What to Pack (and What to Leave Behind) When Moving to Nigeria
I still remember standing in my London flat two days before my flight to Lagos, staring at two enormous suitcases and thinking, "Do I really need four winter coats in Africa?"
Spoiler alert: I didn't. And those coats took up space that could have been filled with things I actually needed – like my favourite brand of coffee and an extra power bank.
After five years in Nigeria, and having helped countless new arrivals with their packing dilemmas, I've learned exactly what belongs in your suitcase and what should stay firmly at home. Here's your definitive packing guide.
🧳 The Golden Rule of Packing for Nigeria
Before we dive into lists, understand this: almost everything is available in Nigeria. Lagos and Abuja have supermarkets, malls, and markets where you can buy most everyday items. The question isn't "Can I get it there?" but rather:
Will it be the specific brand I want?
Will it cost significantly more than at home?
Will I have the time and energy to hunt for it during my first chaotic weeks?
Use this guide to pack the things that are hard to find, expensive, or essential for your first few days.
✅ DO PACK: Essentials You'll Thank Yourself For
1. Electronics and Gadgets
Nigeria's electricity supply is... let's say "adventurous." Be prepared.
| Item | Why You Need It |
|---|---|
| Universal power strip/surge protector | Nigerian sockets take UK-style plugs (three rectangular pins). A power strip lets you charge multiple devices from one adapter. The surge protection is crucial – voltage fluctuations happen. |
| Unlocked smartphone | Buy a cheap unlocked phone before you come, or ensure your current phone is unlocked. You'll use Nigerian SIM cards. |
| Portable power bank (20,000mAh+) | When the lights go out, your phone is your lifeline. A high-capacity power bank keeps you connected. |
| Laptop with long battery life | Same reason. Power outages don't respect work deadlines. |
| Rechargeable fans/lamps | Small, USB-powered fans and LED lamps are lifesavers during outages. |
| External hard drive | For backing up work and photos. Cloud is great, but when the internet drops, local backup saves you. |
My tip: Buy two power banks. Keep one charging while you use the other. This simple habit has saved me countless times.
2. Clothing and Footwear
Nigerians dress well – and they notice how you dress. First impressions matter.
For Work:
Lightweight, breathable fabrics: Cotton, linen, and light wool. Avoid heavy synthetics – you'll sweat.
Short-sleeved button-down shirts: Perfect for the office. Long sleeves are fine if you roll them up.
Chinos and smart trousers: Dark colours hide dust better.
One or two suits: You'll need them for meetings with government officials or formal events. Go for lighter fabrics – heavy wool suits are torture in Lagos humidity.
Conservative styles: Nigeria is fairly conservative. Avoid very short skirts or revealing tops for professional settings.
For Casual/Weeksend:
T-shirts and polo shirts: Lots of them. You'll change clothes frequently in the heat.
Comfortable shorts: For weekends and relaxing at home.
Lightweight jeans or casual trousers.
Flip-flops/sliders: Essential for quick trips outside or around the house.
Trainers/running shoes: For exercise or casual wear.
Special Items:
Traditional attire: If you're attending a Nigerian wedding or party, you might want to get local fabric (aso oke, ankara) and have outfits made here. It's an experience – and you'll look fantastic.
Rain jacket/umbrella: For the rainy season. A compact, sturdy umbrella is worth its weight in gold.
Footwear Reality Check:
Closed shoes for work (leather gets hot – consider breathable options)
Comfortable walking shoes – you'll do more walking than you expect
Flip-flops for the gym shower (if your gym has one – many do)
3. Toiletries and Personal Care
You can buy most toiletries in Nigeria, but if you're particular about certain brands, bring them.
| Bring From Home | Buy in Nigeria |
|---|---|
| Your preferred deodorant/antiperspirant | Basic soap, shampoo, toothpaste |
| Contact lenses and solution (specific brands) | Paracetamol, malaria drugs |
| Prescription medications (with doctor's note) | Most over-the-counter medicines |
| Sunscreen (if you have a favourite brand) | Local skincare products (shea butter is excellent) |
| Lip balm with SPF | Mosquito repellent (though bring your preferred brand initially) |
Critical: If you wear glasses, bring a spare pair. Getting prescription glasses in Nigeria is possible but expensive and slow.
4. Medications and First Aid
Don't rely on finding pharmacies immediately. Pack a solid first-aid kit.
Malaria medication: Start prophylaxis before you arrive and bring enough for your first month.
Anti-diarrhoeal medication: Trust me on this one. Your stomach will need time to adjust.
Oral rehydration salts: Essential if you get dehydrated.
Antihistamines: For allergic reactions (to new foods, mosquito bites, etc.).
Basic first-aid: Plasters, antiseptic cream, painkillers, thermometer.
Any prescription medications: Bring at least a three-month supply and a copy of your prescription.
5. Documents (The Non-Negotiables)
Make multiple copies. Keep them in different bags. Save digital copies online.
