Maximize Your Experience in Nigeria Without Spending Much

Traveling through Nigeria can get expensive quickly, but there are smart ways to save your naira if you understand the local ways.

Finding ways to cut costs is a daily practice in Africa's most populated nation. Nigerians are skilled at making their kobo stretch further, whether it's for breakfast or hailing a taxi.

Here’s how to optimize your budget while exploring Nigeria.

Daily Expenses

• Hostel accommodation: $5.50

• Standard room for two: $22.50

• Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): starting at $50

• Public transport fare: $0.50–$1

• Coffee: $0

• Sandwich: $4.50

• Dinner for two: $28

• Beer/pint at a bar: $1.15

Arrange your airport transfer in advance

Arriving at any international airport in Nigeria can be overwhelming, even for experienced travelers. Prepare yourself.

Upon exiting the terminal, you’ll encounter a crowd: family members welcoming returning Nigerians, along with numerous cab drivers and currency exchange agents vying for attention. The most affordable and hassle-free option to leave the airport is to pre-arrange your ride with a local.

If you lack local contacts, consider using a rideshare app (Uber or Bolt), or negotiate with one of the licensed drivers waiting to attract customers. Depending on your destination, a ride from the airport to your hotel will cost between $11 and $23.

To immerse yourself in local life, take a ride in a keke

Once you're settled in, the next task is mastering transportation. While reliable ride-hailing apps are available in many Nigerian cities, for the most budget-friendly options, use painted minibuses (known as danfo in Lagos) and three-wheeled taxis (commonly referred to as keke), which can be found at designated bus stops and garages. Payments are typically made in cash using the local currency. Be cautious, as many states are imposing restrictions or outright bans on motorcycle taxis, known as okada.

If you have a couple of hours to spare and want to experience a typical day in Lagos, get a Cowry Card, load it with cash, and ride one of the BRT buses that connect Lagos Island with the mainland. This card is also usable on the Lagos Rail Mass Transit, which runs between Mile 2 (Lagos Mainland) and Marina (Lagos Island).

Hop on the train for a sightseeing trip to Abeokuta

You can now journey between several Nigerian states by train, as the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) provides three train services, with tickets available for online booking. The popular Lagos–Ibadan route features two daily departures and is favored by locals, making it an excellent choice for a sightseeing excursion to the historic town of Abeokuta. While slightly pricier than a shared taxi, it remains a budget-friendly option for exploring the countryside.

Cut costs on accommodations by reserving a room on campus

Many travelers in Nigeria tend to overlook university campus accommodations, which not only offer comfort but are also more affordable than most commercial hotels. For instance, the UNILAG Guest Houses feature modern decor and provide a tranquil atmosphere with stunning views of the Lagos lagoon. If you're visiting Ibadan, consider staying at the University of Ibadan (UI) Hotel. Another option is the new Babcock Guest House in Ogun State.

While hostel options are limited in Nigeria, most cities still provide reasonably priced rooms. There aren’t seasonal price fluctuations, but you can find decent weekend discounts of around 10–20%, with double rooms typically costing about $23.

Savor local specialties at a buka

When Nigerians seek affordable meals, they head to the nearby buka kiosk, where a buffet of local favorites awaits – including jollof rice, fried rice, ofada rice, boiled yam and eggs, and fried plantains, along with various soups. For a more sit-down experience, slightly pricier fast-food spots like Chicken Republic and The Place offer a great introduction to Nigerian cuisine.

The most budget-friendly rooms are typically found in mission-run guest houses.

In the Middle Belt and northern regions, the cheapest accommodations are often in guest houses operated by missionary groups. These usually non-profit establishments feature simple yet comfortable furniture, with some offering hostel-style lodging. In Jos, consider the ECWA, COCIN, TEKAN, and EYN guest houses; while in Abuja, check out the Pope John Paul Catholic Centre or Church House Hotel.

Enjoy hiking without breaking the bank

If hiking is your thing while traveling, Nigeria offers plenty of opportunities. An increasing number of hiking groups, like Mantrek and HikeNation in Abuja, as well as Hikers Trail in Jos, provide companionship on the trails, with a two-to-three hour hike costing only $1.75.

Start your sightseeing on a university campus

Many Nigerian universities feature attractions for visitors, including picturesque sculpture gardens, with entry fees typically around a mere $1 or even less. At ABUAD Inn at Afe Babalola University in Ado Ekiti, you’ll be just a stroll away from the university’s impressive farm, where guided tours are available upon request.

The University of Ibadan's zoo and botanical garden are popular among visitors. At Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), you can find a two-story guest house and tour the AG Leventis Museum of Natural History, which offers a gentle introduction to Ile-Ife (Osun State) and the Yorubaland region. Meanwhile, at the University of Ilorin, you can walk across the canopy walkway, observe the lush tropical trees, and listen for the sounds of birds.

Spend a day at a public beach

Nigeria's southern coastline boasts a variety of beaches, many of which have an entry fee, with Lagos providing some of the finest oceanfront experiences. However, locals looking to enjoy the sand without the high costs flock to beaches like Tarkwa Bay, Elegushi Beach, and Oniru Beach, all run by community organizations. If you want to immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere filled with music and crowds, these beaches are the ideal choice.

Explore an open-air arts-and-crafts market for great souvenir deals

For the best souvenir deals in Lagos, head to the Lekki Arts & Crafts Market. If you're in Abuja, don’t miss the Arts & Crafts Village, which made a comeback in 2023 after being closed for several years. The Jos National Museum also has a souvenir shop offering affordable art and useful crafts. In Kano, check out the Kurmi Market for leather goods and the Kofar Mata for indigo fabrics crafted in traditional dye pits.