Ib:

I have made the move from UK to Nigeria - spent 3 years and now im back to UK infact i should say i made a lucky escape back to UK. It was so bad that i nearly used DANFO transport from Obalende to Murtala Mohammed Airport on my departure and needless to say i bought a one way ticket back.

I am considering writing a Guide on - "20 things to consider before attempting to relocate to Nigeria".

Maybe that would help anyone who is thinking of making that move.

As for me, before i even dream to wonder to consider to ponder on relocating to Naija, there would a VERY STRONG MASSIVE compelling argument for me to ever ever do so.

Please abeg, i want to read that '20 things to consider'. it would really help.

snowdrops:

There can never be a place like home. That is Nigeria. If one has the money, especially a constant supply of it, relocate to Nigeria with your family. Live in good areas of Abuja and Lagos, and only visit the UK, USA, etc for holidays.

You can hold your chin up and get the respect you deserve as a human being in your own country. You can have the best of both worlds; catch your fun the proper way in 24/7 sunny weather and escape abroad when you get bored.

Exactly what i am talking about. For example, I started out working in the oil industry in Nigeria before venturing into my own business. Today, i can proudly tell you my businesses span oil and gas, dredging and maritime and real estate. I am presently looking at agriculture as the next cash cow for me. All these happened within the last 10 years. The problem with most nairalanders is that they are too afraid of the unknown and they are scare mongers. If the OP has what it takes, then Nigeria will be profitable for him considering his experience. But don't expect an easy landing.

9ja is one of the best countries to Make money if you are strong mentally and also If i am to Choose make a decision of relocating , Why not CANADA with your experience you stand a chance for the Canada Nominee program   But Home is still Home Only if you can stand to bear the problem of Social securities, Road management ,Health wise is still choice  

having Electricity in your House or office is Choice even people who earn below what is stated above use  SOLAR ENERGY , Inverter that last up to 8hours or generator in there house .
I hate  generator noise  so i prefer to Use a portable Solar install by a friend of mine in my mini flat to enjoy light 2.4.7  

comming home is choice reason am weller sha

the only tax u dont pay in uk is when u dey [kolabo] yr wify 4 bed, efin  sef if dey see u den go take,

come do the visibility studies yourself before concluding on wat to do. u can succeed in Nigeria if u meet the right person. all the best

One thing we should remember is that as Nigeria develops things will also become more expensive, tax will become compulsory and unavoidable, price of electricity will increase, MOT will become unavoidable etc etc so this habit of complaining about paying for this or that whilst enjoying the benefits should go out of teh window!

seye4nii:

the only tax u dont pay in uk is when u dey [kolabo] yr wify 4 bed, efin  sef if dey see u den go take,

u can imagine

Dis Guy:

One thing we should remember is that as Nigeria develops things will also become more expensive, tax will become compulsory and unavoidable, price of electricity will increase, MOT will become unavoidable etc etc so this habit of complaining about paying for this or that whilst enjoying the benefits should go out of teh window!

despite the development shape Nigeria is going to take, she can never looks like the one 'n' only UK when it comes to tax

warripekin:

Exactly what i am talking about. For example, I started out working in the oil industry in Nigeria before venturing into my own business. Today, i can proudly tell you my businesses span oil and gas, dredging and maritime and real estate. I am presently looking at agriculture as the next cash cow for me. All these happened within the last 10 years. The problem with most nairalanders is that they are too afraid of the unknown and they are scare mongers. If the OP has what it takes, then Nigeria will be profitable for him considering his experience. But don't expect an easy landing.

Yea Nigeria is full of business opportunities, especially as a worker but it also helps if you are in the system from the get go as you wont have to waste time adapting or trusting new partners or learning how officials work

keep running while some peeps keep telling you naija is the worst place on the planet. you dont know the worth of what you have until someone else picks it up and shows you.

you can come back to nigeria but not without a plan and enough resources, the problem is many wants nigeria to work like UK or US without putting necessary efforts.

If you are ready to take risks and exert yourself, come back home and begin to understand the environment. The confusing thing is why are Nigerians afraid of investing in Nigeria when people from countries you are running to are besieging the economy with investment.

My advice, do a business study visit to Nigeria and make your decision. If you are looking at having the infrastructure at your beck and call like it is in UK, then dont come.

I hope people who stays back in the UK and elsewhere because of the "beck and call" infrastructural facilities will not one day look back and say "had I known"

For goodness sake you people took a risk to live in those countries and not willing to take a risk in your own countries. Ask the retired footballers if they are regretting coming back to live in Nigeria.

Planning to come back and stay and live in Nigeria is not something you leave till when the pasture is no more green but when the pasture is greener.

