NewStats: 3,261,109 , 8,173,052 topics. Date: Wednesday, 28 May 2025 at 08:52 AM 1e4x5v

In today’s Nigeria, managing ₦100,000 for a whole month is no small feat. With inflation, rising fuel prices, electricity tariffs, and the ever-changing economy, this amount is barely enough for survival in many urban areas. Yet, for many Nigerians, especially entry-level workers, small business owners, and students, ₦100k is what they have to work with monthly.

So how exactly do people stretch ₦100,000 to meet their basic needs? Here’s a typical breakdown of how an average Nigerian might allocate their funds:

1. Rent — ₦25,000

Rent is usually the biggest monthly burden. If you’re not in Lagos or Abuja, you might find a self-contained apartment or one-room flat for ₦20k–₦30k monthly. For those in cities like Ibadan, Akure, or Enugu, shared spaces or more affordable buildings offer relief. In major cities, this amount might only cover a room in a face-me-I-face-you setup or a contribution towards shared rent.

Some even pay annual rent in bulk but mentally “deduct” the equivalent monthly amount when budgeting.

2. Feeding — ₦30,000

Food is a basic necessity, and ₦30k often covers staple foods like rice, garri, yam, beans, spaghetti, palm oil, and seasoning. For many, eating out is a luxury; most meals are cooked at home to cut costs. A simple breakfast of bread and tea, lunch of rice or swallow, and light dinner is the norm.

Protein (meat, fish, or eggs) is used sparingly, and families get creative with recipes to manage within budget.

3. Transportation — ₦10,000

Getting to work, school, or the market every day is a cost many can’t avoid. With high fuel prices, public transport fares have skyrocketed. Daily commuting in cities like Lagos or Port Harcourt could cost ₦300–₦700. A person spending ₦500 a day on transport could hit ₦10k in just 20 days.

Some cut down costs by trekking short distances or carpooling with neighbors.

4. Data & Airtime — ₦6,000

Life is online now — jobs, communication, news, entertainment. ₦5k–₦6k goes to mobile data and airtime. People opt for midnight browsing plans, small data bundles, or free Wi-Fi (if they’re lucky) to stay connected without overspending.

Even those not active on social media still need data for WhatsApp, mobile banking, and job hunting.

5. Electricity & Utilities — ₦5,000

Electricity isn’t stable, and most households mix NEPA power with generator use. Paying electricity bills, buying petrol or diesel for generators, and paying for water supply or sanitation eats into the budget. ₦5k barely covers it in many areas, especially with recent tariff hikes.

6. Miscellaneous / Emergency — ₦10,000

This is the cushion for unexpected expenses — buying drugs when someone falls sick, giving church offering, replacing a broken charger, or sending small money to family. Sometimes this portion disappears within the first week of the month.

People also dip into this for little indulgences like suya, snacks, or data top-ups.

So, is ₦100,000 Enough?

Truthfully, it’s not. For many Nigerians, ₦100k barely covers basic survival. There’s little to nothing left for savings, investment, or personal growth. The cost of living is high, and ₦100,000 no longer stretches like it did even five years ago.

Yet, people survive. Through side hustles, family , sharing costs with others, and a lot of prayer and discipline, many make it work — just barely.

If you earn more than ₦100k, be grateful. And if you’re earning ₦100k or less, you’re not alone — and your hustle is valid.

Read more [url][https://www.e-barcsmfb.com/blog/how-to-start-a-side-hustle-and-manage-your-finances]

More money has never solved anything. Even if CBN in this era of electronic money decides to print 1,000 trillion Naira, it is easier for sellers to adjust selling price and so we are simply back to where we were before. The salary earners will only be exchanging more number/volume of currency for less services and products.
If those office workers can start producting 40-60 bags of rice on an acre of land, they can easily double their earning by working six months. The key is production and not paid activity that comes in office format.

I eat food #100k in a week

100k is the weekly budget for a family of five!
I can't tell you how that amount can be managed in a month by a family of four or five.

