Cost Of Living In Borno State

Borno State, located in the northeastern region of Nigeria, is known for its rich cultural history, strategic location, and proximity to neighboring countries like Chad, Niger, and Cameroon. In recent years, Borno has faced significant challenges due to insurgency, which has affected many aspects of life in the region. Despite these challenges, the state remains home to millions of residents who navigate its economic landscape daily. This blog post will take an in-depth look at the cost of living in Borno State, examining factors such as housing, transportation, food, healthcare, education, and other essential expenses.

1. Housing Costs

Housing is one of the most significant expenses for residents in Borno State. Like in other parts of Nigeria, the cost of housing in Borno varies depending on location, availability, and the size of the property.

• Urban Areas: The capital city, Maiduguri, is the commercial and administrative hub of the state, which makes it the most expensive in terms of housing. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in central areas of Maiduguri can cost between ₦200,000 to ₦400,000 per year, depending on the amenities and condition of the property. Larger apartments, such as two or three-bedroom units, can range from ₦400,000 to ₦1,000,000 annually. However, housing prices in newly developed or more suburban areas are generally lower.

• Rural Areas: In contrast, housing costs in rural areas of Borno are significantly lower. In towns such as Bama, Biu, and Monguno, rental prices are much cheaper, sometimes as low as ₦50,000 to ₦100,000 annually for basic accommodations. Many rural residents often live in traditional compounds that require little to no rent.

• Impact of Insurgency: The ongoing conflict has had a profound impact on housing availability and costs in some parts of Borno. Many people have been displaced, and in Maiduguri, there’s a housing crisis as internally displaced persons (IDPs) flock to the city, raising demand for accommodations. Temporary camps set up for IDPs also contribute to the housing landscape, with some people living in makeshift shelters.

2. Transportation

Borno State’s transportation system has been severely affected by the insurgency, which has limited movement in certain regions, especially rural areas. However, within Maiduguri and other relatively safe areas, transportation services remain active.

• Public Transport: The most common means of public transport in Maiduguri includes taxis, tricycles (keke napep), and motorcycles (okadas). A short trip within the city can cost anywhere from ₦50 to ₦200. Tricycles are more affordable and are the preferred choice for short distances. Longer trips, such as traveling from Maiduguri to neighboring towns like Damboa or Biu, can range from ₦500 to ₦2,000, depending on the distance.

• Private Vehicles: Owning a private vehicle in Borno comes with its own set of challenges. Fuel prices in the state can be higher than the national average due to security concerns and supply chain disruptions. At petrol stations in Maiduguri, a liter of fuel can cost between ₦300 to ₦500, higher than the national price. Maintenance and spare parts are also relatively expensive because of supply challenges.

• Intercity Transport: Traveling out of Borno to other states in Nigeria can be challenging due to the state’s security situation. Buses that ply routes from Maiduguri to places like Kano, Abuja, and Lagos are fewer in number compared to pre-insurgency years. The cost of these long-distance bus trips ranges between ₦5,000 to ₦20,000 depending on the destination.

3. Food and Groceries

The cost of food in Borno State varies, depending on the location, availability of produce, and seasonality. As with most parts of Nigeria, food items are often cheaper in rural areas compared to urban centers.

• Staples: Common staples like rice, beans, maize, and millet are essential in Borno State. A 50kg bag of rice typically costs between ₦30,000 and ₦40,000, while a 50kg bag of beans can range from ₦40,000 to ₦60,000 depending on the season. Locally grown millet and maize are more affordable, with a bag costing about ₦20,000 to ₦30,000.

• Protein: Protein sources such as beef, chicken, and fish are relatively expensive in Maiduguri. A kilogram of beef costs around ₦2,500 to ₦3,500. Chicken, depending on the size, can cost between ₦2,000 and ₦5,000 per bird. Fresh fish is available but limited due to Lake Chad's shrinking size, which has affected the fishing industry.

• Vegetables and Fruits: Locally grown vegetables such as tomatoes, onions, and peppers are affordable. A basket of tomatoes can go for as low as ₦500 to ₦1,500, depending on availability. Imported fruits such as apples and grapes are more expensive due to transportation challenges and are seen as luxury items.

• Restaurants: For residents who prefer eating out, there are several local canteens and restaurants in Maiduguri that serve Nigerian dishes at reasonable prices. A meal of rice and stew or jollof rice with beef can cost between ₦500 and ₦1,500, depending on the location and quality of the establishment.

4. Healthcare

The healthcare system in Borno State, especially in Maiduguri, is a combination of public and private services. Healthcare costs in the state have been greatly affected by the insurgency, with many hospitals and clinics outside of Maiduguri either damaged or shut down.

• Public Healthcare: Public healthcare is generally more affordable but often lacks the resources and quality of care found in private facilities. Consultation fees at public hospitals are typically low, ranging from ₦500 to ₦1,000. However, the cost of drugs and treatments can increase depending on the condition.

• Private Healthcare: Private hospitals in Maiduguri offer better services but at a higher cost. A consultation at a private hospital can range from ₦2,000 to ₦10,000, and more specialized treatments can cost significantly more. Due to the state's security situation, there’s a shortage of healthcare professionals, which has driven up prices in private facilities.

• Medicines: The cost of medications in Borno State can be relatively high, especially for imported drugs. Common over-the-counter medications like paracetamol cost between ₦100 and ₦500, while more specialized medications can cost much more, particularly in times of shortage.

5. Education

Education in Borno has been severely disrupted due to the insurgency, but efforts to restore normalcy have led to the reopening of schools in Maiduguri and other secure areas.

• Public Schools: Public schools offer affordable education, with most parents paying only minimal fees for their children’s enrollment. However, many public schools in Borno suffer from overcrowding, lack of teachers, and inadequate facilities, especially in rural areas.

• Private Schools: Private schools in Maiduguri are more expensive but offer better learning environments. Fees for primary schools can range from ₦50,000 to ₦150,000 per term, while secondary school fees are higher, between ₦100,000 to ₦300,000 per term.

• Higher Education: Borno State is home to several tertiary institutions, including the University of Maiduguri, which is one of the major educational centers in the northeast. Tuition fees for public universities are relatively affordable, averaging around ₦30,000 to ₦100,000 per session. Private universities, however, can cost upwards of ₦300,000 per session.

6. Utilities and Miscellaneous Costs

• Electricity: Access to electricity in Borno is inconsistent. In Maiduguri, the supply is irregular, and many residents rely on generators for power, which increases the cost of living. Fueling a generator can cost between ₦2,000 to ₦10,000 weekly, depending on usage.

• Water: While access to potable water is better in Maiduguri, many areas in Borno State still struggle with clean water availability. Residents either rely on boreholes or purchase water, which can add to living costs.

• Internet and Communication: Mobile data and internet costs are relatively expensive in Borno compared to other regions of Nigeria. The lack of stable infrastructure affects the availability and cost of communication services.

Conclusion

The cost of living in Borno State is highly variable, depending on location and access to resources. Maiduguri, as the state capital, is relatively more expensive than rural areas, largely due to demand and the concentration of displaced persons. Basic needs like housing, food, healthcare, and education remain accessible but come at a higher cost due to the ongoing insurgency and infrastructural challenges. While some aspects of life in Borno are affordable compared to other regions of Nigeria, the added expenses of insecurity make daily living a complex balancing act for residents.