To poster, begin your preparation now when you still have the resources and energy.

sylve11:

u can imagine




despite the development shape Nigeria is going to take, she can never looks like the one 'n' only UK when it comes to tax

with the little tax Lagos is collecting o, see people murmuring but
Na never, there's too much mineral resources to tap from- we are blessed! it will be a travesty if govt is having to pay for all these services from taxing the citizens!!

@pelezico
It's nice the way you're thinking aloud.
BUT:
Over and above everything, if God has asked you to stay in the UK for now - PLEASE STAY

Chief. I quite understand where you're coming from. I believe we are both in the same situation. What i'd advise before you make your decision is to plan.
Research about Nigeria- jobs, schools for the kids, accomodation et al, make a few trips if need be.
To relocate anywhere from your base, i'd suggest you have at least 1-2 years relocation plan. You will need it especially since you've got family.

I wish you all the best.

Question 1: Do you intend to get a paid job or start a business in Nigeria

if Job: Have you got a confirmed appointment or a water-tight assurance of one?
Have you researched the organisation on profitability, feedback from present employee (esp on how staff are treated, if pay is consistent) Growth path, Location.
Is your pay clearly agreed? (very key)

if Business

What business do you intend to start?
Is there a market for it?
Do you have business plan for it (Naija business strategy is a mixture of contigency and chaos strategy) and has to be based on whats on ground not on fantasies?
Do you have sufficient capital in your pocket? (many have been dissapointed by false promises) - office space, gen, car, staff pay, equipment etc
Does your capital include cash flow for at least 6 month?

why do people not realy want to come back home self, in the same Nigeria dagote was able to grabbed the world richest black man from the so called tax people according to the latest ranking, i can not advise people contrary to their mind, oga if u think Uk system and taxes is almost killing u and u can manage it forever stay, but if contrary better come back to Nigeria and enjoy your life with less tax and thinking before somebody go commit suicide again, instead of thinking and given yourself high blood pressure pls come home and God will prepare a place for u since he created u a Nigerian for a reason, remember if he wants u in uk nothing cost heaven to make u black briton or white man, no place like home their is a reason for everything u can come and invest in oil and gas business,transportation,cement production, me i love ma country because God did not make a mistake to brought me up here, i can go to uk for holidays and return back.

@ pelezico
At times seeking opinion on matters like this can even be more confusing with NLs.Some duds visit here for comic relieve

I happen to live in the UK and clearly understand your situation, the taxation sytem here has been before you came into the UK and it might not improve with the World economic situation.
Your monthly take home is decent and can be boosted if your wife is also contributing to this. Saving can be hard but when you earn roughly 2600gbp monthly u should be able to put aside some resonable savings(up to 1000gbp) which in naira term shouldnt be less than 250K monthly.
Now how many nigerian graduate saves that monthly after expences, remember that security of life and property, your kids education and health is better insured with you been in the UK.
On a personal account i tried running a business in Nigeria from here and bros , i am still licking my wounds. It was like guys were just waiting for me to make such move, i was milked dry and sober.I learnt to only trust God and myself alone. The money spent on this business would have paid a big chunck of my mortgage, all went in the name of investing back home.
In summary, it is worth looking carefully before you leap cos Nigeria is not proving to improve in the next couple of years and so is the world not getting better. Migrating acorss the globe is like running from pillar to post, it is never the solution. Pursue career advancement and living outside london will do good for your family and savings

All the best in your endeavours

You can hold your chin up and get the respect you deserve as a human being in your own country.

You have to be joking!! Clearly you haven't picked up a Nigerian newspaper in the last 30 years.

I dont think you need to move to nigeria? im even suprised uve been here all your life and you think so- people normally want to go back for development, more opportunites, the likes.
Ive never heard someone say Nigeria is a better option, if you have the correct documents and even little qualifications you can start a very decent life here. thats talk for illegal immigrants!
Nothing in Nigeria is better than anything in the UK- please lets not allow patriotic sentiments to delude ourselves from reality, there is NO BENEFITS to someone relocating esp if you have children- a move like that will be cruel to say the least.
If you want to leave do so on your own accord, at least let the kids grow up to a decent age then make plans with your wife- but uprooting yourself from a good job and great country for no reason is a bad idea.

would you say 25 pounds an hour was a decent, shitty or average wage in the UK ? anyone can chime in . thanks

thats extremely decent, most cant do much better most do much worse!

average will be 10ph-

shitty will be less than 10 ph

queensmith:

thats extremely decent, most cant do much better most do much worse!

average will be 10ph-

shitty will be less than 10 ph

thanks queensmith.

