In many Nigerian households, some events happen every year, yet people still treat them like unexpected emergencies. When they come, everyone starts to panic, borrow money, or beg friends and family for help. But the truth is, these things shouldn’t be emergencies at all—they are part of life and can be planned for.
Here are three important things Nigerians must stop treating like sudden problems.
1. Childbirth
Childbirth is a blessing, but for many families, it comes with unnecessary stress. It’s strange that after nine months of pregnancy, some people still act surprised when it’s time for delivery. They start running around to borrow money for hospital bills, baby clothes, or even transportation to the hospital.
Childbirth is not a surprise—it gives warning signs from day one. Once pregnancy is confirmed, planning should begin immediately. Start saving small amounts regularly, buy baby items gradually, and know where the delivery will take place. Even if you don’t have a stable income, small consistent savings can go a long way. The truth is, a little preparation prevents a lot of drama.
2. Rent
Every year or two, house rent will come knocking. Yet, many tenants act like it just dropped from the sky. Some landlords even have to send multiple reminders, and when the deadline comes, tension fills the air. People start selling their property, moving in with friends, or borrowing money with high interest.
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Let’s be honest—rent is not an emergency. It is a fixed and expected cost. If your rent is ₦240,000 per year, for example, that’s ₦20,000 per month. If you plan monthly, the pressure reduces. But when you ignore it all year and then expect a miracle two weeks to the deadline, you’ll keep stressing yourself.
It’s not about having a big salary—it’s about planning with what you have. If the rent is above your means, it’s okay to downgrade. Peace of mind is better than fake comfort.
3. Children’s School Fees
Another “emergency” that repeats itself like clockwork is school fees. When the new term is about to start, many parents begin to panic. Suddenly, people are asking for loans, pledging belongings, or avoiding phone calls. But we all know school resumes in September, January, and April. It’s not a secret.
If your child’s school fees are ₦90,000 per term, you need to break it into three months of savings—₦30,000 monthly. The same applies whether your child is in a public or private school. Some people even send their children to schools they can’t afford just to compete with others. But it’s better to give your child a stable education than to put the entire household under pressure.
Also, if things get tough, talk to the school early. Many schools offer part-payment plans, but they respect parents who communicate early—not those who show up with stories on resumption day.
Life is already hard in Nigeria. Don’t make it harder by turning predictable events into emergencies. Childbirth, rent, and school fees are not surprises. They are part of life, and the earlier we accept that, the better we’ll plan.
You don’t have to be rich to be prepared. You just have to be intentional. Save small, think ahead, and cut your coat according to your cloth—not your neighbour’s.
