If You Are Visiting Nigeria , These Are Apps You Should Have

Many visitors and tourists are probably coming to Nigeria and have no idea what apps they should use to navigate during their stay easily. This post was created so that any visitor or tourist can know what they need on their phone before or during their stay, as there is limited information on this topic. I also made a detailed YouTube video talking about this, which I encourage you to watch here. You can also watch this detailed video about apps that won’t work in Nigeria here.

The apps you should have include:

Google Maps: Google Maps is a navigation app (obviously made by Google) that helps you easily navigate to any location you find yourself. Google Maps works best in Nigeria, as the maps are constantly updated and are accurate. Other navigation apps like Apple Maps are not recommended for use in Nigeria, as there are a lack of features, accuracy, and updates from Apple if you find yourself in the country. You can also view reviews of different locations to know the quality of any location you would like to visit.

WhatsApp: WhatsApp is an online messaging platform created by Meta that allows its users to communicate with one another via text, calls, and video. WhatsApp is the primary messaging platform that everyone in Nigeria uses. I highly recommend that you have WhatsApp installed on your phone if you are planning to visit the country. You can also use WhatsApp to order goods and services from businesses as well

Food Delivery Services: In Nigeria, two very popular food delivery services are consumed by many Nigerians and these services are Glovo and Chowdeck. These services work similarly to apps like Doordash, Grubhub, Just Eat, Uber Eats, etc, and can deliver food to you with speed. It is important to note that Glovo and Chowdeck only work in certain states in Nigeria, such as Lagos, FCT (Abuja), and a few others, which is why it is important to make inquiries beforehand or use the map coverage feature for either Glovo or Chowdeck to know if these services are available in your state. You can also download other food delivery apps such as Pizza Jungle, Kilimanjaro, Dodo Pizza, Pizza Hut, Food Court, Mano App, Domino's, etc, provided that they are available in your state.

Instagram: Instagram is a social media platform owned by Meta where users can share different media across the platform with friends, family, etc to interact with. Now it is important to have Instagram as a visitor or tourist because it can show you events and places you can visit and businesses you could patronize. There are even pages that are dedicated to showing you places you can visit depending on which state you are going to be visiting. Here are a few notable Instagram pages:

5. MyMTN: MyMTN is a service created by the telecom service known as MTN which allows MTN users to easily track their airtime and data usage and allow MTN users to easily purchase a data plan or purchase airtime. Now if you would like to use MTN if you are planning to visit Nigeria, you can also get an eSIM (as only MTN offers eSIM services in Nigeria) and then use the app to track or purchase airtime or data. One benefit the MyMTN app offers to travelers (if you happen to be using the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos state) is that if you are a gold user on the MyMTN platform, you will be able to enter the dedicated MTN lounge for free at the Lagos airport before your flight.

6. Ride-sharing services: Ride-sharing services help a user easily order a ride at their convenience to take them to any given destination of their choice. There are different ride-sharing services in Nigeria, such as Uber, Bolt, InDrive, Lagos Ride, etc. Now it is highly recommended that you have the Bolt app when coming to Nigeria, as that is what is most commonly used among many states in Nigeria and some of these services are only available in certain states within Nigeria, primarily Abuja and Lagos. Another thing you have to note when using these services is that depending on which state you are traveling to within Nigeria, a driver could charge higher than the price that is displayed on the app and drivers can also charge you extra money if you want to use their Air conditioner (AC). Also, I recommend that you avoid using card payments to pay these drivers, as drivers dislike this payment method since they do not have immediate access to their funds.

7. Remittance apps: Remittance apps are apps that can be used to create cross-border transfers to individuals in different countries. There are many of these types of apps that work for Nigeria, such as WorldRemit, Boss Money Revolution, AfriGO, Remitly, Send App, LemFi, Wise, Leatherback, Sendwave, etc. With these apps, you will be able to send or transfer money easily to anybody in Nigeria.

8. VPN services: A VPN (Virtual Private Network) service can help you mask your IP Address when browsing on the internet whilst also providing security when surfing the web. Now as a traveler, a VPN app is important for you to have, as many apps and websites you used to access to may not work in Nigeria, so it is best to have one installed on your phone on or before coming to the country.

9. Online shopping platforms: Online shopping platforms easily help you find and order different items of your choice online directly to your residence. In Nigeria, there are different online shopping platforms, such as Jumia, Konga, and Jiji. These platforms are similar to both Amazon and eBay respectively, and you can use these platforms to purchase different items. A lot of items are cheap on these platforms, and I made a video talking about what items could be cheaper on these platforms than in other countries. You can buy items as gifts and souvenirs on these platforms. Now I highly recommend you have the Jumia app, as that is currently the best platform to buy items in Nigeria. You also have to note that if you are planning to use these platforms, a typical delivery will take about a week to come to you. Also, if you are planning to use the Jumia platform, only certain states in Nigeria offer door delivery, such as Lagos, Abuja (FCT), Oyo, and Rivers states. Now this doesn't mean that these apps cannot come to whatever state you are in, but rather, you still have the option for your item to be delivered to a designated pickup station near you. Only the Konga platform can do door delivery to any state, but it is important to note that the Konga platform is buggy with a poor user experience compared to Jumia. You can also get your items delivered faster to you if you subscribe to Jumia Prime (which is only available in certain states).

10. Airbnb: Airbnb is an online platform that connects users with accommodation that they can rent out from other users on the platform. With Airbnb, you can find all sorts of affordable accommodation options available within Nigeria depending on which state you find yourself in. Now it is important to note that the Airbnb app may have little to no accommodation options in Nigeria depending on the state you go to. Airbnb works best in states like Lagos and Abuja and if you find yourself in a state that doesn't have any Airbnb options, you can use Instagram and search for shortlet apartments in that state you find yourself in.

All of these apps will help you navigate your way into Nigeria and make your experience much easier when you need to do anything in the country. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me on this platform or email me: egboj20@gmail.com