“$10 Can’t Buy Lunch in the USA, But $1 Can in Nigeria” — Tinubu’s SSA Sparks Conversation on Nigeria’s Affordable Cost of Living
By Dr. Fraser. MFR. The National Patriots.
In a recent statement gaining traction online and across public discourse, a Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has drawn attention to a rarely acknowledged but vital economic advantage Nigeria holds: the comparatively low cost of living — especially in everyday essentials like food, drinks, and transport — when weighed against developed nations such as the USA, UK, France, and other Western economies.
The SSA remarked, “$10 can’t buy lunch in the United States, but with just $1 (N1,500), you can eat a full, satisfying meal in Nigeria.”
This assertion, though simple on the surface, has triggered a deeper conversation about the true cost of living in Nigeria, the economic opportunities that abound locally, and the urgent need for Nigerians to stay, invest, and develop their country, drawing parallels with global nations that have transformed themselves through domestic efforts.
The Nigerian Advantage: Full Meals for $1
In Nigeria, with as little as N1,500 (approximately $1 at the current exchange rate), one can enjoy a hearty lunch at a local buka (canteen). Options include:
Amala with ewedu and ogbono soup, garnished with smoked fish or assorted meats;
Roasted corn or yam with palm oil, or boiled plantain with sauce;
Meat pies, pastries, or a generous sandwich from local vendors;
A bottle of soft drink, costing less than N400 (about 25–30 cents).
In contrast, a basic sandwich and a drink in the UK or USA averages between $10 and $15. A small bottle of beer or soda in a Western city can cost between $3 and $7, while in Nigeria, the same items cost less than 50 cents. Even imported Nigerian drinks such as malt beverages are cheaper within Nigeria, but often cost $2.50 to $4.00 abroad, especially in Afro-Asian or Caribbean markets.
How Other Nations Grew: A Lesson in National Development
Countries like China, India, South Korea, and the UAE have become modern economic powers not by mass emigration, but by harnessing local manpower, investing in local production, and encouraging citizens to build at home.
China once imported most of its rice. Today, it not only feeds 1.4 billion people but is also a major rice exporter.
India turned from a food-deficit nation in the 1960s to one of the world’s largest agricultural producers through policies that supported local farmers and discouraged dependence on imports.
South Korea, after the Korean War, was one of the poorest countries in the world in the 1950s. Through home-grown industries and export-led growth, it is now a G20 economy with tech giants like Samsung and LG.
The UAE built cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi not by exporting labor but by reinvesting oil wealth into infrastructure, tourism, and tech, attracting the world instead of losing its people.
Turkey, Egypt, and Brazil have all leveraged local industries and reformed domestic systems to feed their populations and grow export economies — a model Nigeria can replicate.
Cost of Lunch Around the World: A Global Snapshot
Stay and Build Nigeria: The Time Is Now
While income levels in the West may appear higher, the net disposable income is often eroded by high rent, taxes, insurance, fuel costs, transport, and food prices. Conversely, Nigeria remains one of the cheapest places to live when it comes to food, rent in rural areas, natural energy sources, and climate.
The SSA’s statement echoes a global perspective championed even by leaders like Donald Trump, who argued that “developing countries should build themselves up instead of exporting their people.” Nigeria, with its massive youth population, fertile land, weather, and rich cultural heritage, has the ingredients to succeed — but only if its people choose to invest at home.
Conclusion: The Real Wealth is in the Homeland
Nigeria’s economy faces significant challenges, but it also holds immense potential. The message is clear: rather than flee to lands of false promises, young Nigerians must be encouraged and supported to stay, create, farm, build, and innovate locally. The resources are here. The manpower is here. The cost of living is lower.
With the right reforms and a collective commitment, Nigeria can become what others have already achieved — a thriving, self-reliant, and export-driven economy.
Princess Dr. G. Adebajo-Fraser MFR
The National Patriots.
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Several reactions from the global & Nigerian audience to this article by the National Patriots.
“The $1 Advantage: Nigeria Remains One of the World’s Most Affordable Places to Live” -Prof. Tunde Afolabi.
“From Buka to Big Mac: A Global Comparison of Lunch and Living Costs” – British Member of Parliament.
“Cost of Living Wars: How Nigeria Stacks Up Against the World” – Princess Adebajo-Fraser MFR, the National Patriots.
“Naira vs. Dollar: The Real Cost of Lunch Around the World” – Headlinenews.news
“Budget-Friendly Living: Why Nigeria Offers a Hidden Global Advantage”
Mohammed, Local Entrepreneur in Nigeria who has traveled extensively.
“$1 Lunch, $10 Dream: Nigeria’s Everyday Edge” – Hon Member House of Reps.
“You Can’t Buy Lunch in the U.S. for $10, But You Can Eat Like a King in Nigeria for Less” – Lecturer who traveled to the USA and is back to Nigeria.
“Affordable Nation: Why Nigeria is Still One of the Easiest Places to Survive” – British Expatriate Living in Nigeria for 30 yrs. Simon Smith.
“Global Taste Test: Where $1 Buys Lunch—And Where It Doesn’t” – Imran Khasaly Headlinenews.news.
“The Naira Advantage: Staying in Nigeria Might Just Be the smartest move! Dr. Suleiman, returnee from Canada.
“The Naira Advantage”
In a world of rising costs, Nigeria offers not just affordability—but possibility. – Funke Mabayeje. Fashion designer.
“A Nation You Can Lunch In”
Where a humble plate of amala is more than food—it’s proof of potential.
Alabi, Artisan.( Welder)
“$1 for Lunch, a Lifetime to Build”
Great nations aren’t found—they’re made. Nigeria is still becoming. – Barrister Ifakunle Adeyemi.
“Living Lightly, Dreaming Deeply”
Where the cost of survival is low, the price of vision is within reach.
– Ahmed Adamu. NYSC
“Homeland of Hope”
In Nigeria, a meal costs less—but the future could be worth everything. Comrade Samuel Lalung.
“Stay, Build, Become”
The journey of every great nation begins with those who chose not to leave.
Dr. Amiida, the National Patriots.
7. “The Buka Economy”
An ode to affordability, resilience, and the quiet power of local progress. – Prof Olatunde Ifatunbi.
“The True Value of Home”
Not every country lets you eat for $1—but how many let you build with your hands? – Hon Ebitimi Tari.
Compiled by the National Patriots.
