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In a challenging economic climate, securing a well-paid job to sustain our lifestyles in Nigeria can feel like a miracle. Yet, it remains attainable. We spoke to five women under 25, who seem to be doing well for themselves in Nigeria’s context. Monthly salaries and resulting expenses let you know just how deep a person’s pocket runs. 

For most of these women, the hack to sustaining themselves seems to be not paying rent. Here’s what they had to say about their earnings and spending.

“I intend to increase my earning capacity to at least ₦800,000 by 30’’-  Kemi, 24, Cybersecurity Analyst (₦452,000 per month)

I mostly spend money on things people wouldn’t consider serious responsibilities. Food, hair, savings, cosmetics, car maintenance, and church donations. My colleagues often earn the same but are family breadwinners, managing major expenses like rent, electricity, and school fees. My closest responsibilities are sending money to my younger brother, my parents, and car maintenance. 

I’m working towards increasing my earning capacity to at least  ₦800,000 by 30, which I’m working towards. Hopefully, by then I’m married and abroad, securing a double-income household in a more stable economy. My financial advice is to start saving now, no matter how little. It will go a long way. But also, if you’re craving shawarma now, please buy it. 

‘’I spend 45% (₦587,000) of my income on upkeep’’- Halima, 24, Energy Consultant (₦1.3 million per month) 

My combined monthly earnings from my 9-to-5 and independent energy consultancies sum up to about  ₦1.3 . That gets me about 805k a month. People consider me well-paid given my age and Nigeria’s economy, but I believe it’s undervalued for my sector.  I should be earning double at least. 

I consider my financial responsibilities light since I don’t pay rent or support a family, though I do contribute at home towards electricity bills and upkeep for my siblings when needed.  I have a monthly budget I work with. My monthly budget is structured:
10% tithe
Approximately 20% (₦200,000+) on transport
25% for savings
and the remaining 45% towards personal upkeep and family responsibilities.

Earnings from my side gigs are mostly to fund my lifestyle. Enjoyment, extra savings, and gifts. 

At 30, I want to get at least $10k (₦14,740,000) monthly. I like to read a lot; it helps me build capacity. I also look unto God, the author and finisher of my fate, for help. My advice is to work hard and ball hard. Ultimately, my goal is to fund a stress-free ‘baby girl’ lifestyle.

Also Read: Love Currency: This Writer’s Frugal Lifestyle Is Causing Friction in His Relationship

‘’I hope to be earning well into the millions from one source of income’’- Chioma, 23, Multi-Hyphenate Tech Professional (₦495,000−₦520,000 per month) 

I currently juggle being a copywriter, social media manager, and personal assistant, while primarily working as a frontend developer. Altogether, my income ranges between ₦495,000 and ₦520,000 a month. While this covers my day-to-day needs and lifestyle, unexpected expenses often stretch me thin and force me to dip into savings.  

A good portion goes to household responsibilities. I don’t live with my parents; I share an apartment with two roommates, so I contribute to groceries, rent, Wi-Fi, and other shared expenses. Beyond that, I set aside my tithe and spend it on personal needs like skincare, monthly maintenance, outings with friends, clothes, and other personal purchases.  I try to save, emphasis on try, lol. The convenience of not having to send money to my parents or siblings is a great help. 

An ideal salary for me right now would be around ₦700,000 and ₦800,000, especially because of the many things I do. By 30, I hope to be earning well into the millions from one source of income. I’m currently finishing a course with an online tech school and plan to expand into backend engineering next year. I am also considering a master’s degree in cybersecurity to strengthen my expertise. rounding

‘’An ideal amount for me right now would be around 650k’’- Ejiro, 21, Consulting Intern (₦290,000 per month)

As an intern in a consulting firm, and I earn ₦290,000 a month. People would say my earnings should be enough for a 21-year-old, but I don’t think so. Most of my earnings goes towards savings, tithe, and maintenance which includes skincare products and gym membership. My transportation budget isn’t fixed because I get dropped off at the office, and my colleagues help with transport back home a lot. An ideal amount for me right now would be around  ₦650,000. 

My family members don’t demand anything from me, but I try to give some money to my mum and siblings every month. Just as a show of respect and to remind them that I care. By 30, I hope to be earning around  ₦5 million a month. I don’t mind if it’s from multiple streams as well. In fact, I think it’s something I want, just so I’m not relying on one source. 

‘’I want to earn $10k by 30.’’- Mercy, 22, Communications Professional (₦200,000 per month)

I earn exactly ₦200,000 working with a communications company. At this age, the compensation feels fair, especially for someone not paying rent but I’d rather have more. I think based on level, my colleagues would likely be earning sums equivalent to their tasks. They’re very hardworking and I know money can be a huge motivator for delivery. 

Each month, I try to budget the full ₦200,000 for expenses and savings: ₦80,000 on food, ₦40,000 for transport, ₦30,000 for gifts, and ₦50,000 for savings (in a good month).  That way, I have a structure that keeps me disciplined without overthinking every small spend. However, family responsibilities and unexpected tasks have eaten into the bulk of what I’d normally save. It’s not something I complain about, because I made the decision to step in.

An ideal amount for me right now would be ₦500,000 and then by 30, I’d ramp it up to $10k a month. Obviously I’m trying to build capacity to build a credible portfolio for myself to get to where I need to. I also prioritise networking, having met some very influential people in my line of work. My advice to peers is to have audacity and be authentic, confidence is key to achieving the lifestyle you want. 

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