I Thought Moving to Abuja Would Solve Everything — It Didn’t

When I first came to Abuja, I thought I was escaping chaos.

Abuja didn’t give me the life I expected — but it gave me perspective. It taught me that clarity doesn’t always come in comfort.

Anonymous

I had a decent degree, a well-pressed CV, and big dreams packed in the same bag as my clothes. The city felt cleaner, calmer — more promising than where I came from, but nobody warned me: Abuja isn’t soft, it’s just quiet while it breaks you.

💭 The Promise of Escape

I came here with hope, like many do. Abuja had jobs, connections, and a chance to “start afresh.” And in the beginning, it felt like a fresh breath. I found a shared apartment in Lugbe, registered for NYSC, and even landed a small internship.

But after the second month, the shine wore off — and the silence got louder.

💼 The Reality of Hustle

Everyone looks fine here. Suits, perfume, clean shoes. But under the surface, people are grinding, borrowing, skipping meals, and praying not to fall sick. I became one of them.

My ₦30k stipend was enough to transport me to and from work — and that’s all. Some nights I went to bed on Lipton and cabin biscuit. There were no emergencies allowed in my budget.

I smiled through it all, of course. It’s Abuja — we move with pride, even when we’re bleeding.

🪞 The Loneliness You Don’t Expect

The hardest part wasn’t the money. It was the disconnection. People are busy here. Even friendships feel transactional. You can be surrounded by thousands, yet feel completely invisible.

In moments of weakness, I’d scroll through IG and wonder: “Am I the only one faking it?” But deep down I knew — a lot of us are quietly surviving.

🔄 What I Know Now

If you're coming to Abuja, come prepared — not just with money, but with mental strength. Come with grit, humility, and a plan B. This city rewards those who don’t wait for permission.

I still don’t have it all figured out. But I’m learning to rebuild — slower, but stronger. And I’m not alone.

💬 Has Abuja Changed You?

Tell us how the city stretched or shaped you.
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