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• Muna Tengi
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The Cost Of Living In Kebbi State

Kebbi State, located in the northwestern part of Nigeria, is known for its agricultural economy and historical significance. Bordered by Niger Republic to the west and Benin Republic to the southwest, Kebbi has a predominantly rural population with key cities such as Birnin Kebbi, Argungu, and Zuru. While Kebbi is not as developed as other major states like Lagos or Abuja, the cost of living in the state remains one of the lowest in Nigeria, largely due to its rural makeup, inexpensive housing, and agricultural abundance.

This blog post aims to provide a comprehensive breakdown of the cost of living in Kebbi State, covering essential aspects like housing, food, transportation, healthcare, education, and utilities.

1. Housing and Accommodation

Housing is one of the most important factors when calculating the cost of living. Kebbi State is largely affordable when it comes to renting or purchasing property, especially when compared to more urbanized Nigerian states.

• In Birnin Kebbi, the state capital and most urbanized area, the cost of housing is higher than in other parts of the state. A two-bedroom apartment in the city center costs between ₦200,000 to ₦400,000 per year. However, in less central areas or smaller towns like Argungu or Zuru, you can find similar accommodations for between ₦100,000 to ₦250,000 annually.

• In the more rural parts of Kebbi, especially the villages and smaller communities, accommodation is significantly cheaper. Rent for a modest one-bedroom apartment can be as low as ₦50,000 to ₦100,000 annually.

For those looking to purchase land, the prices vary depending on proximity to major towns or cities. In Birnin Kebbi, land prices are relatively higher, costing between ₦500,000 to ₦1,500,000 per plot. In rural areas, the cost can drop to as low as ₦200,000 to ₦500,000 for a plot of land.

2. Food and Groceries

Kebbi State is primarily an agricultural state, producing rice, millet, onions, wheat, and tomatoes. This agricultural abundance makes food relatively cheap compared to urbanized Nigerian states.

• A meal at a local restaurant typically costs between ₦200 to ₦500, depending on the location and type of food served. Kebbi's food prices are very affordable due to the local production of staple foods. For instance, a plate of rice and chicken at a mid-range eatery costs around ₦400 to ₦600.

• For those who prefer to cook at home, the cost of groceries is generally low, particularly for locally sourced food items. A 50 kg bag of rice—one of Kebbi’s main agricultural products—costs around ₦30,000 to ₦35,000, depending on the quality. A carton of tomatoes costs about ₦3,000 to ₦5,000, and fresh vegetables like onions and peppers are available in local markets at affordable prices.

• Imported goods can be more expensive due to transportation costs. For example, items like cereal, imported fruits, and canned foods can cost twice as much as in larger cities with more developed retail markets.

The total monthly grocery bill for a family of four in Kebbi State ranges from ₦30,000 to ₦50,000, depending on food preferences and whether local markets or supermarkets are patronized.

3. Transportation

Kebbi State’s transportation system is largely based on public transport and privately owned motorcycles. Due to its rural nature, the road infrastructure is not as developed as in more urbanized states, but it is improving gradually.

• Public transportation in Kebbi is relatively cheap. A short trip within Birnin Kebbi by commercial bus or motorcycle (known locally as "okada") costs between ₦50 to ₦150. In smaller towns and rural areas, transportation can be even cheaper, often costing just ₦20 to ₦50 per trip.

• Taxis are also available in Birnin Kebbi and other larger towns, with fares ranging from ₦100 to ₦500 depending on the distance traveled. For longer distances, such as from Birnin Kebbi to Zuru or Argungu, bus fares can cost between ₦1,000 to ₦2,500.

• For inter-state travel, Kebbi’s central location makes it accessible to neighboring states like Sokoto, Niger, and Zamfara. A bus trip to Sokoto costs around ₦1,500, while travel to Abuja or Lagos can cost between ₦4,000 and ₦10,000, depending on the type of bus service.

For private vehicle owners, fuel costs hover around ₦200 to ₦300 per liter, meaning monthly expenses for fueling a car can range from ₦10,000 to ₦40,000 depending on usage.

4. Healthcare

Healthcare in Kebbi is primarily provided through government-owned hospitals and clinics, although there are some private healthcare providers as well. The cost of healthcare is relatively affordable, particularly at public hospitals.

• Consultation fees at public hospitals like the Federal Medical Centre Birnin Kebbi or state-owned clinics typically range from ₦500 to ₦2,000, making basic medical care accessible to most residents. Treatment for common illnesses like malaria can cost between ₦2,000 to ₦5,000.

• Private hospitals charge higher fees, with consultation costs ranging from ₦3,000 to ₦10,000. However, these private institutions offer more personalized care and shorter wait times compared to public hospitals.

• For health insurance, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) covers most public servants, significantly reducing out-of-pocket expenses for healthcare. However, private sector workers and those without insurance may have to cover costs fully.

5. Education

Kebbi State has a variety of educational institutions, ranging from public primary and secondary schools to higher institutions like Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero, and the Federal Polytechnic, Birnin Kebbi.

• Public primary and secondary schools are quite affordable, with annual fees ranging between ₦5,000 to ₦20,000. However, many parents prefer to send their children to private schools, which tend to offer better facilities and higher teaching standards. Fees for private schools vary widely, with some charging between ₦30,000 to ₦100,000 per term.

• For higher education, tuition fees at Kebbi’s public institutions are relatively low. At Kebbi State University, fees for local students range from ₦30,000 to ₦80,000 per year, while private tertiary institutions in the state may charge upwards of ₦150,000 to ₦300,000 annually.

6. Utilities

Utilities such as electricity, water, and internet play a critical role in the overall cost of living in Kebbi State.

• Electricity costs are generally low but vary depending on usage. Monthly electricity bills can range from ₦3,000 to ₦15,000 for most households, but erratic power supply is common, leading to additional fuel expenses for running generators.

• Water supply is also an issue in some parts of the state, particularly rural areas. In cities like Birnin Kebbi, boreholes are the primary source of water, and households typically pay between ₦1,000 to ₦5,000 monthly for water supply.

• Internet access is available but limited, with most residents relying on mobile data plans. A typical mobile data plan costs around ₦3,000 to ₦10,000 monthly, depending on usage. Broadband services are still developing, and those available are more expensive, often costing upwards of ₦15,000 per month.

Conclusion

The cost of living in Kebbi State is relatively low compared to Nigeria's more urbanized states. Housing, food, and transportation are particularly affordable, making the state a viable option for individuals and families looking for a more budget-friendly lifestyle. However, the rural nature of the state means that certain services like healthcare, education, and utilities may not be as developed or reliable as in more urban regions.

For those seeking a slower pace of life with lower living costs and a strong agricultural base, Kebbi State offers a unique blend of affordability and cultural richness. However, individuals considering a move to the state should be aware of the limitations in infrastructure and plan accordingly, particularly in terms of healthcare and utility services.