Like someone stated earlier the grass always seem to be greener at the other side, the OP complaining about the UK I will advise you to try some other countries first and you'll understand that UK is far better than many countries. Some people are advising you to relocate to USA or Canada I laugh out loud! I may not know much about USA but Canada's tax system will milk you dry as much as UK's! I believe these tax systems were put in place for some reasons and it is almost the same in most western countries so why move from frying pan to fire?

As for relocating to Nigeria I will advise you to wait and read a guidance that one poster here has promised to write before relocating. The problem with many people abroad is that they always think that because they have resided abroad for a very long time that a red carpet will be laid waiting for them in Nigeria, they have forgoten so quickly that they have almost completely lost touch with Nigeria. While Nigeria is a very good place to achieve business success you must have a very good understanding of the terrain, Nigerian way of life, good network of 'useful' people, never say die attitude and innovative attitude to succeed.

Nigeria is not a place for soft touch people its a place for people who are ready to achieve against all the odds, personally I will consider relocating to Nigeria too but I am not rushing to do at the moment I am drafting my tailored made exit strategy that will enable me to settle back home without running back within short time like some people so bottom line if you rush to relocate to Nigeria I am very sure you'll rush back to the UK in no time.

all these people mentioning canada, new zealand, america, australia. you guys are either crazy or live in nigeria. this is like moving from aguda to akerele to lawanson. dude is trying to move to the island. might as well keep your butt in england if all you are doing is relocating to canada or america or new zealand. its still the same oppressive system in which you are the visible minority. abeg dude let me advice you. cash down for a house in nigeria and then save up 100,000 pounds and then head to naija blindly with all your family. you can never ever ever go wrong if your house is paid for. make sure to keep 50,000 of that 100,000 pounds in a CD account. you will get as much as 8 percent with halifax or abbey. take the other half, head to naija and start ya own IT company from your boys quarters. life can only get sweeter for you. do not EVERRRRRRRR listen to these nimrods telling you to go to canada or america. i have been to those places, they are soul destroying. kinda like britain only worse because at least the white folks in britain are nice sweet and friendly.

pelezico:

i have a wife and two children living in a flat i bought 4 years ago in London - i work as a Senior Linux/Unix admin and earn a good salary.   However with the UK becoming aggressively expensive to live in i was wondering on relocating to Nigeria.  I have lived here in London all my life (i think this has been a major disadvantage) and have visited Nigeria, to my shame with my mother. 

Now, well to do people that i know have relocated to Nigeria because they are quite fed up with UK life.  The major issue here is tax and your right to earn a decent salary that one can save without fear of the Government trying to re-tax it.  The tax system here is quite socialistic in design and what i mean is is that you work simply to keep the "state" alive and receive nothing in return.  Here in the UK you really do not own anything out right.  For instance your property belongs to the bank if you have yet to pay off the mortgage and even then the land which the house sits on is owned by the Queen (hence how they were able to seize land from people to host the Olympics).  In truth they can seize anybody's land and the only reason why they do not is because of public face.  Its a hard pill to swallow but true.

Your car is not yours since without MOT you cannot drive your car on the roads and are in danger of having it seized by the bailiffs.  Car insurance  increased fro no good reason by 30% at least and is set to increase again by 30% by the end of this year.   Again for no good reason.

VAT increased from 17 to 20 %.  Fuel at 1.38 per litre.  Council tax will increase and banks have increased the interest rate on home owners by +3.5%above the  base rate.

Almost every road in London has parking restrictions and you end up having to pay £110 if you float the parking rule.  If you do not pay the bailiffs are sent in to seize your property. The bill can escalate to 1000s of pounds.  There are many cases where the council will hand parking tickets  to drivers unlawfully just to rake in more cash.

The educational system here is a joke. FULLSTOP.

Is Nigeria a better option if you have a plan.  I have prayed about this and i know God is saying to stay put for know

Has anyone got any suggestions.

If you bought your house 4 years ago I'm guessing you dont have any equity in it due to falling house prices?

If you were to sell it how much would you walk away with or how much will you owe?

How much could you rent the flat out for monthly and would it cover your mortgage if you reloacated back to Nigeria?

The 'Rental' market is strong and will remain so because not many people can afford to buy right now.

Depending on how you answer the above you may be in a position to pull money out of your flat by re-mortgaging and then using the money to invest in a business in Nigeria.

If your experienced you can set up a consultancy in IT with little money. I cant see any reason why your skills will not be in demand.

If it doesn't work out and you have retained your house then you can always return to the UK as you will still have property there.

The bottom line is if you do make the move, leave an escape route open and if possible dont sell the house - get somebody to pay your mortgage by renting it out.

