Abuja, Nigeria 🇳🇬
#257
9.06433, 7.489297
Nomad Score:
54%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Abuja is the capital city of Nigeria and serves as the political and administrative center of the country. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 3.6 million people. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 25 Mbps, with some coworking spaces offering up to 100 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Naira (NGN), with 1 USD ≈ 870 NGN. ATMs are widely available, and international cards are accepted at many major banks. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity supply is 230V, 50Hz. Frequent power outages occur, and many use generators. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Main providers include MTN, Glo, and Airtel. Prepaid SIMs are widely available; registration with identification is required. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like Guaranty Trust Bank and Zenith Bank are expat-friendly, with services like foreign currency accounts. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hotels, Airbnbs, to serviced apartments. Popular districts include Wuse, Maitama, and Asokoro. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, many places accept cards, and mobile payments via apps like Paystack and Flutterwave are growing. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb offers options from around ₦25,000 ($27) per night in centrally located areas. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Budget lodges and hostels can be found starting at around ₦10,000 ($11) per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Workshed, located in Wuse, offers flexible spaces with good internet and networking events. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Neo in the Maitama area is known for its great ambiance and reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check platforms like Eventbrite for various tech and business networking events throughout the month. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Expats in Abuja' provide information on community gatherings and meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt and Uber are reliable ride-hailing options available in Abuja. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available through companies like Bikenow, primarily around tourist areas and parks. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Jabi Lake is about 15 minutes away and offers scenic views, though it is not a traditional beach. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Peace and Arik Air operate frequent domestic flights to major cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | British Airways and Emirates offer flights to and from Abuja's Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major roads include the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway, providing access to northern regions. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | The Idu Train Station connects Abuja with Kaduna and other northern cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local buses are available, with no formal pass system; cash is required for fares. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Intercity buses such as ABC Transport and God is Good Motors can be used for travel to other cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | NISA Premier Hospital is one of the best hospitals catering to expats. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Oasis Wellness Center in Jabi offers yoga classes and wellness programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Central located in Wuse offers comprehensive gym facilities and classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Quick Clean Laundry services are available in most neighborhoods, providing wash and fold services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Jumia Food is the predominant app for food delivery across Abuja. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Jollof rice, often served with grilled chicken or fish, is a local must-have. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | A vegetarian-friendly restaurant called Veggie Victory is located in Wuse. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Cake Factory in Wuse offers a variety of delicious baked goods. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Markets like Wuse Market offer budget-friendly shopping options, especially for local produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia and Konga are popular online marketplaces for a variety of goods. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery stores like Supermart offer delivery services for convenience. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Area 11 area has several bars and lounges known for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | The Nigerian Breweries, famous for Star Lager, has various locations in the city. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Wine Haus located in Maitama offers a good selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Garki Market has a variety of street food options that are highly regarded. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Indian Spice are popular for diverse international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Nigerian National Mosque and the Nigerian National Christian Centre are architectural marvels. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The National Museum Abuja houses rich artifacts detailing Nigeria's history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Aso Rock is a prominent natural monument and part of Nigerian culture. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Eagle Square and National Mosque are significant religious sites. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Abuja Carnival occurs annually, showcasing culture through performances and parades. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Areas like Wuse and Maitama offer vibrant cultural experiences and local gatherings. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The National Theatre hosts various performances, including music and drama. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Arts and Craft Village provides a platform to purchase local crafts and souvenirs. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Venues like Ziggy's serve as hotspots for live music performances. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art can be found in various places around the city, particularly in cultural districts. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes focusing on Nigerian cuisine can be found at local cooking schools. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Nike Art Gallery showcases a range of traditional and contemporary Nigerian art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Presidential Complex is an example of significant architecture in Abuja. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cultural festivals and traditions highlight Nigerian heritage, particularly in Abuja. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Jabi Lake offers opportunities for outdoor activities like boating and picnicking. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Gurara Waterfalls is a popular day trip destination known for its natural beauty. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Millennium Park in Abuja provides scenic walking and cycling paths. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Aso Rock offers stunning views of the city and is a popular hiking destination. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The University of Abuja's campus is a great spot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain areas of Jabi Lake allow bonfire activities with prior permissions. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx offer reliable parcel delivery services within and outside Abuja. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Techfix Nigeria specializes in electronic repairs, offering services throughout Abuja. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Table tennis is popular at The Tennis Club in Wuse. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language learning centers like the British Council offer courses in English and other languages. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The National Library of Nigeria is a central location for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Abuja Arts and Culture Centre regularly host workshops and community events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gamers can enjoy venues like Google Hub, which focuses on tech and gaming events. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Blackjack City Casino offers entertainment for gaming enthusiasts. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₦75,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ₦3,000,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₦60,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ₦2,400,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₦70,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ₦4,200,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₦55,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ₦3,300,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₦65,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₦5,200,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₦50,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₦4,000,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Worldwide income basis for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 24% for high-income earners. |
| 🧾 VAT | 7.5% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applies to foreign tax residents. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 6% on property purchases. |