A Nigerian lady who recently moved back home from the UK has gone viral after openly expressing her shock and frustration over the high cost of living in Nigeria.
According to her, the expenses she faces daily in Nigeria are far higher than what she used to spend while living abroad, leaving her overwhelmed and questioning how people manage to cope.
Returning from the UK
The lady, identified as @melissa_oti on TikTok, shared a detailed account of her experience since returning to Nigeria.
She explained that even though she created a monthly financial plan, she now exceeds her budget far more often than she ever did in the UK.
In the viral video, she wondered whether she was being extravagant or if the rising cost of living in Nigeria is simply beyond anyone’s control.
Car Repairs and Insurance Differences
A major part of her frustration comes from car-related expenses.
She noted that in the UK, insurance typically covers most repair costs, giving residents some financial relief. However, since returning to Nigeria, she has had to shoulder large repair bills entirely on her own.
She added that unexpected issues—like fixing a damaged phone screen or repairing small car faults—now consume a significant part of her earnings, making budgeting extremely difficult.
Food Costs Hitting Hard
She also highlighted that food prices in Nigeria have taken a big toll on her finances.
Shockingly, she now spends far more on groceries and cooked meals than she did in the UK.
“Just know I have been spending way more than I used to spend in the UK on feeding,” she lamented, revealing how her food budget has completely skyrocketed.
Fueling Costs Adding Pressure
Fuel expenses have further worsened her financial struggles.
She explained that maintaining the standard of living she was used to abroad has become almost impossible due to the constant rise in fuel prices and daily transportation costs.
She questioned how Nigerians earning minimum wage survive, considering what she now spends while trying to maintain a simple lifestyle.
Struggling to Balance Budget and Lifestyle
The lady concluded that her expenses in Nigeria do not align with the country’s average income levels.
She confessed that she now battles with whether her lifestyle is too expensive or if the economic reality in Nigeria is simply too harsh to navigate.
Her video has triggered widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians sharing similar experiences, frustrations, and opinions about the rising cost of living.
See below;
@melissa_otiA lot of things don’t make sense anymore #japada
♬ original sound – Melissa