Chinom:
Relocating to lagos is all about feelings.You can never have all the situations under controle. The traffic, noise and heat are beyond your controle. But there's no other place on this planet, i would rather be in than Lagos. That feeling of Freedom is not quantifiable.

I guess it all depends on how you define freedom - is freedom for example being stuck in hours of unpredictable traffic daily with few alternatives except moving to very expensive locations, often worrying about robbery and other forms of assault? Or is it being able to choose to drive, cycle, take the train or bus and little/no worry about robbery and assault?

Or is it the freedom to build your home to the exact specs you require close to family and friends compared to getting a humongous mortgage that lasts 25 years?

I do agree with you that you should have clarity on the situations you can control and those you can't. Once you are realistic from the onset, there chances of disappointment at reduced?

davidylan: why would anyone want to relocate to nigeria?
If you cant make it in the west then its not likely you will make it in nigeria except of course the intention is to win government contracts by crooked means.
Security, good roads, availability of basic amenities... just a few of the things money cant buy.

Bro, you do realise that some of the people wanting to relocate might have 'made it' in the West and simply want to be 'home' as a preference?

Money can buy you those things you listed, albeit to a limited extent within gated estates in prime locations, but it is possible.

Miss_Ife: Hello nairalanders

I am still working on my plan to relocate to nigeria, while studying job offers, I will need your help (especially those based there, since I didn't go back for a couple of yrs) as for the cost of life in Lagos.

What price range would you give for those things :
-rented flat/house (3 bedrooms), preferably in VI or Lekki
-24hrs electricity and water (including fuel cost)
- house help / nanny salary (5 days a week, office hours +2)
- occasional driver wages (week ends etc.)
- gateman salary (if in a house, lives in, not necessary if in a flat)
- fuel cost for car
- average cost of food for a family of 5 (80% local + 20% imported)
- other expenses?

Thank you in advance for your help, as this will help me make my decision to move now or wait some more. ,  

- rented flat/house (3 bedrooms), preferably in VI or Lekki:
If you are willing to spend an average 2/3M a year to rent a flat and you will have to pay 2 years then best option for you is to build your own house. Also, is there any particular reason you want to stay on the island? Have you seen the condition on the island during raining season? Especially if you're interested in Lekki or V.I. Hopefully the drainage system in Lagos would have been resolved by the time you relocate

- 24hrs electricity and water:
Buy a power inverter or diesel generator. If going for the later, you know the price per litre so you should be able to calculate how much usage you will use monthly

- House Help/ Nanny / Driver / Gateman salary:
Get in touch with some agencies in lagos, they should be able to give you quotes

- fuel cost for car :
Depends on your car, For Lagos roads i will advice a 4 x 4 and the average car litre you'll be looking at is 3L. Fuel = N97 per litre so do the calculation

- average cost of food for a family of 5:
Budget 100K - 150K a month

- other expenses:
No one can calculate this for you, the cost here depends on your lifestyle. Also, don't forget to calculate school fees, you will be in for a shocker when you find out how much they charge per term

Goodluck with your relocation plans

Chinom:

How do you intend to build that house while living in the US or UK ?. Building a house in Nigeria while sitting on your lazy backside in US will cost you twice the normal amount. Here is my advice to you. Your husband has to move first.Find a very cheap accomadation, move in there and then start the construction of a new house.If the funds are available, he can finish the house within a year. Relocating to lagos is all about feelings.You can never have all the situations under controle. The traffic, noise and heat are beyond your controle. But there's no other place on this planet, i would rather be in than Lagos. That feeling of Freedom is not quantifiable.

You, my friend, don't know what freedom is! Abeg, stop calling unnecessary suffer-suffer freedom! Your hard-earned money is better spent in a country with basic amenities, adequate public infrastructure, security and rule of law. I live very comfortably when I visit Nigeria (especially with the maids and drivers) but I don't confuse cheap labor, "highbrow" neighborhoods and generator fumes with freedom. Freedom is NOT living with constant fear of armed robbers; corrupt and violent policemen; unenforceable contracts; TERRIBLE healthcare; interminable traffic; lousy entertainment options; and mediocre but overpriced schools. Please, let's not willfully blind ourselves with a misplaced sense of patriotism or nostalgia.

Koolking:

Nobody pays N10/N25k to nanny/gateman now unless you are mean. It's more expensive when you hired them from an agency, becos the agency is expected to get a certain percentage if not half of the total amount accrued to the nanny/gateman every month.

