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HOW TO SURVIVE IN NIGERIA THIS 2025
I just came back from Dutse Alhaji in Abuja, and the hardship people are passing through is something of deep concern. Things have risen so high, yet incomes remain the same. Someone has children to take care of, house rent to pay, food to buy, and everything else to handle on that same simple salary. Everything is just so bad. The frustration is visible on the faces of market women, keke riders, civil servants, and even business owners who complain about how the economy is draining them. But in the midst of all this, survival is not just an option; it is a necessity.
Surviving in the current economic situation in Nigeria requires a shift in mindset. It is about taking deliberate actions to make life a bit easier, to make the little money you have work for you in ways that can sustain you and your family. There are ways to navigate through this hardship, and people need to start adapting now before things get worse.
The first strategy is cutting down on unnecessary expenses. This is the time to differentiate between needs and wants. If something is not essential, let it go. Many people are used to lifestyles that they can no longer afford, but instead of adjusting, they keep pushing themselves into deeper financial stress. If you used to eat out frequently, it is time to start cooking at home. If you used to buy expensive brands, consider cheaper but durable alternatives. If you have a habit of subscribing to multiple cable TV packages, reconsider and opt for the most affordable one or none at all.
Another key strategy is learning how to manage food consumption. The price of food has skyrocketed, and feeding a family is now one of the biggest challenges. Buying in bulk, if possible, is a great way to save money. Instead of buying rice or garri in small measures, consider joining cooperative purchases where people contribute money to buy large quantities and share among themselves. It is also wise to explore local and seasonal foods instead of always going for imported or processed products. There is no shame in eating simple, nutritious meals rather than forcing an unsustainable food budget.
Multiple streams of income are no longer a luxury but a necessity. The days of relying on one salary to survive are gone. If you are working a nine-to-five job, you need to think of a side hustle that can bring in extra income. Skills like tailoring, baking, hairdressing, farming, or even digital skills like graphic design, content writing, and programming can help cushion the effects of the economy. Technology has made it possible for people to work remotely and earn in foreign currencies. This is the time to invest in learning something new that can put extra money in your pocket.
Community support is also critical. The days of living in isolation should be over. People need each other more than ever. There is power in group savings, cooperative societies, and local thrift systems where people contribute and take turns in collecting money. These little support structures can make a big difference in times of financial difficulty. Even in neighborhoods, people should look out for one another, exchange food items when possible, and assist each other in little ways.
Transportation is another aspect that eats into people’s pockets. Fuel prices have doubled, making daily commuting a financial burden. Instead of always using private transport, people should consider carpooling or using public transport more often. If work allows, remote working should be an option to save costs. Bicycle transportation, though uncommon, can also be explored for short distances.
Entrepreneurship is another means of survival in this economy. Starting a small business with little capital can go a long way in bringing extra income. The focus should be on businesses that meet people’s daily needs. Selling foodstuff, running a POS business, engaging in poultry farming, or even selling used clothes are profitable ventures that require minimal capital. It is no longer about chasing big dreams; it is about what can put food on the table now.
Investing in financial literacy is equally important. Many people mismanage the little money they have because they do not understand how to budget, save, or invest wisely. Keeping track of every naira spent can help in identifying where to cut down. Having an emergency fund, no matter how small, is also crucial. Even in tough times, saving a little every month can make a big difference during an unexpected crisis.
Health is wealth, and in this economy, preventing sickness is better than spending money on hospital bills. People should prioritize eating healthy, drinking clean water, and maintaining hygiene to avoid unnecessary medical expenses. Basic home remedies should be learned for minor ailments to reduce dependency on expensive drugs. Exercise and good rest should not be neglected, as they play a huge role in maintaining overall well-being.
Education is another area where smart decisions must be made. School fees are high, and not everyone can afford private schools anymore. Instead of struggling beyond means, parents should consider good public schools that provide quality education at a lower cost. Scholarship opportunities should be explored, and children should be encouraged to learn skills alongside their formal education so that they are better prepared for the future.
Faith and mental resilience are key to surviving these times. Many people are depressed, hopeless, and broken due to the economic crisis. It is important to hold on to faith, whether in God, in oneself, or in the possibility of a better tomorrow. Worrying does not solve anything, but thinking strategically and taking action does. Keeping a positive mindset, surrounding oneself with the right people, and staying hopeful is as important as any financial strategy.
The reality is that Nigeria’s economy is tough, and survival requires wisdom, adaptability, and resilience. People must learn how to make every naira count, find new ways of earning, build strong community support, and stay hopeful. The hardship is undeniable, but with the right approach, people can navigate through it and come out stronger.
As part of my effort in making the world a better place to be, I have written the above article to let you know that there is still a way out, although Nigeria has a bad government policy, we are also not gonna give up on everything, be encouraged, BE STRONG…
Eugene Nanven a public affairs commentator and author Writes from Gwagwalada Abuja FCT
