Your 20s in Nigeria are a wild mix of enjoyment, struggle, and unsolicited advice from relatives. One moment you’re living your best life, and the next, someone is reminding you that “time is going.” Before adulthood starts pressing you like a tight bus seat, here’s a five-step survival guide to enjoying life while dodging stress.
1. Befriend Your Wallet (Sapa is Coming Anyway)
No matter how financially responsible you try to be, sapa will find you. The trick is to stay ahead of it. If you’re spending recklessly, at least be strategic about it. Develop an emergency fund, even if it’s just hidden cash for when things get rough. Learn the art of price negotiation because Nigeria will humble you if you’re paying full price for everything.
If you ever find yourself broke, just remember the power of “urgent 2k” requests, some people have mastered this survival skill to an elite level.
2. Explore Nigeria, Even If It’s Just Your Backyard
You don’t need an international passport to experience adventure. Nigeria is filled with hidden gems, from the breathtaking hills of Jos to the underrated beaches of Badagry. Even if travel funds are low, you can still take a break in your own city, find the quiet spots, good food joints, and places that help you escape reality for a while.
Road trips with friends are an essential part of your 20s, even if the journey includes unnecessary detours and heated debates about music choices. If a trip looks chaotic from the start, brace yourself because “we move” is not always the best strategy in Nigeria.
3. Go Out, But Avoid “Premium Tears”
Enjoyment is important, but Nigerian nightlife is unpredictable. If you’re stepping out, always have an exit plan. Nightlife in Lagos and Abuja can range from VIP champagne vibes to “Where is my phone?” real quick. Choose outings wisely because not all invitations lead to enjoyment; some bring stress, unwanted bills, or a spontaneous life audit from your bank account.
4. Date Like You Have Sense (Because Love Can Be Wahala)
Romance in your 20s is sweet until someone starts sending confusing signals. If you’re entering a talking stage, remember that if it drags for six months, you might actually be in a long-distance relationship with someone who lives in the same city. Keep receipts of everything, because Nigerian heartbreak comes with selective memory, and having screenshots may save you from unnecessary gaslighting.
If someone tells you, “I don’t believe in labels; let’s just vibe,” leave immediately because that’s heartbreak dressed as adventure.
5. Chase Enjoyment First, Worries Later
Your 20s are for experimenting, failing, recovering, and laughing about it all later. This is your time to try new things, embarrass yourself at karaoke, pick up random skills, start a side hustle, and make reckless decisions just to have great stories. Surround yourself with people who bring joy, not those who drain your energy. If you want to truly enjoy your 20s in Nigeria, learn to balance hustle with enjoyment.
Life is already stressful; no need to add extra wahala when soft life is within reach.
Soft Life is Key
The biggest scam is thinking you have to figure everything out immediately. Your 20s are for learning, testing life, and making funny memories before adulthood becomes aggressive. If you make it through smiling, hustling, and avoiding heartbreak, congratulations! You’ve won at adulting.