It is wise if the op make a budget of btw N35/N50k in that regard. Time has changed in Nigeria

odiaero:

How can u be paying gateman 10k to 20k and say u are generous, even nanny, that is wickedness, Look at Greece, no matter they are in deep shit, average gateman receives 500 Euros a month, that is like 120k plus in naira, naija with stingy hands

Ok o. Pay 120k to your gateman and your nanny. I know you earn 1m a month.

debosky:

I guess it all depends on how you define freedom - is freedom for example being stuck in hours of unpredictable traffic daily with few alternatives except moving to very expensive locations, often worrying about robbery and other forms of assault? Or is it being able to choose to drive, cycle, take the train or bus and little/no worry about robbery and assault?

Or is it the freedom to build your home to the exact specs you require close to family and friends compared to getting a humongous mortgage that lasts 25 years?

I do agree with you that you should have clarity on the situations you can control and those you can't. Once you are realistic from the onset, there chances of disappointment at reduced?

you just emphasized the fact that it's a subjective concept. I refer you to an analysis by 'lastpage' on this same thread in which he used Abraham Maslow's theory of needs. Nothing beats that explanation. - - the need to be with your own people, cultural integration,feeling at home, socialisation within a cultural context, self-actaulisation. that in its entirety is ''freedom''.

OP stop fooling yourself.

Chinom:

How do you intend to build that house while living in the US or UK ?. Building a house in Nigeria while sitting on your lazy backside in US will cost you twice the normal amount. Here is my advice to you. Your husband has to move first.Find a very cheap accomadation, move in there and then start the construction of a new house.If the funds are available, he can finish the house within a year. Relocating to lagos is all about feelings.You can never have all the situations under controle. The traffic, noise and heat are beyond your controle. But there's no other place on this planet, i would rather be in than Lagos. That feeling of Freedom is not quantifiable.

tboy1:

- average cost of food for a family of 5:
Budget 100K - 150K a month

People just throw figures around when they have no clue.
Do you spend 450pounds on feeding your family in a month?

I wouldn't query your figures if you had not added the word AVERAGE

debosky:

I guess it all depends on how you define freedom - is freedom for example being stuck in hours of unpredictable traffic daily with few alternatives except moving to very expensive locations, often worrying about robbery and other forms of assault? Or is it being able to choose to drive, cycle, take the train or bus and little/no worry about robbery and assault?

Or is it the freedom to build your home to the exact specs you require close to family and friends compared to getting a humongous mortgage that lasts 25 years?

I do agree with you that you should have clarity on the situations you can control and those you can't. Once you are realistic from the onset, there chances of disappointment at reduced?

It is relative.

For me, freedom is not being stared at on the train because you're dark.
Freedom is not being called a ni**er.

BlueDiva:
It is relative.

For me, freedom is not being stared at on the train because you're dark.
Freedom is not being called a ni**er.

so what makes you think you can't be called a nigger in lagos?
confused much?

coogar:

so what makes you think you can't be called a nigger in lagos?
confused much?

it's different when the one who calls you nigga* is also one.

BlueDiva:

People just throw figures around when they have no clue.
Do you spend 450pounds on feeding your family in a month?

I wouldn't query your figures if you had not added the word AVERAGE

he may be right. Food is more expensive in Nigeria.. conversely, in the UK, food remains the cheapest thing so far.

coogar:

so what makes you think you can't be called a nigger in lagos?
confused much?

A white man can't call you a ni**er in Lagos. Dem nor born him papa. I be agbero.Let him dare, I would slap a white man in Lagos and walk away scot free.Now that's the difference.

pato405:

it's different when the one who calls you nigga* is also one.

reverse racism!

Gaggi:
A white man can't call you a ni**er in Lagos. Dem nor born him papa. I be agbero.Let him dare, I would slap a white man in Lagos and walk away scot free.Now that's the difference.

you won't even get close to a white man in lagos.
his security details would mash you into a pulp and you won't do nada.

i am not even talking about a white man here. what if your fellow nigerians call you a nigger....
does that make the insult less-heavy because he's black? if it is then that's reverse racism.

BlueDiva:

People just throw figures around when they have no clue.
Do you spend 450pounds on feeding your family in a month?
I wouldn't query your figures if you had not added the word AVERAGE

"80% local + 20% imported"
How much will it cost if she wants to import 20% of her monthly food supply for a family of 5.
You do the calculation since you assume people just throw figures when they have no clue

And in regards to you asking how much i spend on monthly food, you just focus on the OP questions and stop making silly assumptions

tboy1:
"80% local + 20% imported"
How much will it cost if she wants to import 20% of her monthly food supply for a family of 5.
You do the calculation since you assume people just throw figures when they have no clue

And in regards to you asking how much i spend on monthly food, you just focus on the OP questions and stop making silly assumptions

tboy1, does tesco ship to nigeria?

coogar:

you won't even get close to a white man in lagos.
his security details would mash you into a pulp and you won't do nada.

i am not even talking about a white man here. what if your fellow nigerians call you a nigger....
does that make the insult less-heavy because he's black? if it is then that's reverse racism.

