For many Nigerian professionals, remote work is a dream—until reality kicks in. Poor electricity, slow internet, noisy neighborhoods, and skyrocketing rent can turn working from home into a daily battle. If your WiFi keeps cutting out during meetings or your generator noise makes it impossible to focus, you’re not alone.
But what if you didn’t have to endure all that?
A growing number of remote workers are realizing that Lagos isn’t the only place to work remotely. Cities like Ibadan and Abeokuta are proving to be better, more affordable, and less stressful alternatives.
George’s Story: The Lagos Escape
PropertyPro reached out to George, a product manager and remote worker, to share his experience of moving from Lagos to Ogun State—an escape from the overwhelming stress that came with life in Lagos. “As a remote worker, I thought working from home meant I’d finally escape the madness—no more long commutes, no more office stress,” George reflects. “But Lagos had other plans. The traffic, power outages, and constant rent hikes just didn’t make sense anymore.”
His search for a quieter, more affordable lifestyle led him to Ogun State, a place that wasn’t often discussed but offered everything he needed. “I did my research, and Ogun had all the essentials—security, stable electricity, reliable internet, and much more affordable rent. Plus, it’s still close enough to Lagos when I need to visit,” George adds.
The Apartment Hunt: A Month of Struggles
Finding the right apartment in Ogun wasn’t easy, though. George’s search lasted a full month, marked by frustration with dishonest agents. “It was frustrating dealing with fraudulent people. But eventually, I found an honest agent and secured a place that met all my needs,” George recalls.
Do I Miss Lagos?
When asked if he misses Lagos, George is clear: “Honestly, I don’t miss the stress. The only thing I miss is the spontaneous social life. In Lagos, there’s always something going on, and I miss that energy. But the trade-off? Peace, affordability, and a much better quality of life. It makes the move totally worth it.”
How My Productivity Improved
Since relocating, George has noticed a significant boost in his productivity. “Without spending hours in traffic, I have more control over my day. I get more done without feeling drained before even starting work. It’s been a game-changer,” he shares.
Would I Recommend Ogun State to Other Remote Workers?
When asked if he would recommend Ogun State to fellow remote workers, George doesn’t hesitate: “Definitely. It’s affordable, peaceful, and still close to Lagos. If you’re a remote worker looking for a better lifestyle, Ogun is a great place to consider. You just need to find the right area that fits your lifestyle.”
The Growing Challenges in Lagos
As more young professionals find themselves priced out of decent locations within Lagos, the average rent for a studio apartment has now skyrocketed to between two to five million naira—a steep price for those earning less than 500,000 naira a month.
For remote workers searching for a way to stay near the energy of Lagos while avoiding its chaos, Ogun State offers a compelling solution. The combination of affordability, tranquility, and proximity makes it an attractive relocation option for those seeking a better work-life balance.
Arepo is one of the best choices for remote workers who still need access to Lagos. Located just 30 minutes from Ikeja, it’s home to gated estates, solid internet, and a calm atmosphere. Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company ( IBEDC) supplies electricity, but most homes have solar or inverters to keep things stable.
Internet providers such as MTN, Glo, and Airtel 4G are well available in this location. Some estates have Fibre internet.
If you find an apartment in places like Journalist Estate you’re guaranteed to have 24/7 security. A 2-bedroom apartment costs about ₦600k–₦1m per year, depending on the estate. You can enjoy a quiet and family-friendly environment.
Mowe/Ofada is one of the best options for remote workers looking for affordable rent without straying too far from Lagos. Situated along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, these areas are rapidly growing, with new estates and improvements in infrastructure.
The area offers a calm and suburban atmosphere, perfect for those seeking a quieter lifestyle. Remote workers who are okay with a longer commute to Lagos will find this area appealing due to its low rent and peaceful environment.
Electricity is provided by the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), but most homes are equipped with solar or inverter systems for consistent power supply.
Internet services like MTN and Airtel offer reliable 4G coverage, and some estates are gradually introducing Fibre internet. This makes it an ideal location for those who need steady connectivity for remote work.