Things are only going to get tougher in the UK/Europe/Americas - in fact worldwide and so expect for your 'Balls' to be squeezed more by the British Govt over the next few years.

This is the 'Age of Austerity'

I hate m.u.m.u topics like this. The thing that gets to me the most is when people complain about things like tax, MOT and council tax. Did you not know the rate of tax before you took the job? You do not want to have an MOT? Buy a brand new car every 3 years and give up on that banger you are driving. If an illiterate complained about MOT, I may understand because he probably doesnt understand what it is for but coming from a Linux engineer, I am well disappointed. You dont want to pay council tax but you want your trash to be picked every week, grafitti removed, potholes fixed, parks kept clean e.t.c. where do you expect the council to get money to provide these services? From yahoo yahoo.

You have 2 children and I can bet you did not pay a dime when they were born. Where do you think the NHS gets its funding from? Yahoo yahoo?  I bought my first flat 6 years ago and I have only lived here 9 years and if you care to know I was earning only £18,000 back then. You earn over £50,000 and you are complaining. Have you ever heard of cut your coat according to your size. Tell your wife to get off her sorry behind and help supplement the family income. I earn susbstantially less than £50,000 and I am married to a woman who works as well and we will not swap the UK for anywhere else.

I will not go into details but due to sensible management (we do splash out too afterall life is for the living i.e. designer clothes and 2 holidays a year) we have good equity in 2 properties, 1 of which pays for itself and gives a profit of £250 monthly, Substantial savings, land in Nigeria and 2 cars one of which doesnt require the MOT you dread so much. So next time before you post m.u.m.u topics like this, engage your brain and count your blessings.

I can only guess you did not see the program on the BBC a few weeks ago which showed how migrants try to get into this country through the desert. Watch it on iPlayer so you can have a reality check. Bless

Guy, You make sense!

I earn less than half of what the OP earns and have no reason for complaints. You have 2 kids and I have 4. Who no go, no know. The healthcare only the privileged in Nigeria come here to enjoy, which you get for FREE nko? There are shi.t schools here but you cannot compare the very good ones here with the ones in Naija and you also get it for FREE.

Good roads, Constant power supply, no fear of kidnappers, armed police robbers. That's your tax working for you. You even park that car for street nothing do am, you come dey complain.

Pally, you don hear of heat and mosquito bite combination? Ok you go buy AC, GEN and diesel abi. Calculate all those expenses plus school fees for your pikin dem, plus accelerated wear and tear for your moto and compare before you dey complain.

Its just a matter of placing your priorities straight. With less than what you earn, I've funded my postgraduate education, almost completed my property in Niaja, cater for my parents and continue to bless God daily for the privilege. I am happy, wifey is happy and the kids are happy. wetin remain?

1stCitizen:

Guy, You make sense!

I earn less than half of what the OP earns and have no reason for complaints. You have 2 kids and I have 4. Who no go, no know. The healthcare only the privileged in Nigeria come here to enjoy, which you get for FREE nko? There are shi.t schools here but you cannot compare the very good ones here with the ones in Naija and you also get it for FREE.

Good roads, Constant power supply, no fear of kidnappers, armed police robbers. That's your tax working for you. You even park that car for street nothing do am, you come dey complain.

Pally, you don hear of heat and mosquito bite combination? Ok you go buy AC, GEN and diesel abi. Calculate all those expenses plus school fees for your pikin dem, plus accelerated wear and tear for your moto and compare before you dey complain.

Its just a matter of placing your priorities straight. With less than what you earn, I've funded my postgraduate education, almost completed my property in Niaja, cater for my parents and continue to bless God daily for the privilege. I am happy, wifey is happy and the kids are happy. wetin remain?

bros you do all this on less than half of that man salary ? you must be one of these naija guys that buy whole goat and sacks of beans from peckham market. i hail ooooooooooo

bros you do all this on less than half of that man salary ? you must be one of these naija guys that buy whole goat and sacks of beans from peckham market. i hail ooooooooooo 

Guy I dey avoid London like a plague cos I no wan pay, but nna seriously goat and bag of beans dey cheap for Peckam? You fit help me buy then use parcel force send am come my end?

1stCitizen:

Guy I dey avoid London like a plague cos I no wan pay, but nna seriously goat and bag of beans dey cheap for Peckam? You fit help me buy then use parcel force send am come my end?

  why not ? we all brothers right ? 

