As a remote worker in Nigeria, I’ve lived in different cities, constantly searching for places with stable electricity, affordable living, and a decent quality of life. Lagos and Abuja often come up as the go-to options, but let’s be honest—they can be expensive, stressful, and noisy. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly and peaceful alternative, here are five cities where working remotely feels like a breeze.
1. Uyo: The city where light hardly blinks
If there’s one thing I absolutely love about Uyo, it’s the electricity supply. I’ve had days where the light stays on for 24 hours straight—something that’s almost unheard of in many Nigerian cities. That alone makes remote work easy and stress-free.
The cost of living is also reasonable. A decent one-bedroom apartment in a good area goes for about ₦250,000–₦400,000 per year, much cheaper than Lagos, where you’d be lucky to find something similar for less than ₦800,000. Food is another win—Afang, Edikaikong, and other local delicacies are not just delicious but also quite affordable.
2. Calabar: Beautiful, calm, and full of attractions
Calabar is another city where I’ve spent time working remotely. I actually served in Cross River during my National Youth Service Corps. It’s one of the most beautiful places in Nigeria, with well-planned roads, a peaceful atmosphere, and plenty of recreational spots. Electricity is fairly stable, and the cost of living isn’t high—except when it comes to accommodation. Renting a decent apartment here can be pricey, especially in areas like State Housing and Parliamentary Extension, where you might pay between ₦350,000–₦600,000 for a standard one-bedroom flat.
One thing I enjoy about Calabar is its rich tourism culture. It has some of Nigeria’s best-known attractions, including the Tinapa Resort, the Slave Museum, Kwa Falls, and the Drill Ranch. If you love nature and history, there’s no shortage of places to explore when you need a break from work.
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3. Ibadan: The perfect Lagos alternative
Ibadan is what Lagos used to be before the hustle and bustle took over. It’s just a short trip from Lagos and Ogun, making it a great alternative if you want Lagos’ benefits without the stress.
The best part? Housing and food are unbelievably cheap. A comfortable one-bedroom flat in a good area goes for just ₦200,000 per year. Compare that to Lagos, where the same kind of apartment would easily cost three to four times more. Food is also incredibly affordable—Nkwobi, amala, and abula at local joints won’t make your wallet cry.
Electricity isn’t the best, but it’s manageable. Plus, there are nice spots to relax after work, like Agodi Gardens, Ventura Mall, and the University of Ibadan Zoological Garden.
4. Abeokuta: Affordable, quiet, and well-connected
Abeokuta might not be the first place that comes to mind for remote work, but it has a lot going for it. The cost of living is low, accommodation is reasonable (around ₦250,000 per year for a decent one-bedroom apartment), and food is cheap.
Electricity is fairly stable, and because Abeokuta isn’t as crowded as Lagos, internet speeds are decent since networks aren’t overloaded. If you ever need a break, Olumo Rock is right there for a quick adventure.
5. Auchi: Small but mighty
Auchi might be a small town, but for a remote worker looking for a peaceful and affordable place, it’s a hidden gem. Electricity is surprisingly stable, rent is incredibly cheap (you can get a decent self-contained apartment for as low as ₦120,000–₦180,000 per year), and food prices are among the lowest I’ve experienced anywhere in Nigeria.
While it doesn’t have the big malls and social spots of Lagos, it has a simple, relaxed environment where you can focus on work without distractions.
From my experience, Lagos and Abuja are great if you need to be in the center of business and networking, but if you’re after affordability, stable electricity, and a less stressful lifestyle, these five cities are worth considering. Each has its strengths, and the best one for you depends on your work needs and lifestyle preferences.
Have you worked remotely in any of these cities? Or do you have another hidden gem to add to the list? I’d love to hear about it.