Tag: Nigeria economy

Residents of Abuja are increasingly struggling to cope with rising living costs, as a monthly income of ₦300,000—once considered comfortable—loses its purchasing power. Amid persistent inflation and rising fuel prices, many workers in the Federal Capital Territory say their salaries are now barely sufficient to cover basic needs, leaving little or nothing for savings. For civil servants and private sector employees alike, monthly earnings are largely consumed by fixed expenses such as rent, transportation, and food, forcing households into a cycle of financial strain. “We don’t really eat like before. Meat is now occasional. You plan meals like a budget document,” said Grace Utaru, a civil servant in Abuja. Another resident, Abdulrasak Babandede, who commutes from Suleja, described the situation as overwhelming. According to him, by the time rent and transport costs are settled, little remains from his income. The rising cost of housing remains one of the biggest financial pressures. In areas such as Lugbe, Kubwa, and Gwarinpa, annual rent for a modest one-bedroom apartment ranges between ₦800,000 and ₦1.5 million. When broken down monthly, rent alone can take up as much as 40 percent of a worker’s salary, excluding additional charges like agency fees and service costs. This is further complicated by Nigeria’s upfront rent payment structure, which places heavy financial demands on tenants. Experts say the widening gap between income levels and housing costs is driven by limited supply, high construction costs, and inflationary pressures. Transportation is another major burden. Workers commuting daily from satellite towns to business districts report spending between ₦40,000 and ₦60,000 monthly on transport, largely due to rising fuel prices. Energy costs also continue to climb. With unreliable public power supply, many households now spend between ₦30,000 and ₦70,000 monthly on electricity and generator fuel. Food inflation has added to the pressure. A family of four now spends between ₦120,000 and ₦180,000 monthly on food, forcing many households to cut back on protein and adopt cheaper meal options. Development economists warn that when essential expenses—housing, food, transport, and energy—consume the bulk of income, households are left with little capacity to save or withstand financial shocks. This comes despite recent government efforts to improve wages. In 2024, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved a ₦70,000 minimum wage, with a promise of periodic review. However, data from the National Bureau of Statistics shows that inflation remains elevated, eroding real income and weakening purchasing power across the country. Analysts say unless inflation slows significantly and wages adjust accordingly, more urban households could slip deeper into financial vulnerability. The situation highlights a growing reality in Nigeria’s cities: earning what was once considered a stable income is no longer enough to guarantee financial security.

N300,000 Salary No Longer Enough in Abuja as Living Costs Rise

Residents of Abuja are increasingly struggling to cope with rising living costs,…

Taiwo Ajayi April 17, 2026

IMF loan Nigeria

FG Rules Out IMF Loan Despite $50bn Fund

The Federal Government has ruled out plans to seek financial support from…

Taiwo Ajayi April 17, 2026

naira, dollar exchange rate, forex Nigeria, CBN, parallel market, NFEM, Nigeria economy

Naira Trades at N1,340/$ Officially, N1,250 on Parallel Market

The Nigerian naira maintained relative stability at the official market but weakened…

Taiwo Ajayi April 17, 2026

Dangote Refinery Targets $5bn IPO in Landmark African Listing

Dangote Refinery Targets $5bn IPO in Landmark African Listing

Nigeria’s industrial landscape is on the brink of a historic financial milestone…

Taiwo Ajayi April 14, 2026

Middle East Crisis: FG Moves to Shield Nigeria’s Economy as Oil Prices Surge

Middle East Crisis: FG Moves to Shield Nigeria’s Economy as Oil Prices Surge

Nigeria’s economic managers are racing to contain the ripple effects of the…

Taiwo Ajayi April 14, 2026

Cash Outside Banks Drops to ₦5.20trn as Liquidity Pressure Eases

Cash Outside Banks Drops to ₦5.20trn as Liquidity Pressure Eases

Nigeria’s cash flow dynamics showed signs of stabilisation in February 2026, as…

Taiwo Ajayi April 13, 2026

CBN Debunks Fake N5,000 Banknote Claim, Warns Against Viral Currency Misinformation

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has dismissed viral claims circulating on…

Taiwo Ajayi April 10, 2026

Naira depreciates by 0.4% at official market

The Nigerian currency recorded a marginal decline at the official foreign exchange…

Taiwo Ajayi April 8, 2026

Abbey Mortgage Bank Posts N3.1bn Profit in 2025, EPS Rises to 21 Kobo

Abbey Mortgage Bank has reported a strong financial performance for the 2025…

Taiwo Ajayi April 1, 2026

CBN Confirms 33 Banks Meet Recapitalisation Target, N4.66tn Raised

CBN Confirms 33 Banks Meet Recapitalisation Target, N4.66tn Raised

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced that 33 Nigerian…

Taiwo Ajayi April 1, 2026