With the cost of living rising faster than incomes, many Nigerians are forced to make difficult financial choices. For context, essentials like food, internet, fuel, housing and transport now take up most of their earnings, leaving little room for anything else.
We spoke to six Nigerians about the sacrifices and adjustments they’re making to their daily lives and the strategies they’re using to survive in an increasingly challenging economy.
“I settled for budget perfumes over designer brands” — Samirah, 30, Pharmacist (₦350k/month)
“I love shopping for things that make me happy. It’s one of my favourite ways to unwind. But with skyrocketing prices, I’ve had to cut back. I used to spend at least ₦100k on new bags and shoes twice a year, but I haven’t bought new ones in two years.
Perfumes are the most painful sacrifices; I can no longer afford to smell rich. I used to have a solid perfume stash with at least six different scents, but my holy grail was Versace Bright Crystal. It was non-negotiable. My plug helped me import the original, and I’d been using the product religiously since 2018. Back then, it cost ₦28k, which was a bit pricey but totally worth it. Since I reserved it for special occasions, one bottle could last a year or two.
Over the years, the price increased — ₦28k, ₦40k, until it hit ₦57k in 2022. Still, I stretched my budget to buy it.
Then, in 2023, the price jumped to ₦70k. That was when I knew my smell-rich era was officially over. I checked the price again in January 2025, and it had skyrocketed to ₦128k.
Now, I make do with six Victoria’s Secret body sprays (₦4,500 per bottle) and two budget perfumes that cost ₦6k each. It helps me save money while still smelling good. But if I’m being honest, I still dream about my Bright Crystal now and then.
“I cut back on monthly hair maintenance and now style my natural hair every two weeks” —*Ire, 23, Sales Associate (₦150k/ Month)
In 2024, I spent ₦50k every month on beauty maintenance, no questions asked: ₦25k on hair, ₦20k on lash extensions, and on some months, ₦26k on nails. But when my monthly transport cost shot up to ₦40k towards the end of 2024, I had to rethink my entire budget.
Lash extensions were the first to go. I used to budget ₦20k for lunch at work and often eat at Chicken Republic, but now? Dem no born me well. On some days, I even skip lunch entirely.
I cut back on hair appointments and started styling my natural hair for ₦1k-₦2k every two weeks. Now, instead of monthly beauty maintenance, I space it out every three months. For the second quarter of 2025, I’m looking to spend around ₦60k altogether. I won’t lie; I miss the convenience, but beauty maintenance is now a quarterly luxury.
“If it’s not Titus, I’m not eating fish these days” — *Lola, 25, Office Assistant (₦150k/month)
Before my husband relocated in September 2024, salmon was the only fish we cooked in our stew. I never paid attention to the price because he handled that.
Then, one day in October, I walked into a supermarket and saw one piece priced at ₦21k.
No one needed to tell me twice. I headed straight to an open-air market and bought a kilo of Titus fish for ₦4,500. Six pieces, enough to last the week.
We also used to stock up on at least a dozen cans of sardines monthly. Now, I don’t even bother because one can is ₦1,200.
Between my salary and whatever money my husband sends. I have to make it work.
If it’s not Titus, I’m not eating fish these days.
“I cut fast food by 80% and cook most of my meals” —*Muhammad, 24, Software Engineer (₦450k/Month)
To save money, I started buying data in bulk and cut fast food by 80%. Now, I’m forced to eat healthily.
My approach to spending is simple: I clear all major expenses early in the month so that whatever’s left is purely expendable. I split my budget into two categories: preplanned and unplanned expenses. If I see it coming, I budget for it. If I don’t, well, we move.
Preplanned expenses, such as fuel, foodstuffs, occasional clothing, and self-care, take about ₦110k monthly. Fuel takes up ₦50k/month, which is a large chunk of my income.
Food, internet, and fuel take up the largest chunk of my monthly income. Everything else is a “regular but not frequent” purchase.
I also budget for big purchases ahead of time. For example, I want to buy a ₦150k keyboard next month, so I’m saving towards it without touching my regular budget.
I mostly cook now but with fast food cut out. I eat less.
“I pass on expensive wigs and have stylists turn Weavon into low-budget wigs”— *Funmilayo, Writer, 24 (₦200k/Month)
When my salary comes in, I split it three ways: savings, expenses for the first few weeks, and a buffer for month-end, just in case my salary doesn’t arrive on time. Even with that system, it never quite feels like enough.
I used to braid my hair a lot, never taking a break between styles. But with hair extensions getting ridiculously expensive, I’ve had to find an alternative: low-budget wigs. The super double-drawn human pixie curl wigs and bone-straight bob beauties that cost ₦150K+ are out of reach.
So, I got creative. I bought a ₦7k pack of Weavon and paid a stylist ₦5k to turn it into a wig. To my surprise, the quality was great — no tangling stress. I also found a decent bob wig for ₦12k, and I’m glad I found something that holds up.
“I switched from French skincare to Nigerian brands” — *Adetola, Urban Planner, 23 (200k/Month)
I used to take an Uber to work. It was just a 15-minute ride that cost between ₦1k and ₦1,500. These days, it’s keke or trekking all the way. I haven’t taken an Uber in months.
I bought a kilo of Turkey for ₦9k the first week of Ramadan. Since then, it’s been me and boiled eggs.
Skincare has taken a hit, too. I used to swear by the french La Roche-Posay face wash, but now, I use the Nigerian DANG’s Mandelic Acid face wash. Does it work? I have no idea.
But the real heartbreak is maintaining my dreadlocks.
My loctician charged me ₦60k for my last appointment. The thing is, these appointments used to be ₦30K. For a hot second, I considered cutting my hair. Imagine working 40 hours a week and still feeling priced out of maintaining my own freaking hair.
Also, I’ve downsized my perfumes to mini bottles. Although I love perfumes, full-size bottles have become a luxury.
Even at home, we feel it. My mum and I have this running joke: before she turns on the AC, she’ll call me to come and enjoy it with her. No more “Oops, I forgot to turn off the AC” before stepping out. You have to do the naira maths.
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