Cost of Living in Lagos as an NYSC Corper: Lagos is the most populous city in Nigeria and the commercial capital of the country. Lagos, the city of dreams and endless possibilities, but for NYSC Corpers, it can also be a city of financial nightmares. The cost of living in Lagos is high, and it can be difficult to make ends meet on the NYSC monthly allowance.
As an NYSC Corper posted to Lagos, you will need to budget carefully in order to make ends meet.
In this blog post, we will take a look at the Cost of Living in Lagos as an NYSC Corper and the major expenses that you will incur as an NYSC corper in Lagos.
Cost of Living in Lagos as an NYSC Corper
Accommodation
Accommodation is one of the biggest expenses that you will incur as an NYSC corper in Lagos. The cost of rent will vary depending on the location and the type of accommodation you choose.
If you are lucky enough to be posted to a government company, you will not have to worry about rent. However, most corpers are posted to private organizations or businesses, and they will have to find their own accommodation.
The cheapest option is to share a room with other corpers. You can find shared rooms in hostels or apartments for around 90,000 Naira per year. If you want to have your own room, you will have to pay more, around 200,000 to 350,000 Naira per year.
Transportation
Transportation is another major expense in Lagos. With the rise in the cost of fuel, there are no doubts that the city has a very unreliable public transportation system, so you will most likely need to rely on finding your way.
The cheapest way to get around Lagos is by taking a bus. Buses are very crowded and slow, but they are affordable.
You can also get around Lagos by taking a taxi, bolt, lagride or Uber. Taxis are more expensive than buses, but they are faster and more convenient.
The budget will solely depend on the type of transportation. You can spend up to 30 thousand naira with buses and up to 50 thousand naira per month.
Food
Food is another major expense in Lagos. The cost of food will vary depending on your eating habits. If you are on a tight budget, you can eat at local restaurants for around 1,000 Naira per day. However, if you want to eat healthier or more exotic food, you will have to pay more.
There are also many fast food restaurants in Lagos, such as KFC, The Place, Domino’s Pizza, Crunchies, etc.. A meal at a fast food restaurant costs up to 3,000 Naira.
Tips on how to save money on food in Lagos:
- Cook at home. This is the easiest way to save money on food. You can buy groceries in bulk and cook in large batches, which will save you time and money.
- Shop at local markets. The prices at local markets are often lower than the prices at supermarkets.
- Take advantage of student discounts. Many restaurants and food stalls offer student discounts.
- Bring your own lunch to work or school. This will save you money on eating out.
- Avoid eating out at expensive restaurants. There are many affordable restaurants in Lagos where you can get a good meal for a reasonable price.
- Be mindful of your portions. It is easy to overeat when you are eating out, so be mindful of your portions and try to leave some food on your plate.
7 Best Area to Stay in Lagos as an NYSC Member
- Abule Egba: This is a large and affordable area with a variety of accommodation options. It is also close to the Ikeja GRA, where many NYSC-related activities take place.
- Yaba: This is a vibrant and up-and-coming area with a lot to offer young people. It is also close to the University of Lagos, where many NYSC corpers are posted.
- Surulere: This is a central location with good access to transportation and amenities. It is also home to a number of government offices, where some NYSC corpers may be posted.
- Apapa: This is a major port city with a lot of industrial activity. It is not the most desirable area to live in, but it is a good option for corpers who are posted to a company in the area.
- Ebute Metta: This is a historic area with a lot of character. It is not the most expensive area, but it is not the safest either.
- Oshodi: This is a large and busy area with a lot of transportation options. It is not the most pleasant area to live in, but it is a good option for corpers who are on a tight budget.
- Ikeja: This is the capital of Lagos State and is home to a number of government offices. It is not the most affordable area, but it is a good option for corpers who are posted to a government agency.
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How to Make the Best of Your Time as an NYSC member in Lagos
Here are some tips on how to make the best of your time as an NYSC member in Lagos:
- Set goals for yourself: What do you want to achieve during your NYSC service year? Do you want to learn new skills, make new friends, or contribute to your community? Having goals will help you stay motivated and focused.
- Get involved in your community: There are many ways to get involved in your community as an NYSC member. You can volunteer your time to a local organization, participate in community events, or simply get to know your neighbors. Getting involved in your community is a great way to make a difference and make the most of your time in Lagos.
- Explore Lagos: Lagos is a vibrant and exciting city with a lot to offer. Take some time to explore the city and discover all that it has to offer. Visit historical sites, try new foods, and meet new people.
- Make friends: One of the best things about being an NYSC member is the opportunity to make new friends from all over Nigeria. Make an effort to get to know your fellow corpers and build lasting relationships.
- Enjoy yourself: Your NYSC service year is a special time in your life. Make sure to enjoy yourself and make the most of it.
- Take a language course: Learning the local language is a great way to connect with the people of Lagos and immerse yourself in the culture.
Tips for Saving Money in Lagos as a Corper
There are a few things you can do to save money as an NYSC corper in Lagos:
- Share accommodation with other corpers.
- Cook at home instead of eating out.
- Take public transportation instead of private transportation.
- Buy groceries in bulk.
- Take advantage of student discounts.
- Be mindful of your spending.
Conclusion
The cost of living in Lagos can be high, but it is possible to live on a budget as an NYSC corper. By following the tips above, you can save money and make the most of your NYSC experience in Lagos.
Originally posted 2023-09-12 13:38:21.
