigeria?
Unfortunately there is no permanent resident visa or non-lucrative visa for Nigeria. You can enter for 90 days on a tourist or business visa but then have to leave and come back in to reset your 90 days. This is an E-Visa so you can get it online. There is a Visa on arrival but only for high net worth investors and citizens of African countries.
Here is the link to find out more information about the visa’s:
LINK: Nigerian Immigration
Once there click on Services > Visa’s and you will see the list of available visas for you.
What Is Safety Like In Nigeria For Retirees?
The general safety in Nigeria is not good with human rights abuses happening frequently and an overwhelmed and corrupt police force that constantly ignores the rights of the people.
Certain states are under Sharia this means there are very strict rules for women and LGBT people are put to death in those states as well as jailed for 12 years in other states.
The United States Department of State Travel Advisory lists kidnapping, violent crime, terrorism and civil unrest and advises against travelling there especially as people from other countries and dual citizens are targeted.
So this factor alone would be a reason not to retire to Nigeria.
What Are The Best Cities To Retire To In Nigeria?
Choosing where to live is purely dependent on the lifestyle you are looking for from the busy hustle and bustle of the big cities with plenty to see and do, to the slower life in some of the smaller rural cities. We will look at the safest cities to retire into.
Here is the national tourism website for Nigeria:
LINK: https://www.cometonigeria.com/
Abuja
Population – 3.2 million
Temperature – 19 to 37 deg C / 66 to 98 F
This is the capital city of Nigeria and the eighth biggest city. It was a planned city in the 1980’s and is the fastest growing city in the world. This is the administrative and political capital of the country. The city has only two light rail lines that will see future expansion called Abuja Rail Mass Transit. The rest of the local transport is car and bus. While not a big city yet it is growing fast and if you like that big city vibe this may be the place for you.
Port Harcourt
Population – 3 million
Temperature – 21 to 33 deg C / 70 to 92 F
Starting its life as a fishing port and then later to the exportation of coal and finally oil when it was later discovered in Nigeria. There are many universities and a vibrant nightlife. It also has an international airport as well as a well established health care system. The more consistent temperatures here are typical from a port city and are much cooler than the landlocked cities. You will also find the humidity from a bearable 50% to 80% during the rainy season.
Kaduna
Population – 1.1 million
Temperature – 14 to 35 deg C / 57 to 85 F
This city is a more rural town that is a transport hub and agricultural centre. Located near the center of the country this area also has a lot of local manufacturing and pottery creation as well. The main agricultural exports they make locally are cotton, peanuts, sorghum, and ginger. It has an International Airport as well as national train services. Due to the more relaxed rural lifestyle a lot of politicians and local sports celebrities have homes here.
Lagos
Population – 21 million
Temperature – 22 to 33 deg C / 72 to 92 F
This is the largest city in Nigeria with plenty to see and do as a big metropolis and the 3rd largest city in Africa. Not only is it situated on the Gulf of Guinea it also has Lagos Lagoon on another side as well. This lets this city have the best of beach and city living. It is growing quickly and you will find most of the modern facilities you are used to in most other countries here. It has an extensive rail network as well as ferries and an international airport. It also has a vibrant food scene as well.
Benin City
Population – 1.7 million
Temperature – 21 to 33 deg C / 71 to 91 F
Known for its production of rubber, the richest dress cultures in Nigeria and home to Edo people. It has a rich arts and cultural scene and is known for all types of metal work. They have one of the longest sustained monarchies in the world here as well.
Onitsha / Asaba
Population – 1.5 million
Temperature – 23 to 35 deg C / 73 to 95 F
Situated on the Niger river in southern Nigeria this city is known as a commerce hub. It was the first town to adopt english education during the occupation and is still known as an education hub as well. It has a lot of locally brewed beers including the Onitsha Brewery. This is a Twin city with Onitisha on the east bank and Asaba on the west bank of the river.
Conclusion
Overall due to the security concerns and not being able to get a long term visa Nigeria is not the place you want to go to retire at this stage. When the government makes tourism a priority this should all sort itself out. Like with most poorer countries the police are corrupt and bribing is a way of life if you get yourself in trouble there.