Elsie Udoh
If you live in cities like Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Abuja, then you’re probably used to the hike in the prices of things, especially during festive periods such as Christmas and New Year. Regardless of the high cost, there’s still always the desire to have the best holiday ever. But how do you have this when your pocket does not quite agree with your plans?
The answer is simple: take a trip. Wait, how does that solve anything? Do you know how expensive transportation is now? Hold on, take a breather, and let’s continue. We know how expensive everything is, including transport, and that’s exactly why we recommend travelling for the holidays.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelIn Lagos and the other cities we mentioned earlier, you have to deal with the high cost of transportation to move around and the high cost of goods and every other luxury that you might want to treat yourself to. But when you travel, then you can easily afford to spoil yourself without worrying about the high cost.
That makes sense, right? If you agree with us (even though you don’t yet), see the top cheapest states that you can visit for Christmas and new Year in Nigeria.
Cheapest States to Visit For Christmas and New Year in Nigeria
You know how you can be fine with what you’re used to and not even feel the need for a change until you find that there’s a much better alternative?
Well, that’s the case with staying in the same place for a very long time. It has become the new normal for the prices of things to increase during the holidays but what if it doesn’t have to be so? What if you could go out and have a good time with your loved ones on Christmas day without having to break the bank and spend a January that feels like 100 days because you run out of money so quickly?
Let’s introduce you to some hidden gems in Nigeria that are not only affordable but have nice spots too. Who knows, you just might be tempted to relocate after you try these states out for the holidays.
- Benue State
What did you hear about Benue? We’ll tell you what we heard. Benue is unarguably the cheapest state to live in Nigeria and we have proof. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) pegs Benue’s inflation rate to be below average and that only spells one thing—affordability.
When it comes to food in Benue, the state is a major producer of vegetables, rice, yams, and maize, so that means that you get to buy rice to cook your favourite Christmas Jollof rice at a cheaper rate, and takeouts will be less expensive as well.
And if you are looking for things to do in Benue, there are a lot! You can either visit the Katsina-Ala National Park or the ruins of the ancient Tiv and Idoma Kingdoms, go for a ride on the Benue River, and lots more.
All you need to do is make plans for accommodations by contacting a hotel in Benue for reservations; you can even bookmark the places you’d like to visit ahead and then book a flight or bus ticket for your trip.
Remember to reserve your tickets early to avoid the hike that comes with rush hour and the season in general.
READ ALSO: Latest Fashion Styles And Ideas To Rock For Xmas
- Delta
Another place to visit for affordable living is Delta. Like Benue, the inflation rate is also lower than the national average and you can buy food items and other goods at a cheaper price.
The housing here is also affordable (at least if you decide to make that relocation decision). And it’s pretty easy to move around with affordable transportation costs so you can go on a sightseeing tour.
If you’re ready to take that trip to Delta, then here are the top places to check out:
- Park Vega Waterpark
- Nelson Mandela Gardens
- Dallas Leisure World
- Katsina
Need more options? Why not take a trip to the North? We know it’s a far journey from home; there’s the problem of insecurity and all other objections you might have in mind.
But hey, the North can actually turn out to be a home away from home. Plus, the Northerners can be quite accommodating (at least as long as you do not “pass your boundary”).
If you’re considering this, then Katsina is the place to go. Going from Lagos to Katsina will take approximately 19 hours by road and 3 hours by air (not far at all, right?).
You can get a comfortable lodge at Katsina for a convenient price of ₦5,000 and as for places to visit, there are a lot here too. Check out:
- Maryam Park Katsina
- Aldusar Park and Zoo
And if you’re into history:
- Gobarau Minaret
- Two Emirs’ Palaces
- Katsina City Walls
If you’re wondering if you will be able to celebrate Christmas in Katsina free from Northern restrictions for Christians, then you do not have to worry about that. Katsina is a relatively lenient northern state. There are churches to worship and you can move around in some parts without even having to cover your head as a female.
- Taraba
Well, if you followed the news sometime this year, you might disagree that Taraba is a cheap state in Nigeria. But is it cheap for vacations? Yes, it is.
You can eat out at local bukas for ₦300 to ₦1,500 and even high-class dining areas still offer a price range of ₦2,000 to ₦6,000. Compared to what we’re used to in Lagos, that’s cheap.
You can also get around with public transportation from ₦50 to ₦300 depending on the mode of transport you use and the distance.
If you’re looking for where to go, here are some places to visit in Taraba:
- Mambilla Plateau
- Gashaka-Gumti National Park
- Marmara Crocodile Pond
- Chappal Wadi Mountain
Now, when it comes to Taraba, there’s a clause. You have to confirm that the environment you’ll be residing in has basic amenities, as some areas in Taraba lack this. Unless, of course, you don’t mind having a taste of the Stone Age.
The capital city, Jalingo, has more amenities, although residing here might mean a higher cost but definitely not as high as you’d get in Lagos. There are still other cities that can afford you this; just make proper findings and get packing for your trip.
Other states to visit this Christmas that are not only cheap but have great places to sightsee are:
- Adamawa
- Imo
- Nassarawa
- Ogun
- Enugu
The country’s economy might be rocky but your holiday doesn’t have to be. Visit one or more of these states in Nigeria to have the best Christmas at cheaper prices.
Elsie Udoh is an SEO content writer who specialises in writing engaging stories that resonates with diverse audiences. She studied mass communication at the Lagos State University.
