Abuja: what to see and whether to move there

Is it worth moving to Abuja in 2026

Abuja is Nigeria's planned capital in the centre of the country, built in the 1980s and made the capital in 1991 instead of Lagos. The city is green, with wide roads, ministries, embassies and headquarters of international organisations. People move here for work: diplomats, staff of oil and gas, telecom and construction companies and international foundations. Life in foreigners' districts is expensive, and power and security require extra spending.

What it costs to live in Abuja

Prices come from two price databases and guides for newcomers for 2026, with naira converted at the Central Bank of Nigeria official rate of 5 October 2026, about 1,330 naira per dollar. Rent in Nigeria is usually paid a year or two in advance, so a large sum is needed when moving.

Where to live in Abuja

• Maitama - the most prestigious district with embassies and villas.
• Asokoro - a quiet district by the presidential residence, many guarded houses.
• Wuse and Wuse II - malls, restaurants and slightly cheaper flats.
• Central Business District - offices and ministries.
• Gwarinpa and Jabi - residential areas for a mid-range budget.

Entry, work and residence

Russian citizens need a visa for Nigeria, and an electronic visa is available for tourism, business and transit. Work requires a work visa, a work permit within the employer's expatriate quota and a residence permit, arranged by the company. There are no separate residence programmes for investors or remote workers.

Taxes in Nigeria

A new tax law has applied since January 2026. Income tax: up to 800,000 naira a year, about $610, 0%, then 15% up to 3 million, 18% up to 12 million, 21% up to 25 million, 23% up to 50 million and 25% on income above 50 million naira, about $37,600. Salary tax is withheld by the employer.

Work and economy

Nigeria is West Africa's largest economy and one of the continent's main oil producers. Abuja concentrates government clients, embassies, international organisations, and oil, gas and telecom companies. Local salaries are low, so foreigners come on contracts with allowances for housing, security, a driver and a generator.

Climate and everyday life

The climate is tropical: the rainy season runs from April to October and the dry season from November to March, when the dusty harmattan wind blows from the Sahara. The power grid is unstable, so homes with generators and solar panels are a necessity. The language is English. Healthcare means private clinics and hospitals, and many people fly to Europe or Dubai for complex treatment. International schools with British and American curricula are available for children.

Getting there

Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport is about 40 km from the centre. There are no direct flights from Russia; people connect in Istanbul, Dubai, Addis Ababa, Cairo or Casablanca. Domestic flights are the easiest way around the country: Lagos is about an hour's flight, while road trips between states are usually not recommended for foreigners.

Safety

Abuja is calmer than many other Nigerian cities, but foreigners live in guarded districts, travel by car with a driver and avoid walking late in the evening. Companies usually provide security and safety briefings. Trips outside the capital, especially to the north and some southern states, are planned following embassy advice.

Money and connectivity

The naira fluctuates noticeably, so foreigners' contracts are often pegged to the dollar. Bank cards are accepted in malls and restaurants, but cash and mobile transfers remain important. Mobile service and mobile internet work throughout the city, and homes usually get fibre or wireless internet.

What to see

The city's main symbols are Aso Rock, at whose foot the government buildings stand, the huge Zuma Rock at the entrance to the capital, the National Mosque and the National Christian Centre. At weekends residents walk in Millennium Park and by Jabi Lake, and leave the city for waterfalls and reserves in neighbouring states.

Pitfalls

• Rent is paid a year or two in advance.
• Unstable power and generator costs.
• Safety: foreigners live in guarded districts and travel with a driver.
• Naira exchange rate swings.
• No residence programmes without a job.

Murblz specialists check work documents and the contract, and suggest more convenient options for living in West Africa.