Owerri, Nigeria ๐ณ๐ฌ
#1470
5.489736, 7.034197
Nomad Score:
51%
Essentials
๐๏ธ City | Owerri is the capital city of Imo State, located in the southeastern region of Nigeria. |
๐ฅ Population | Approximately 1,250,000 residents. |
๐ป Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 10-20 Mbps, with some areas offering better connectivity. |
๐ธ Currency & Banking | 1 USD โ 780 NGN; Nigerian Naira (NGN) is the local currency. Banks like Access Bank and First Bank provide services. |
๐ฐ Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
๐ Power | Electricity is 240V, 50Hz; power outages can occur, so consider backup options like generators. |
๐ถ SIM Card | Providers include MTN, Glo, Airtel, and 9mobile, with affordable prepaid plans available. |
๐ณ Banking for Expats | Credit cards are accepted in major establishments; banks offer services for expats. |
๐ Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local guesthouses, and budget hotels, with prices averaging around 15,000 to 30,000 NGN per night. |
๐ณ Cashless Friendly | Some establishments accept digital payments, but cash is still preferred. |
๐ Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses available, with rates around 20,000 NGN per night. |
๐๏ธ Budget Accommodation | Hostels and budget hotels, such as Garrison Hotels, with prices starting at 10,000 NGN. |
Working and Networking
๐ข Best Coworking Space | Innovation Hub Owerri offers conducive environments for remote work. |
โ Best Cafe for Work | Gourmet Cafe provides free Wi-Fi and a quiet atmosphere for working. |
๐ผ Networking Events | Tech and business meetups organized by local startups frequently. |
๐ฅ Social Events for Expats | Various expat groups on Facebook and meetups organized at local hotels. |
Transportation
๐ Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt is the most popular ride-hailing service in Owerri. |
๐ฒ Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are limited; mostly private transport is used. |
๐๏ธ Best Beach Nearby | Awacha Beach is about 45 minutes away from Owerri. |
โ๏ธ Top Regional Airline | Air Peace offers regional flights from Owerri. |
โ๏ธ Top International Airline | Air France operates from major cities, with connections from Owerri. |
๐ฃ๏ธ Highway Access | Owerri is well connected via major highways leading to Enugu, Port Harcourt, and Aba. |
๐ Main Train/Transit Hub | The Owerri Terminus is the primary rail transport center. |
๐ Public Transport Passes | Public transport is primarily by bus and commercial tricycles (Keke). |
โ๏ธ Regional Travel | Buses operate frequently between Owerri and nearby cities. |
Health and Wellness
๐ฅ Best Hospital | Federal Medical Center Owerri provides a range of healthcare services. |
๐ง Yoga & Wellness Centers | Wellness Oasis Yoga Center focuses on both yoga and fitness classes. |
๐๏ธ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness One is a prominent gym with accessible memberships. |
๐งบ Laundry Services | Laundry is available through local services, with costs around 1,000 NGN per kg. |
Food and Drink
๐ฑ Best Food Delivery App | Jumia Food operates in the area for meal deliveries. |
๐ฝ๏ธ Best Local Dish to Try | Bitterleaf soup and pounded yam are local favorites. |
๐ฑ Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Olive Bistro offers a selection of vegetarian dishes. |
๐ซ Best Dessert Spots | Sweet Tooth Bakery is popular for pastries and cakes. |
๐ Affordable Shopping Spots | Owerri Main Market is the best place for local products and fresh groceries. |
๐ E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia is one of the best-known online shopping platforms in Nigeria. |
๐ Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery services are limited but some local shops offer phone-in delivery. |
๐ธ Bar/Nightlife Area | D'Grill and Club Vegas are popular nightlife spots. |
๐ป Local Brewery | Owerri is known for its local palm wine, which is widely available. |
๐ท Wine Bars | Wine sellers and local bars serve a variety of wines. |