Hmmm.

Bittersweetnig:
I eat food #100k in a week

So?

Electricity 5K? Prepaid meter with only fan in your room sef will not last you two weeks with 5k

Transportation 10k

You tried, bit unfortunately, your estimate does not look feasible, even for someone who is single.

5k for electricity ke.

You can't use 30,000 for food in a month.

1paint of rice is 7000
Beans
(add other foods you buy in a month)
Palm oil is 1300
Groundnut oil 1800
Tin milk (3) 2100
Bournvita 1000
Eggs (crate) 5500
Seasoning 400
Fish and stew 7000
Gas filling 6000

Monthly feeding 30k is impossible

obinna58:
Monthly feeding 30k is impossible

Not when you are eating fertilizer and saw dust directly. Very possible.

ReacherSaidNoth:
Transportation 10k

From the front door to the compound gate

ReacherSaidNoth:
Transportation 10k

For Lagos

This means you trek for a living!!

CodeTemplarr:
More money has never solved anything. Even if CBN in this era of electronic money decides to print 1,000 trillion Naira, it is easier for sellers to adjust selling price and so we are simply back to where we were before. The salary earners will only be exchanging more number/volume of currency for less services and products.
If those office workers can start producting 40-60 bags of rice on an acre of land, they can easily double their earning by working aix months. The key is production and not paid activity that comes in office format.

sellers do not just adjust price. Inflation takes effect, and the high volume of the currency devalues the currency... I need to explain it step by step, bt not now

Stupid post

eBARCSMFB:
In today’s Nigeria, managing ₦100,000 for a whole month is no small feat. With inflation, rising fuel prices, electricity tariffs, and the ever-changing economy, this amount is barely enough for survival in many urban areas. Yet, for many Nigerians, especially entry-level workers, small business owners, and students, ₦100k is what they have to work with monthly.

So how exactly do people stretch ₦100,000 to meet their basic needs? Here’s a typical breakdown of how an average Nigerian might allocate their funds:

1. Rent — ₦25,000

Rent is usually the biggest monthly burden. If you’re not in Lagos or Abuja, you might find a self-contained apartment or one-room flat for ₦20k–₦30k monthly. For those in cities like Ibadan, Akure, or Enugu, shared spaces or more affordable buildings offer relief. In major cities, this amount might only cover a room in a face-me-I-face-you setup or a contribution towards shared rent.

Some even pay annual rent in bulk but mentally “deduct” the equivalent monthly amount when budgeting.

2. Feeding — ₦30,000

Food is a basic necessity, and ₦30k often covers staple foods like rice, garri, yam, beans, spaghetti, palm oil, and seasoning. For many, eating out is a luxury; most meals are cooked at home to cut costs. A simple breakfast of bread and tea, lunch of rice or swallow, and light dinner is the norm.

Protein (meat, fish, or eggs) is used sparingly, and families get creative with recipes to manage within budget.

3. Transportation — ₦10,000

Getting to work, school, or the market every day is a cost many can’t avoid. With high fuel prices, public transport fares have skyrocketed. Daily commuting in cities like Lagos or Port Harcourt could cost ₦300–₦700. A person spending ₦500 a day on transport could hit ₦10k in just 20 days.

Some cut down costs by trekking short distances or carpooling with neighbors.

4. Data & Airtime — ₦6,000

Life is online now — jobs, communication, news, entertainment. ₦5k–₦6k goes to mobile data and airtime. People opt for midnight browsing plans, small data bundles, or free Wi-Fi (if they’re lucky) to stay connected without overspending.

Even those not active on social media still need data for WhatsApp, mobile banking, and job hunting.

5. Electricity & Utilities — ₦5,000

Electricity isn’t stable, and most households mix NEPA power with generator use. Paying electricity bills, buying petrol or diesel for generators, and paying for water supply or sanitation eats into the budget. ₦5k barely covers it in many areas, especially with recent tariff hikes.

