Skip to main content

Nigeria (NG)

Nigeria is Africa's most populous nation and its largest economy — a vibrant, dynamic, and entrepreneurial country of over 220 million people spanning 36 states and 250+ ethnic groups.

Capital: Abuja
Region: Africa
Language: English
Currency: NGN (₦)
Cost of living: Very affordable (index 22)
Emergency: 112

Digital Services

Digital ID, e-government and essential apps in Nigeria.

NIN (National Identification Number)

Nigeria's core identity number used for SIM registration, banking BVN linkage and many government services. Foreign residents may access NIN enrolment through NIMC where eligible, but most expat services use passport and employer documentation instead.

How to get it: Visit a NIMC enrolment centre where eligible. Foreign nationals generally use passport, STR visa, work permit and CERPAC as identity for day-to-day services.

Unlocks these services
SIM card registration linkageBVN (Bank Verification Number) supportNIS e-Visa and immigration servicesNIMC self-service portal for eligible users

E-Government Portal

https://www.services.gov.ng

Government portals can be slow and payment reference numbers must be saved immediately. Many services still require in-person follow-up at Lagos, Abuja or state offices. Use only official URLs to avoid phishing sites.

Available services
NIS e-Visa and CERPAC applicationAutomated landing and exit card processingCAC company registrationFIRS TaxPro Max tax filingNIMC NIN enrolment and verificationFRSC driver's licence services

Essential Apps

ExpatCheapRent

Free
Housing

Expat-focused cheap rental finder at expatcheaprent.com — compares listings across major rental portals to help newcomers find affordable apartments.

PropertyPro.ng

Free
Housing

Nigeria's leading real estate search platform — active listings of apartments, houses and commercial properties for sale, rent and short-let across Lagos, Abuja and other cities.

WhatsApp

Free
Communication

Default messenger for landlords, drivers, schools, offices and community groups across Nigeria.

Uber

Free
Transport

Ride-hailing available in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and other major cities — confirm plate and driver before boarding.

Bolt

Free
Transport

Ride-hailing widely used in Lagos and other cities, often with more drivers available than Uber in certain areas.

Cowry

Free
Transport

Lagos Bus Rapid Transit and BRT payment app — tap-and-go for Lagos public buses on the BRT corridor.

Kuda Bank / OPay

Free
Banking

Kuda is a fee-free Nigerian neobank; OPay is a mobile financial super-app — both are widely used for transfers, bill payments and everyday banking by residents.

NIS e-Visa portal

Paid
Government

Nigeria Immigration Service portal for e-Visa applications, CERPAC registration and travel permissions — use only the official NIS website.

Chowdeck

Free
Food

Nigerian food delivery platform now in 11 cities with Shoprite grocery delivery partnership — profitable and rapidly expanding as of 2026.

Jiji.ng

Free
Marketplace

Nigeria's largest online classifieds for electronics, vehicles, furniture and second-hand goods.

FIRS TaxPro Max

Free
Tax

Federal Inland Revenue Service integrated tax administration system for company income tax, withholding tax, VAT filing and TIN registration.

VTpass

Free
Utilities

Airtime top-up, electricity prepaid meter token purchase, cable TV and data bundle payments — essential for managing utilities digitally.

Google Maps

Free
Navigation

Useful in Lagos and Abuja for navigation and traffic; supplement with local knowledge for estates, new roads and flood-affected routes.

Cyber fraud, SIM-swap attacks, fake payment screenshots and phishing sites are common in Nigeria. Use a dedicated banking email address, enable 2FA on all financial accounts and verify URLs manually. Release goods or services only after confirmed bank credit.