Abuja - Post Report Question and Answers
Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Lagos is better for singles, but Abuja is fine too. Abuja doesn't have a thriving night life, but there's plenty to do if you look for it. In either city, nannies are affordable and people really like children. - Jun 2024
It's always what you make of it. The only group I wouldn't recommend bringing here are teenagers. It's a very restrictive environment (as you can't really go out by yourself at night), so they might not enjoy it here. - Sep 2019
It is what you make of it, as are all posts. I'd say best for families, as housing is focused on providing activities for the kids and families are all together. - Feb 2019
Probably not a great place to meet other singles besides at work. - Apr 2018
This is a decent post for families and for couples (so long as both spouses can work). This is a tough post for singles, given the inability to travel and lack of things to do. - Apr 2017
That depends on your own situation, but its possible to get out and meet people. - Jun 2016
I could see a case being made for each category. The expat scene is very single/couple-dominated, generally hosting parties at their compounds. Families seem to have fun by scheduling activities with each other at their compounds. The options for things to do out in town have not been great, but the options seem to be improving. - Aug 2015
No different than for familes. - Jun 2015
There's nothing to recommend in Abuja. Hard to drive anywhere, traffic is horrendous. lots of people don't even drive though they have cars. Picture a car going the wrong way on a around-about. Or down the up ramp on the express roads. Common occurence here. Restaurants are worse than mediocre and very expensive: US12$ for a milk shake which DOES taste good but.... - Nov 2014
All. Everyone has their niche. Singles can have quite the night life, if they choose. Families tend to get together often. - Aug 2014
The happiest people here seem to be couples with very young kids. Overall, anyone who has an optimistic personality and is able and willing to "make their own fun" at home or with neighbors will do fine here. We are very isolated - it's hard to engage with the local community for many reasons (cultural and logistical) and it's very expensive to leave the city (US$350 to fly to Lagos, US$550 to fly to Ghana, US$1100 to fly to Europe and those are basically your options). No road trips out of the city do to security concerns. There's not much to do. - May 2014
Hmmm. I don't want to say "It's equally bad for everyone," but I am not sure how else to be honest here. Let's just say that once you find your niche within the diplomatic and local communities, it can actually be really great socially. You also have to be able to be nice to everyone, because, although there are lots of expats, Abuja is a small city, and you will run into the same people everywhere. You also need to be able to entertain yourself, since going out gets expensive and repetitive (people entertain at home quite a lot). Finally, know when to stop spending time with people who are overly negative, since they can really poison everyone else's experience. It can be fun if you make it fun! - May 2013
It's not really a great city for almost anyone. Generally speaking, I'd say that families with children probably cope the best, while couples and particularly singles struggle more. There's not a lot to do here and the pressures at work are enormous. Regardless, those that have worked in West Africa before (and have an affinity for it) and/or have family ties to the region also tend to do significantly better than those who do not. - Jun 2009
I think it is good for families because the limited entertainment choices makes it possible to spend lots of time together. On the other hand, everything is very expensive expecially food and travel. - Mar 2009
I don't think this is a good city for almost anyone. You have to be a really, really easy-going person to put up with this place. Even people that were in the peace corps have been absolutely miserable here. - Sep 2008
Better for families & couples -- there is NOTHING to do, but at least you'll have each other. Singles get pretty bored (but then again so do couples & families). - Aug 2008
This is absolutely a family-oriented post and most singles and couples without children can feel a little lost and/or left out. There is no real social scene to speak of and unless you want to get involved in all the kiddie oriented activities, you may find yourself without a whole lot to do on the weekends. - Jul 2008