Security is generally secure in estates with 24/7 surveillance, particularly in areas like Goldmine Estate. However, it’s advisable to avoid more isolated areas.
A 2-bedroom apartment typically ranges from ₦400k to ₦700k per year, depending on the estate. The cost of living is lower, and there’s access to fresh, affordable food in the area.
For people who prefer a quieter, suburban environment over the hustle of city life, Mowe and Ofada are great choices. With a growing infrastructure and close proximity to Lagos, these areas offer a balance of affordability and convenience.
Magboro is a great spot for remote workers looking for an affordable yet peaceful location near Lagos. Located just after the long bridge from Berger, it’s closer to Lagos than Mowe but still offers similar affordability. For those seeking a quieter environment with easy access to the city, Magboro is an ideal choice.
Power is more reliable than in Mowe, but it’s still a good idea to have a backup plan, like a generator or solar power.
Internet coverage from MTN and Glo is strong, and Fibre internet is expanding in some areas, making it a solid choice for remote work.
Security is generally good in Magboro, but it’s recommended to live in gated communities for added peace of mind. Rent for a 2-bedroom apartment usually falls between ₦500k and ₦900k per year, offering affordable living close to Lagos.
Magboro offers a peaceful lifestyle, quieter than Lagos but still close enough for frequent visits. It’s perfect for remote workers who want a mix of urban and suburban living, especially those who need a focused, calm environment to work.
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Akute, Ogun State
Akute is an affordable choice for remote workers who need quick access to Lagos. Located closer to Lagos than Mowe and Magboro, it’s ideal for those who are looking to keep living costs low while staying within reach of the city. Although the environment can feel chaotic at times, it offers a bustling market scene, cheap food, and an overall lively atmosphere that makes it an appealing option for budget-conscious individuals.
Electricity supply can be unpredictable, so you’ll need a generator or solar power for a reliable source.
Internet services like MTN and Airtel provide solid coverage, ensuring a dependable connection for remote work. While security can be rough in some areas, sticking to more populated parts of Akute will ensure a safer living environment.
A 2-bedroom apartment typically costs between ₦350k and ₦600k per year, making the cost of living very affordable for those looking to save. For those who don’t mind a more urban, unstructured vibe, Akute offers a unique blend of affordability and easy access to Lagos.
Moniya is an excellent choice for remote workers looking for affordability while still maintaining access to Lagos. Located at the gateway to Ibadan along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Moniya is a bit farther than the other locations on this list but offers a manageable drive of under an hour to Lagos on a good day. It’s an ideal place for those seeking a peaceful environment without straying too far from the hustle of the city.
ALSO READ: 5 Best Areas to live in Ibadan
Power supply is more reliable compared to many parts of Ogun State, but having a backup power solution is still recommended. MTN provides the best internet coverage in the area, and Fibre internet options are growing, making Moniya suitable for remote work.
Security in Moniya is generally safe, especially within gated communities, offering a secure living environment. Rent for a 2-bedroom apartment ranges from ₦300k to ₦600k per year, making it one of the most affordable areas for those looking to save on living expenses.
Moniya offers a quieter lifestyle compared to Lagos, but with Ibadan’s social scene nearby, it provides the best of both worlds. It’s perfect for remote workers who don’t need to be in Lagos every week and for anyone looking for the lowest possible rent in a calm, less hectic city.
Final Thoughts: Is It Time to Leave Lagos?
Lagos has great opportunities, but it’s not the only place for remote work.
If you’re tired of:
- Spending half your salary on rent
- Fighting for steady electricity
- Stressing over Lagos traffic—when you don’t even commute
Then it might be time to move somewhere quieter, cheaper, and better suited for remote work.
The good news? You don’t have to go far. Whether it’s Arepo, Mowe, Magboro, Akute, or Moniya, there’s a place that fits your needs.
Your dream remote-work setup might be just 30 minutes away.
Would you ever leave Lagos for a calmer WFH life? Let’s talk in the comments!