What does it matter if i am called a nigg** by a black man. D problem with u guys abroad is u've lost touch with reality. U people have been so abused u think it's normal to be called derogatory names. A white man will not call anyone names in Lagos, Kano, Warri or any state at all. You can't come to my country and disrespect me. By the way hw many so called white men go around with security?
I swear i will slap any white man who dares that, security or not.
In 2006 when i went to the UK for hols at around 11pm while i was walking along the road, my friend and I were thrown oranges at by white kids and they were shouting nigg... This was behinnd the covers of darkness. I felt so insulted at the same time helpless. A lot of things are going on which our dear friends in the diaspora are too ashamed to speak of. Everybody i lnw wants to come back hme.

coogar:

tboy1, does tesco ship to nigeria?

I doubt they do and honestly i see no need to import because you can get most items from shopping malls on the island, but i do advice you stock up on toiletries when moving back

Gaggi:

What does it matter if i am called a nigg** by a black man. D problem with u guys abroad is u've lost touch with reality. U people have been so abused u think it's normal to be called derogatory names. A white man will not call anyone names in Lagos, Kano, Warri or any state at all. You can't come to my country and disrespect me. By the way hw many so called white men go around with security?

you sir are a social reprobate!
a black man calls you a nigga(you hi-5 him), a white man calls you the same word(you get angry!)
isn't that racism on it's own? why is a black man free to use a certain word and his white counterpart cannot use the same word?
it's either you abhor the word completely regardless of who uses it or embrace the word regardless of who uses it.
being selective of who calls you what in itself is racism - a fact that eludes you.

I swear i will slap any white man who dares that, security or not.

the epitomes of a bush man. violence is always the way out. attributes known to boys raised from a cassava background.

In 2006 when i went to the UK for hols at around 11pm while i was walking along the road, my friend and I were thrown oranges at by white kids and they were shouting nigg... This was behinnd the covers of darkness. I felt so insulted at the same time helpless. A lot of things are going on which our dear friends in the diaspora are too ashamed to speak of. Everybody i lnw wants to come back hme.

don't blame them.
they watch all these black movies where black people greet themselves with "what's up, my nigga?"
they listen to hip-hop music where the word "nigga" is used freely. they are just trying to be black!

It would be great to connect with those considering or decided on relocation as well as those who have recently done so. Please "friend" or PM me if you'd like to ...

We can all support each other. I'm currently in the UK and considering the move in time for this school year. I have 2 young boys and life in London is not conducive for many reasons...It's not all about "making it" here or there... There are Pro's and Cons for everyone one of these decisions and life is not a rehearsal. One may as well try all opportunities and experiences for an enriched and informed point of view. My family will be better for it - worts, knocks, highlights and all!!

I will always take diplomacy and decorum over any razz and crass attitude. Definitely not cut out for insanity that Nigeria depicts. Nigeria still remains a joke.

pato405:

he may be right. Food is more expensive in Nigeria.. conversely, in the UK, food remains the cheapest thing so far.

How is food expensive in Nigeria?
I have lived in both worlds and i know the prices of food here and there.

People can eat a decent meal with 300 naira here.
You don't have to spend 2000naira eating a meal at KFC or TFC.

tboy1:
"80% local + 20% imported"
How much will it cost if she wants to import 20% of her monthly food supply for a family of 5.
You do the calculation since you assume people just throw figures when they have no clue

And in regards to you asking how much i spend on monthly food, you just focus on the OP questions and stop making silly assumptions

Rhetoric question dummy.
Who really cares how many pence can feed you in a day?

Imported doesn't mean she has to literally import the food items.
Imported foods are sold at every corner and are almost the same price you find in any UK shop.

coogar:

so what makes you think you can't be called a nigger in lagos?
confused much?

It's different.
The intent is what matters.

Gaggi:
Everybody i Know wants to come back hme.

I think this depends how the individual or his/her family are comfortable in UK. If you make well enough money and appreciate simple things like security,electrity,good roads etc then you really need to have a very good reason to leave UK for Lagos (unless you are guaranteed to be presented better standard of living when you move back)

BlueDiva:
It's different.
The intent is what matters.

which intent?
is the white dude saying it to abuse you or saying it as endearment.
do you know for certain what his intentions are or you're just guessing?

coogar:

tboy1, does tesco ship to nigeria?

Ship what from tesco?
Everything is found here.