✅ Passport (and copies)
✅ Visa approval/STR visa (and copies)
✅ Employment contract (and copies)
✅ Passport photos – at least 10 (you'll need them for everything)
✅ Driver's licence (international if you plan to drive initially)
✅ Birth certificate (if bringing family)
✅ Marriage certificate (if bringing spouse – notarised and apostilled)
✅ Educational certificates (notarised copies – sometimes requested)
✅ Medical records/vaccination certificate (especially yellow fever)
6. Things for Your Home
Your first apartment may not have everything. Pack a few essentials to survive the first week.
Bedding: One set of high-quality cotton sheets. You can buy more here, but having familiar, soft sheets on your first night is a small luxury.
Towel: A good bath towel. Same reason.
Basic kitchen kit: One plate, bowl, cup, mug, knife, fork, spoon. You might not have time to shop immediately.
Water bottle: Reusable, insulated. You'll drink a lot of water.
❌ LEAVE BEHIND: What NOT to Bring
1. Heavy Winter Clothing
Unless you're going to the Jos Plateau (which gets genuinely cool), you won't need heavy coats, scarves, or thermal underwear. I brought a leather jacket. It hung in my wardrobe for five years.
Exceptions: A light sweater or jacket for air-conditioned offices and evenings during harmattan (December–January).
2. Expensive Jewellery or Watches
Leave the Rolex at home. Wear a simple, functional watch. Flashy items attract unwanted attention and are risky in traffic or crowded markets.
3. Too Many Shoes
Shoes are heavy and take space. Bring your essentials, but remember:
You'll likely buy local sandals (they're comfortable and cheap)
Leather shoes can deteriorate in humidity if not worn regularly
You can have shoes made here if needed
4. Non-Perishable Food (Mostly)
Nigerian supermarkets stock pasta, rice, canned goods, and basic Western items. The exception:
Speciality items (your favourite hot sauce, specific spice blends, good coffee/tea)
Comfort food from home that you can't live without
But don't bring twenty tins of baked beans – they sell beans here.
5. Electrical Appliances (Check Voltage First)
Nigeria uses 240V, 50Hz (same as UK/Europe). If you're coming from the US (110V), your appliances won't work without a heavy, expensive transformer.
What NOT to bring from US/Canada:
Hair dryers, curling irons (buy here or get a dual-voltage travel version)
Kitchen appliances (blenders, toasters)
Irons (buy here)
What's safe to bring:
Laptops and phones (they're usually dual-voltage – check the label)
Anything with a built-in power supply that says "100-240V"
📦 Packing Strategy: What Goes Where
Carry-On (Your Lifeline)
Your checked luggage might get delayed. Pack your carry-on as if you'll survive for three days with nothing else.
Change of clothes (light trousers, t-shirt, underwear, socks)
Toiletries mini-kit (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, face wipes)
All medications (never pack these in checked luggage)
Important documents (passport, visa, contract, photos)
Phone, laptop, chargers, power bank
A light sweater (for air-conditioned planes and airports)
Snacks (for the journey)
Pen (for filling out arrival forms on the plane)
Checked Luggage
Pack clothes rolled (saves space, reduces wrinkles)
Use packing cubes to organise
Distribute weight evenly
Put a change of clothes and basic toiletries in each bag (in case one goes missing)
🏪 What You Can Buy in Nigeria (So You Don't Need to Pack)
To lighten your load, know that these are readily available:
| Item | Where to Find It |
|---|---|
| Basic toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothpaste) | Any supermarket (ShopRite, SPAR, Justrite) |
| Drinking water | Everywhere – sachets and bottles |
| Basic clothing (t-shirts, jeans) | Markets and malls |
| Bedding, towels, kitchenware | ShopRite, Game, or local markets |
| Mobile phones and accessories | Computer Village (Lagos) or phone shops |
| Most groceries | Supermarkets and local markets |
| Nigerian snacks and drinks | Everywhere – embrace them! |
🧠 Final Thoughts: Pack Light, Pack Smart
The biggest mistake expats make is treating Nigeria like a remote outpost where nothing is available. It's not. Lagos and Abuja are major cities with malls, restaurants, and shops. You can buy almost anything – sometimes for less than you'd expect.
My advice:
Pack the essentials and the hard-to-find
Bring comfort items for your first few weeks
Leave space in your suitcase for things you'll discover here (beautiful fabrics, local art, handmade sandals)
Your first trip to the market in Lagos will be an adventure. Embrace it. And when you see something you wish you'd brought from home, chances are you can find it – or learn to live without it. That's part of the expat journey.
What items did you find essential when you moved? What do you wish you'd left behind? Share your experience in the comments – your insights might help the next person packing their bags.
📌 Next in this series: Cost of Living in Lagos vs. Abuja: An Expat's Comparison
About the author: Tunde Adebayo is an expat who has lived and worked in Lagos for over five years. He shares practical advice to help other expats navigate life in Nigeria. Follow the blog for more insider tips.
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