Life in Nigeria has become harder than many people ever imagined.
Food prices change almost weekly. Transport fares keep rising. Rent, electricity, data, school fees—everything costs more, while income remains the same or even worse. For many ordinary Nigerians, survival is now a daily calculation.
Yet, despite the pressure, Nigerians are finding ways to cope. Not because things are easy—but because giving up is not an option.
Here are some of the real ways ordinary Nigerians are surviving Nigeria’s rising cost of living.

1. Cutting Back to the Bare Minimum
Many families have quietly adjusted their lifestyles. Eating out has become rare. New clothes are bought only when necessary. Luxury items are postponed indefinitely.
People now prioritize food, shelter, and transport, while everything else waits. It is not glamorous, but it is realistic.

2. Turning Side Hustles Into Survival Tools
From online freelancing to selling food, thrift items, or digital services, side hustles have moved from “extra income” to main income for many Nigerians.
Some are:
Selling goods on WhatsApp and Facebook
Doing small online jobs
Running weekend businesses
Learning quick skills to earn in dollars
Hustling is no longer optional—it’s survival.

3. Changing What and How They Eat
Many households have changed their diet completely.
Rice is eaten less. Portions are smaller. Alternatives like garri, beans, noodles, and local staples are stretched creatively. Cooking at home is now cheaper than buying food outside, so people plan meals carefully to avoid waste.

4. Sharing Costs and Living Smarter
To reduce expenses, Nigerians are:
Sharing apartments
Moving closer to work
Using public transport more
Reducing electricity usage
Every small adjustment helps when multiplied over weeks and months.

5. Staying Alert to Avoid Scams
As money gets tight, scammers multiply.
More Nigerians are now cautious about:
“Too good to be true” investments
Fake loan offers
Dubious online platforms
Avoiding one scam can save a family from financial disaster.

6. Leaning on Community and Faith
In hard times, Nigerians rely on each other.
Family support, community help, and faith have become emotional lifelines. Sometimes, survival is not just about money—but about hope, encouragement, and knowing you are not alone.

The Truth Nigerians Don’t Say Loudly
Many Nigerians are not “okay.”
They are coping, adjusting, and enduring.
Survival in Nigeria today is not about comfort—it is about resilience.

Final Thought
If you are struggling, you are not weak. You are living in difficult times and doing your best. Information, awareness, and smart decisions can make a difference—and that is why platforms like One Love Naija exist.
One Love Naija — One Nigeria. One Voice. One Love.

Question for you:
👉 What changes have you made to survive Nigeria’s rising cost of living? Share your experience.