Ejigbo, a historic town in Osun State, Nigeria, stands out as a unique community where two currencies—Nigeria’s Naira and the West African CFA Franc—are widely accepted in its markets. This unusual practice reflects the town’s deep economic and cultural ties with Abidjan, the commercial capital of Ivory Coast.
The roots of this connection trace back to the migration of Ejigbo’s traders to Abidjan in search of better opportunities. Over time, many of these migrants settled in Ivory Coast, intermarried, and built families with dual citizenship. Today, almost every household in Ejigbo has a relative in Abidjan, strengthening the bond between the two locations. The locals often refer to Abidjan as their “London,” a symbol of prosperity and opportunity.
The acceptance of the CFA Franc in Ejigbo’s markets is a direct result of these strong ties. Residents frequently bring back goods and money from Ivory Coast, making the CFA Franc a practical currency for daily transactions. Market vendors in Ejigbo readily accept both CFA and Naira, ensuring flexibility for locals and visitors alike. Currently, 1,000 CFA exchanges for approximately 2,850 Naira, a significant shift from the days when one Naira equaled three CFA during former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.
Beyond currency, the influence of Ivory Coast is deeply ingrained in Ejigbo’s culture. The town has adopted Ivorian traditions, from food to lifestyle. Traditional meals from Abidjan are now commonplace in Ejigbo, and many items in the markets are imported directly from Ivory Coast. This strong cultural and economic connection has made it possible for residents to enjoy the best of both worlds.
Travel between Ejigbo and Abidjan is also a testament to their enduring relationship. The journey costs around 100,000 Naira and typically takes one day under favorable conditions. However, challenges such as immigration processes can extend the trip to three days. Despite this, the bond remains unshaken, with frequent exchanges of people and goods strengthening the ties between the two locations.
For the people of Ejigbo, living between Nigeria and Ivory Coast is not just a possibility—it is their reality. Their ability to seamlessly navigate these two worlds has created a unique cultural identity, where CFA Francs and Naira coexist in their markets and Ivory Coast’s influence shapes their everyday lives.
