How a Family of Three is Surviving Nigeria’s Harsh Realities (And How You Can Too)

Let’s be honest: living in Nigeria right now feels like climbing a mountain with a heavy load on your head. Prices keep rising house rent, food, school fees, transport, PHCN bills, and fuel it sometimes feels like life is squeezing the very breath out of families.

But here’s the thing: while many are drowning in frustration, there are people finding ways to survive. I recently came across the story of a small family of three (Frank, his wife Tonia, and their 7-year-old daughter Amanda) and their journey is a reminder that survival is possible, even in tough times like these.

Their Reality

For Frank and Tonia, life has changed drastically in just a few years. Rent has doubled, food prices are insane, and every school term feels like they’re climbing a hill with bricks on their backs. Transport is another battle fuel cost and bus fare hikes make simple commutes exhausting.

And yet, what really breaks their hearts isn’t just the bills it’s the little questions from Amanda:

“Mummy, why can’t we buy meat today?”
“Daddy, why is the light always going off?”

Those words hit hard. Because how do you explain to a child that it’s not that you don’t want to, but that life has become a constant balancing act?

At first, Frank and Tonia felt like they were sinking. Anxiety, depression, and hopelessness crept in. But then something shifted. They made a choice not to let the situation swallow them, but to fight back with resilience, wisdom, and creativity.

What They Did to Survive

Here are some of the simple but powerful steps they took, and maybe you can try them too:

Downsizing & Prioritizing
They moved into a smaller apartment to cut rent costs. Yes, it meant less space, but it gave them financial breathing room. They also started asking themselves before every purchase: “Do we really need this, or can we do without it?”
Smarter Feeding Habits
Tonia stopped buying food from supermarkets and switched to local markets where things are cheaper. She joined a food cooperative too, where families contribute money monthly and take turns collecting bulk food. They even started a little garden behind the house for vegetables.
Schooling with Balance
Instead of expensive schools, they picked one that offered quality without breaking the bank. And at home, they used free online resources and joined a community reading club to support Amanda’s learning.
Transport Hacks
Frank began carpooling with colleagues, which cut his fuel and bus costs by half. Tonia learned to use local buses more often instead of ride-hailing apps.
Energy Management
They started turning off lights and appliances religiously, switched to rechargeable lamps, and invested in a small solar panel to reduce generator expenses.
Protecting Their Mental Health
Every week, the family gathers for what they call “gratitude nights.” Each person shares three things they’re thankful for. It sounds simple, but it helps them focus on the blessings they still have, instead of only the struggles.

What We Can Learn From Them

If you’re feeling crushed by today’s Nigeria, this family’s journey can teach us something powerful: survival is not about giving up, it’s about adapting.

Here are some takeaways you can use:

Live within your means: Forget about impressing society. Focus on what you can sustain.
Build support systems: Join cooperatives, prayer groups, or trusted circles where people share resources and encouragement.
Be flexible: Don’t be afraid to move to a cheaper house, start a side hustle, or try new habits that save money.
Guard your mental health: Depression is real. Stay close to people who lift you, pray, journal, or practice gratitude.
Stay hopeful: Hard times don’t last forever. Today’s sacrifices are seeds for tomorrow’s stability.

Final Thoughts

Nigeria’s situation may be tough, but you are tougher. The story of Frank, Tonia, and Amanda shows that even when life feels unbearable, there are always small steps you can take to fight back.

So if you’re reading this and wondering how to make it through the next rent, school fees, or fuel cost, remember this: you’re not alone. Others are fighting too. And like this family, you can adapt, survive, and even grow stronger through it all.

Hold on. Keep pushing. Better days will come.