What ₦5,000 Buys in Abuja in 2025 — A Personal Audit

I took ₦5,000 and challenged myself to live two full days in Abuja without dipping into anything else — no transfers, no backup cash, no help; just pure survival, ₦5k in my pocket, and a city ready to humble me with its silent inflation and subtle disrespect.

Abuja doesn’t always take your money loudly — sometimes it just chips away until you’re left wondering where it all went.

Idara S.

Day 1 — Optimism Meets Okada

I skipped Bolt. Took bike to work: ₦500
Beans + bread + water for lunch: ₦850
Pure water for the road: ₦100
Bought gala on the way back: ₦300
Backup transport home: ₦500

Leftover: ₦2,750
I felt proud — until I realized I still had to survive the next day and eat breakfast.

Day 2 — Madness in Market Math

Boiled egg: ₦250
Bottle zobo (feeling fancy): ₦600
Fuel contribution for gen (shared flat wahala): ₦1,000
Bought painkillers for headache: ₦800
Random noodles to eat before bed: ₦800

Balance: ₦0
Time: 6:13 PM
Mood: Deep spiritual reflection.

What I Learned

₦5,000 is not even money — it’s a test of strategy, restraint, and emotional strength. The prices don’t shout, but they add up like soft bombs. You think you’re fine — until you’re broke before 7 PM.

This experiment wasn’t even poverty — it was just basic survival. Some people live like this every week, and they do it without flair or drama.

💬 Can You Survive on ₦5k?

We challenge you to try. Share your ₦5k diary, voice notes, or spending hacks.
Tag @abujamailonline with #AbujaBudget or send it to editor@abujamail.com