A new poll conducted by BusinessDay (BD) Poll has revealed that Nigerian workers spend an average of 40 percent of their monthly salaries on house rent, highlighting the growing strain of high living costs on the working population.
The report, which surveyed respondents across major cities including Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, found that accommodation remains one of the most significant expenses for employed Nigerians, particularly those in urban areas.
According to the findings, rising rent prices driven by inflation, urban migration, and inadequate housing supply have pushed many middle- and low-income earners to the financial brink.
“Rent consumes a large portion of salaries, leaving workers with little to cover other essentials like transportation, food, and healthcare,” the BD Poll stated.
The survey also revealed that Lagos residents bear the highest rental burden, with some respondents spending over 50 percent of their income on accommodation. In contrast, workers in smaller cities such as Ilorin, Akure, and Enugu spend between 25 to 30 percent on average.
Economists have described the trend as alarming, warning that it could worsen Nigeria’s cost-of-living crisis if not addressed through affordable housing policies.
“This is a sign of economic imbalance,” said housing analyst Tunde Akintola. “When workers spend nearly half their income just to keep a roof over their heads, it leaves little room for savings or investments.”
Experts are calling on both federal and state governments to prioritize low-cost housing schemes, rent-to-own initiatives, and urban planning reforms to ease the burden on ordinary Nigerians.
The BD Poll’s revelation has reignited public debate on the affordability crisis in Nigeria’s housing sector, with many citizens expressing frustration over stagnant wages and skyrocketing rents.
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