Living in Nigeria: A Practical Guide for Chinese Expats

Settling into daily life in Nigeria means sorting out four things early: a SIM card (linked to a NIN or registered with your passport), reliable power (a generator or inverter is almost standard), housing (Lagos rent is usually paid a year upfront) and living costs (inflation was 14.63% in September 2026). Chinese groceries are available at China Town in Ojota, Lagos, which is also where the community gathers at weekends.

Lagos two-bedroom yearly rent (2026, ₦ million)

Ikoyi17.25

Victoria Island15

Lekki Phase 110

Source: https://nairametrics.com/2026/08/09/renting-a-2-bedroom-on-lagos-island-now-costs-up-to-n17-25-million/ · Data as of 2026-08 · Niriliya Huaren

Key points

Every SIM must be linked to a National Identification Number (NIN). Residents enrol with their permit, and visitors register with a passport. MTN and Airtel are the main networks.
Band A electricity customers are promised at least 20 hours a day. The tariff rose from ₦66 to ₦225/kWh in 2024 and was set at ₦209.50 in July 2024.
2026 yearly rent for a two-bedroom flat in Lagos: about ₦17.25m in Ikoyi, ₦15m in Victoria Island and ₦10m in Lekki Phase 1.
Headline inflation was 14.63% in September 2026, with food inflation at 19.59%.
The official rate was about ₦1,333 per US dollar on 12 October 2026.

SIM cards and internet

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) requires every SIM to be linked to a NIN. Legal residents enrol for a NIN with their residence or work permit, and visitors register with a passport. Under a 2021 policy, foreigners staying less than 24 months could register with a passport and an embassy letter. MTN and Airtel are the main networks. Buy from official stores, never pre-registered SIMs from street sellers.

Power and utilities

Grid power is unreliable and billed by supply band. Band A customers are promised at least 20 hours a day. The Band A tariff went from ₦66 to ₦225/kWh in April 2024, then to ₦209.50 in July 2024. Some states now set their own tariffs; Enugu cut Band A to ₦160 in 2026. We have not confirmed the current Lagos or federal rate. When renting, ask about the supply band, whether there is a generator or inverter, and who pays for diesel and maintenance.

Housing

Lagos is the most expensive city. Nairametrics reported in August 2026 that a two-bedroom flat costs about ₦17.25m a year in Ikoyi (around $13,000), ₦15m in Victoria Island and ₦10m in Lekki Phase 1, usually paid a year or more in advance. Our guide to Lagos neighbourhoods for expats compares amenities, security and commutes, and the housing section covers other cities.

Money, prices and payments

The naira fell sharply after the June 2023 float, then gained about 7.4% in 2025, its first annual gain in 13 years. It closed at ₦1,332.99 per dollar on the official market on 12 October 2026. Inflation eased to 14.63% in September 2026 from 15.39% in August, but food inflation is still 19.59%. Our naira exchange guide covers rates and channels. For everyday payments Nigerians use mobile wallets such as OPay, PalmPay and Moniepoint; see our mobile money guide.

Groceries and Chinese food

China Town Lagos in Ojota opened in 2004. Behind its pink walls and red archway are a Chinese supermarket, a pork butcher, a restaurant, a Chinese-staffed clinic and dozens of apartments. On Sundays Chinese residents from across Lagos come to shop. Other trading malls include Old and New Dragon City and Jinmao. For associations and events, see our Chinese community in Nigeria page.

Health

Malaria is a year-round risk, and a yellow fever certificate is required to enter and leave Nigeria (infants under 9 months and adults over 60 are exempt). In Lagos, expats use private hospitals such as Lagoon Hospital, Paelon Memorial, Kelina and St Nicholas. Insurance with medical evacuation is strongly advised. See our malaria and vaccinations guide.

Leisure

Weekends often mean beaches, nature parks, golf and hotel dining. Some upscale hotels have casinos, such as the Federal Palace Hotel & Casino in Lagos and the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja. Gambling is regulated state by state, you must be 18 or over, and several northern Sharia states, including Kano, ban it. If you want to understand the local rules, licensed operators and how to keep it recreational, read our guide to gambling in Nigeria. Only play with money you can afford to lose.

Sources

FAQ

How do foreigners get a SIM card in Nigeria?

All SIMs must be linked to a NIN; residents enrol with their permit and visitors register with a passport.

How much is rent in Lagos?

In 2026 a two-bedroom flat costs about ₦17.25m a year in Ikoyi, ₦15m in Victoria Island and ₦10m in Lekki Phase 1.

Where can I buy Chinese food in Lagos?

China Town in Ojota has a Chinese supermarket, pork butcher and restaurant; Sunday is the busiest day.

Are power cuts common?

Grid supply is unreliable; Band A promises at least 20 hours a day, and most homes have a generator or inverter as backup.

Facts checked: 2026-10-22 · Niriliya Huaren Editorial Team · How we check facts