6. Miscellaneous / Emergency — ₦10,000

This is the cushion for unexpected expenses — buying drugs when someone falls sick, giving church offering, replacing a broken charger, or sending small money to family. Sometimes this portion disappears within the first week of the month.

People also dip into this for little indulgences like suya, snacks, or data top-ups.

So, is ₦100,000 Enough?

Truthfully, it’s not. For many Nigerians, ₦100k barely covers basic survival. There’s little to nothing left for savings, investment, or personal growth. The cost of living is high, and ₦100,000 no longer stretches like it did even five years ago.

Yet, people survive. Through side hustles, family , sharing costs with others, and a lot of prayer and discipline, many make it work — just barely.

If you earn more than ₦100k, be grateful. And if you’re earning ₦100k or less, you’re not alone — and your hustle is valid.

Read more [url][https://www.e-barcsmfb.com/blog/how-to-start-a-side-hustle-and-manage-your-finances]

[url= https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/nigeria-vs-south-africa-flying-eagles-to-face-amajita-in-u-20-afcon-semifinal-2025051307550885155]Please let’s the flying Eagles [/url]

Easy to know who has never earned 100k in their life.

I may agree with anything but feeding.... and transportation.....

CodeTemplarr:
Not when you are eating fertilizer and saw dust directly. Very possible.

how is 30k possible to feed a family. Give us a break down.

Do you even know the price of food stuff

delkuf:
how is 30k possible to feed a family. Give us a break down.

Do you even know the price of food stuff

sawdust N500, fertilizer N500, water and toothbrush N29,000.

CodeTemplarr:
More money has never solved anything. Even if CBN in this era of electronic money decides to print 1,000 trillion Naira, it is easier for sellers to adjust selling price and so we are simply back to where we were before. The salary earners will only be exchanging more number/volume of currency for less services and products.
If those office workers can start producting 40-60 bags of rice on an acre of land, they can easily double their earning by working six months. The key is production and not paid activity that comes in office format.

Tempted to know what you do for a living. Cuz this your statement that more money is irrelevant is kinda absurd. Except you are part of the oppressors.

Karleb:
Easy to know who has never earned 100k in their life.

Hustle better not on salary 🙂

As a street niggi,I spend between 150 to 200k on food,transport,fuel,clothing,data,bills and of cos car maintenance, still its not enough

I think this OP is delusional or at best a teenager living with his parents. N30k on food is impossible.

Wrong!
On the average, for a single fellow...
1. Rent #12-15k (depending on the type of housing & location..single room/self con)
2. 60k
...an average meal costs 1k. ( Yes! Even ordinary bread and coke.) Twice a day.
3. 16k
An average of 800 to and fro for at least 20 days a month.
4. Lol..unless you're a total introvert with an almost zero social life, data would eat at least 10k of your money.
5. Electricity and utility...3k per month is okay for Electricity but gen? Hehehe! Utility isn't limited to just power though...so, cost is undefined.
6. MISCELLANEOUS IS NEVER 10K. Miscellaneous and utility goes hand in hand...gen repairs, light repairs, unexpected dues, "billings", sudden hike in cost of foodstuff or transportation fare, friends who need urgent loans, little financial for romantic partner(s)...guest/visitor/bf or gf entertainment, invitation to parties...etc.



100k is never enough.

Omo, this breakdown is too painfully accurate. One small unexpected thing — hospital bill, phone spoil, or fuel scarcity and the subsequent transport increase — and person whole budget don scatter.

What’s mad is how money just dey disappear. You think you're managing ₦100k, then by month-end you realize airtime, data, and small-small charges have eaten a good ₦15k.

One thing that’s helped me is keeping part of my money in dollars sha or any stable currency, and only converting to naira when I need it. E no stop the hustle, but at least it slows down how fast the money dey melt.

Also I stopped using many of these apps that collect hidden fees (but I still get Netflix sha). Those things dey add up quietly.

In this economy, how you hold and move money matters almost as much as how much you earn.