And no, tesco don't ship to Nigeria.
Shops like H&C and TM Lwein do ship to Nigeria though.

@ Blank please can you post the name of the agency.

Nanny costs from N10k to N25k if u r getting from an agency.

Where on earth did you go in London for kids to be throwing oranges at you and calling you names? That couldn't have been a pleasant experience and left a bad taste in the mouth. On the other hand, there are others who haven't experienced such things and feel respected - they will likely have a different view point.

MrsA: It would be great to connect with those considering or decided on relocation as well as those who have recently done so. Please "friend" or PM me if you'd like to ...

We can all support each other. I'm currently in the UK and considering the move in time for this school year. I have 2 young boys and life in London is not conducive for many reasons...It's not all about "making it" here or there... There are Pro's and Cons for everyone one of these decisions and life is not a rehearsal. One may as well try all opportunities and experiences for an enriched and informed point of view. My family will be better for it - worts, knocks, highlights and all!!

This sounds quite drastic - in time for this school year means by September and you are still 'considering'? How far along are your plans?

I guess it all depends on where you and your young boys live in London - life can be very conducive in the right places. Have you considered the enormous cost of private education in Nigeria?

For many/most Nigerians it is all about making it - you go abroad to make it, then you come back to Nigeria to either show everyone you've made it or use what you've made abroad to 'make it' even further in Nigeria.

skills_ict:

"really nice thread. Seriously considering making the move to ExxonMobil here in the US myself. I just wonder if it is possible after a couple of yrs to transfer back to Nigeria."

@Davidylan, stop deceiving yourself!
You posted the above statement on the "Total Oil And Gas Workers" thread.

Relocating to Naija, is all about taking calculated risks.

Nice idea trying to go with ExxonMobil in the US but remember if you are an American citizen with Nigerian parents, ExxonMobil will treat you like a Nigerian when or if they want to move you back to Nigeria. Meaning they would not move you back as an expatriate. No free house in Ikoyi, no driver, no car etc.........and to make matters worse, they would pay you based on Nigerian rate. I know this about ExxonMobil cause I have a friend who worked for them for 5yrs and when she proposed moving back to Nigeria thats what they told her. I am not sure about the other Oil Companies in Nigeria but I believe they do that as well.

The best thing to do is to work for an Oil Servicing company in the US like Flour, WorleyParsons, Schlumberger, Technip etc and try to get transfered to Nigeria. They would give you all the benefits that is entitled to an expatriate.

tboy1:

I think this depends how the individual or his/her family are comfortable in UK. If you make well enough money and appreciate simple things like security,electrity,good roads etc then you really need to have a very good reason to leave UK for Lagos (unless you are guaranteed to be presented better standard of living when you move back)

guy, the boredom here no get part 2. outside London and Manchester, the others na boredom empire.

BlueDiva:
How is food expensive in Nigeria?
I have lived in both worlds and i know the prices of food here and there.

People can eat a decent meal with 300 naira here.
You don't have to spend 2000naira eating a meal at KFC or TFC.



Rhetoric question dummy.
Who really cares how many pence can feed you in a day?

Imported doesn't mean she has to literally import the food items.
Imported foods are sold at every corner and are almost the same price you find in any UK shop.



It's different.
The intent is what matters.

your analysis is always relative. what do you define as 'decent meal'. in any case, what you consider as decent may be regarded by another as indecent.


ok, lets go by your analysis , N300 X 3meals a day = N900 daily

N900 daily X 30 days = N27, 000

now, someone referred to a family of 5, which gives you nearly 140k. but you criticised his 150k which is almost £600 i.e £150 more than earlier mentioned/estimated £450.

so where the basis for your argument?

knowing fully well this analysis isn't viable. food still remains the most expensive in Niaja. a family of 5 in UK can hardly finish £450 even if you decide to go on exclusively Naija food that is notoriously expensive in UK

rakumiii:
Nice idea trying to go with ExxonMobil in the US but remember if you are an American citizen with Nigerian parents, ExxonMobil will treat you like a Nigerian when or if they want to move you back to Nigeria. Meaning they would not move you back as an expatriate. No free house in Ikoyi, no driver, no car etc.........and to make matters worse, they would pay you based on Nigerian rate. I know this about ExxonMobil cause I have a friend who worked for them for 5yrs and when she proposed moving back to Nigeria thats what they told her. I am not sure about the other Oil Companies in Nigeria but I believe they do that as well.

The best thing to do is to work for an Oil Servicing company in the US like Flour, WorleyParsons, Schlumberger, Technip etc and try to get transfered to Nigeria. They would give you all the benefits that is entitled to an expatriate.

this is not true - if you are an american citizen without a nigerian passport, you would be treated as an expatriate!