Expert Info
on 12 Apr 2014
I am planning to move to Abuja with my family - after reading through the internet worried about health issues as have small children and safety concerns. Any comments? Moreover I am being offered with local medical plan just for myself - what does that mean? What salary can give a respectable living if housing is offered as part of the package in Abuja?
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Despite the bad press that Nigeria gets in terms of safety. the majority of expats moving to Abuja report feeling quite safe. Most expats live in secure housing, with amenities, such as 24/7 security. Public healthcare should be avoided. Although there are some good private medical facilities in the city, most expats seeking serious medical attention travel to South Africa or somewhere in Europe for medical care. this can be very expensive, so it's essential that you have comprehensive medical coverage for you and your whole family. If your company is only offering you medical coverage, you should definitely try to negotiate that they also cover your partner and children.
It's difficult to say what salary would give you a decent living, as this all depends on your particular circumstances and lifesyle. But for a general break down of the expenses you can expect in Abuja, I suggest you have a look at our Cost of Living in Nigeria page, which gives a price list of basic costs. Although the price list is based on Lagos, the two cities are very similar in terms of cost of living, so this should give you a basic idea...
All the best with your relocation!