๐ฒ Street Food Stalls | Street vendors sell suya and other local delicacies throughout the city. |
๐ Popular International Cuisine | Places like KFC and Dominoโs offer international fast food options. |
Culture and Attractions
๐๏ธ Must-See Landmarks | The Mbari Cultural and Art Centre showcases traditional Igbo culture. |
๐๏ธ Museums & Art Venues | Imo State Museum has a collection of artifacts related to local history. |
๐ฐ Historical Sites | The National Museum of Unity highlights Nigeria's cultural heritage. |
๐ Religious Sites | The Cathedral of Imo State is a prominent religious landmark. |
๐ Annual Events | The Owerri Carnival is an annual celebration of local art and culture. |
๐จ Cultural Districts | Areas like Ikenegbu are known for their vibrant cultural scenes. |
๐ญ Theater Venues | The Owerri Theatre hosts local performances and events. |
๐๏ธ Local Markets | Owerri Main Market is famous for local crafts and food items. |
๐ผ Music Scene | Local bars often feature live music and traditional performances. |
๐จ Street Art | Beautiful murals can be found around the city, reflecting local culture. |
๐งโ๐ณ Cooking Classes | Culinary schools offer classes in traditional dishes. |
๐ฉโ๐จ Art Galleries | Galleries like the Chido Art Gallery showcase contemporary artworks. |
๐ฐ๏ธ Historic Buildings | The Imo State Legislative Complex is an important landmark. |
๐ด Local Heritage | Owerri has a rich heritage, with traditional festivals celebrated throughout the year. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
๐ Nearby Nature Escapes | Oguta Lake offers beautiful scenery and recreational activities. |
๐๏ธ National Parks Nearby | Ngwu Park is an accessible spot for outdoor enthusiasts. |
๐ฒ Cycling/Walking Paths | Parks like Dan Anyiam Stadium provide paths for walking and jogging. |
๐ Scenic Viewpoints | The Egbu Hill offers panoramic views of the city. |
๐ฆ Birdwatching Locations | Oguta Lake is also a good spot for birdwatching. |
๐ฅ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some parks allow bonfires; check local regulations before going. |
Other Services and Amenities
๐ฆ Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and other local postal services provide parcel delivery options. |
๐ ๏ธ Tech Repair Services | Local phone repair shops are available for gadgets and devices. |
๐ Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have facilities for table tennis. |
๐งโ๐ซ Language Classes | Language schools offer English and local language courses. |
๐ Libraries & Study Spots | The Owerri Public Library provides study spaces and resources. |
๐๏ธ Community Centers | Cultural centers host events and activities for locals and expats. |
๐น๏ธ Gaming Lounges | Various local gaming centers offer both video and board games. |
๐ฐ Casino & Gaming Halls | Betting shops are available for gaming enthusiasts. |
Business
๐ข Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 3,500,000 NGN per mยฒ (e.g., 40 mยฒ = 140,000,000 NGN) |
๐ข Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 2,800,000 NGN per mยฒ (e.g., 40 mยฒ = 112,000,000 NGN) |
๐ 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 3,200,000 NGN per mยฒ (e.g., 60 mยฒ = 192,000,000 NGN) |
๐ 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 2,500,000 NGN per mยฒ (e.g., 60 mยฒ = 150,000,000 NGN) |
๐ก 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 3,000,000 NGN per mยฒ (e.g., 80 mยฒ = 240,000,000 NGN) |
๐ก 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 2,300,000 NGN per mยฒ (e.g., 80 mยฒ = 184,000,000 NGN) |
๐ผ Corporate Tax | 30% |
๐ต Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
๐ฆ Tax System | Resident taxation is based on worldwide income. |
๐ Highest Income Tax Bracket | 24% |
๐งพ VAT | 7.5% |
๐ Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are stringent rules. |
๐ Property Tax | Annual property taxation is based on assessed value. |
๐ Property Transaction Tax | 6% standard rate. |