Moving to Abuja

Abuja lies in the very heart of Nigeria, within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Centrally located, it was a planned city, strategically placed to unify an impressively diverse population. Today, expats moving to Abuja will find a welcoming metropolis buzzing with activity.

Living in Abuja as an expat

With a cost of living much lower than Lagos, and with just as much to offer, Abuja is the natural choice for many expats who relocate to the Giant of Africa. For some, the move may be daunting, given negative media coverage and the warnings of crime and conflict issued by various foreign governmental authorities. Of course, safety and security issues are not to be taken lightly, but most expats agree that by taking the usual precautions, they feel just as safe in Abuja as in any other major city.

An open mind helps expats adjust and come to terms with culture shock. Not blinded by the negatives, new arrivals in Abuja can see a contemporary city with sweeping boulevards, clover-style interchanges and modern, skyward-climbing buildings. Despite being a rapidly growing city, greenery and tree-lined streets have not disappeared from Abuja’s neighbourhoods.

Cost of living in Abuja

The cost of living in Abuja, while lower than Lagos, remains high. In 2023, Abuja was ranked 140th out of 227 cities in Mercer's Cost of Living Survey. The much pricier capital, meanwhile, ranked 47th.

While rental prices in Abuja often go far beyond the average Nigerian professional’s wages, those working for international companies and organisations find themselves in expat enclaves and secure gated complexes. Impressive mansions with swimming pools, electric gates (and sometimes armed guards) are squared away for assignee accommodation well before their arrival.

In fact, expat life in Abuja can feel surprisingly luxurious, and many foreigners enjoy the closeness of a community made up mostly of foreigners, as well as a variety of good shops, bars, cinemas and nightclubs – all of which are great places to splash a bit of one's hard-earned cash.

Maitama and Wuse 2 are among the more affluent areas of the city, with Millennium Park around the corner allowing residents to take in the fresh air and beautiful landscape while watching butterflies and tropical birds.

Families and children in Abuja

Along with Lagos, Abuja is home to one of the country's highest concentrations of international schools. Though pricey, these institutions ensure that expat children continue to receive a high standard of education while in Nigeria.

Abuja is only a hop, skip and a jump away from some of the more naturally splendid areas of the country, such as Gurara Waterfalls, which is perfect for a family day out. Closer still, Jabi Boat Club is a must for parents, offering exclusive dining experiences as well as jet ski rides on Jabi Lake, while Mpape has also gained recognition as a tourist hotspot with its abandoned quarry.

Climate in Abuja

Abuja experiences what is known as a tropical wet and dry climate, with a humid rainy season distinct from its dry season. Along with the tropical temperatures, expats report that the people are equally warm and friendly.

As the country’s capital, Abuja boasts a cosmopolitan lifestyle. While English is the official language, Abuja is said to be home to over 200 ethnic groups, and several key languages including Ibo, Yoruba and Hausa are spoken.

As with ethnicity and language, religion is just as significant, and about half the population are Muslim and 40 percent Christian. The National Mosque stands as an iconic landmark in Abuja against the backdrop of Aso Rock, a key monolithic geological feature defining the city’s landscape, along with Zuma Rock.

Unfortunately, the wealth and luxury arguably act as a glossy veneer to the city’s problems. The wealth disparity that permeates much of the nation is far from absent here, the electricity supply is inconsistent and unreliable, and navigating the roads through unpredictable traffic can be intimidating and frustrating. To add to these issues, despite well-trained medical professionals, healthcare in many hospitals is not always up to standards.

Of course, it’s important to maintain some perspective and to realise that expat life in Nigeria’s capital can be challenging, and one of extreme and unbalanced privilege. Given all the pros and cons of living in Abuja, with an open mind, it’s possible to work hard and live comfortably in this West African capital.