Owerri, Nigeria 🇳🇬
#1470
,
Nomad Score:
52%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Owerri is the capital city of Imo State in southeastern Nigeria, known for its hospitality and vibrant culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population is about 1.2 million. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 10-15 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Naira (₦), with 1 USD ≈ 410 NGN. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Power supply is inconsistent, with frequent outages; recommended to have a generator. |
| 📶 SIM Card | MTN, Glo, and Airtel provide good mobile coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like Access Bank, Zenith Bank, and First Bank are common; ATMs are available but might not accept international cards. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local guesthouses, and serviced apartments. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Partially cashless; mobile payment options are growing but cash is still widely used. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available on platforms like Airbnb and local listings, starting from ₦15,000 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options such as Owerri Hostel and budget hotels starting from ₦6,000 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The City Center, close to attractions and restaurants. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Areas around the University of Owerri provide a young, vibrant atmosphere with internet cafes. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Launchpad is a popular coworking space with good amenities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Coffee Hub offers a quiet atmosphere with free Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular tech meetups at the Imo State University for entrepreneurs. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Monthly gatherings organized by Owerri Expats Group on Facebook. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and Bolt operate in Owerri, making transport convenient. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; it's safer and common to use taxis. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach, Oguta Lake, is about an hour away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Peace offers flights to major Nigerian cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Arik Air connects international destinations through Lagos. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major roads include the Owerri-Aba Road and Owerri-Onitsha Road. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Owerri Main Market is a central point for local transport. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No specific passes; commuters use buses and taxis. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and shared taxis connect Owerri to surrounding cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Federal Medical Centre Owerri is a leading healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | There's a local wellness center offering yoga classes called Owerri Wellness. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First gym provides various fitness classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services are available at various hotels and standalone laundromats. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Jumia Food offers delivery from local restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Pounded yam and egusi soup is a must-try local dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Green Garden Restaurant offers vegetarian-friendly meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Choco Bliss is famous for its delightful pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Owerri Main Market for affordable local products. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia and Konga for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermart offers grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Waterfront Bar and Club is a popular nightlife spot. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Owerri has local breweries like Star Lager Brewery. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Wine Lounge offers a selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | The Nkwo Market has numerous street food vendors. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Places like Chicken Republic offer Nigerian fast food. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Mbari Cultural and Art Centre is a key cultural site. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Imo State Museum showcases local history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Ojukwu Bunker is a historical landmark. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Joseph's Cathedral is a notable church to visit. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Owerri Annual Festival celebrates local culture in December. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Art District is home to local artists and creators. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Owerri Theatre hosts local performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Owerri Main Market is the largest and most vibrant market. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music events happen frequently at various bars. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street murals can be found around the city, particularly in the art district. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local chefs offer cooking classes for traditional dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Owerri Art Gallery hosts exhibitions and showcases local talents. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Imo State Government House is an architectural highlight. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Owerri is known for the rich Igbo cultural heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Amaigbo Nature Park provides a natural retreat. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Nguru Lake National Park is a 2-hour drive. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The promotional paths around the University offer good walking routes. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Owerri hilltops provide great city vistas. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Owerri Wetlands are popular for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Public parks allow bonfire gatherings in designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx are available for express deliveries. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in the commercial area provide tech repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | The Owerri Sports Club has table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer Igbo and English language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Owerri Library is a good place to study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various community centers hold classes and events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Internet cafes in city center offer gaming lounges. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are local gaming centers, but no official casinos. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₦40,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ₦1,600,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₦30,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ₦1,200,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₦35,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ₦2,100,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₦25,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ₦1,500,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₦32,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₦2,560,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₦24,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₦1,920,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% tax on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Taxation is based on worldwide income for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 24%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 7.5%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Limited regulations on foreign entities. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on value assessment. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Currently around 3% for property transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Lack of specific digital nomad tax incentives. |