Can I just point a few things out.
Quote from: pelezico on Yesterday at 02:02:01 PM


Now, well to do people that i know have relocated to Nigeria because they are quite fed up with UK life.  The major issue here is tax and your right to earn a decent salary that one can save without fear of the Government trying to re-tax it.  The tax system here is quite socialistic in design and what i mean is is that you work simply to keep the "state" alive and receive nothing in return.  Here in the UK you really do not own anything out right.  For instance your property belongs to the bank if you have yet to pay off the mortgage and even then the land which the house sits on is owned by the Queen (hence how they were able to seize land from people to host the Olympics).  In truth they can seize anybody's land and the only reason why they do not is because of public face.  Its a hard pill to swallow but true.

I think you are missing a few things here.  While I see your frustration and the point you are trying to make, you should see things for what they are at times.

If you earn a decent salary, there's really nothing stopping you from enjoying yourself here. Have you considered moving outside of London and living in less expensive place?

As per your point on mortgages, that's the whole point of buying a house! Technically, the house isn't your until you finish paying for it. Again, if you earn enough like you said, I really do not see the problem. Mortgage here can range from 25years - 30 years average. If you are paying your bill on time, then no one will come and knock on your door.

As per the land, I think you'll find that the land belong to the state, while some things like the Swan we see at parks etc is technically the Queen's property. It is their law, it is their land, it is their tradition. I really do not see the big deal.

Also it may be worth adding that lands here aren't sold  outright they way they are in naija. They are more or less leased for say 25/50/75/100years. While you may not agree with the system, it does appear to work.

You have nothing to worry about if you pay your bill on time.


Quote
Your car is not yours since without MOT you cannot drive your car on the roads and are in danger of having it seized by the bailiffs.  Car insurance  increased fro no good reason by 30% at least and is set to increase again by 30% by the end of this year.   Again for no good reason.

VAT increased from 17 to 20 %.  Fuel at 1.38 per litre.  Council tax will increase and banks have increased the interest rate on home owners by +3.5%above the  base rate.


I think you are getting your facts twisted here. If you buy a car and not owe no penny on it, it is yours. However, to use it on a public road that is funded by tax payers money, you need to have a MOT (To those who may not understand what MOT is, it is just a test to make sure a car is road worthy, the emission is within acceptable range etc.)

MOT is a legal requirement. It is the law of the land. The other way round it, is off course to jump on the public transport.

Car insurance increase every year, regardless of making a claim or not. The increase is usually linked with inflation and the amount of overall pay out made to drivers the previous year or something. While I agree that insurance could be cheaper, I think by shopping around you should get a good deal.

Case in point, I paid 400pounds for my car insurance last year and during my renewal this year, I was quoted 450. After calling up my insurance, they readjusted the price and it has a mere increment of 19pounds. You see, just buy shopping around and haggling, I got a good price.


As per the Council tax, you need to remember that there is a global recession, and as such there will be cuts everywhere. Local council aren't getting enough money and since it cost them money to give us local services like bin collection, etc it is just normal that some of these prices will be passed to us in form of increment. 


Quote
Almost every road in London has parking restrictions and you end up having to pay £110 if you float the parking rule.  If you do not pay the bailiffs are sent in to seize your property. The bill can escalate to 1000s of pounds.  There are many cases where the council will hand parking tickets  to drivers unlawfully just to rake in more cash.

London is a small city. Parking restrictions will therefore be in place. It is not much of a science to be honest. Again, since you appear to be worried have you considered using public transport?

I cycle to work on sunny days and I use the train to go to work, even though I drive. You see, it is just all about planning. If i drive to work, then I'll be face with congestion charge fee, parking space fee and no rest of mind. That's too much so i just ride my bike or use the trains.   .   . far easier and less stressful.


Quote
The educational system here is a joke. FULLSTOP.

Education system is subjective. Again, have you consider sending your kids to a private school?  I agree that some schools are rubbish and some aren't desirable. HOwever to label the whole education system as a joke is an unfair description.




Quote
Is Nigeria a better option if you have a plan.  I have prayed about this and i know God is saying to stay put for know

Has anyone got any suggestions.


This is the million dollar question and a decision only you will have to make. As my people say, "na you sabi where shoe dey pain you for feet."


I like the fact that I have constant power supply here, I can break my neck and won't have to pay a penny to any doctor to fix me up, I have peace of mind, I have my close family members here, I have my woman here, I have my things in life that mean the most to me here and I feel like I am achieving a lot here.

Again, these are just my own views and may not work for you.


r suggestion, have you considered going to live in naija for three months or more to try and get a feel of how things will be like?

You are well spot on with your post. The UK may be difficult to live with all the tax burden but in Nigeria you have to generate your own electricity; Sink a borehole to provide water for yourself; provide your own healthcare because the govt owned hospitals are mortuaries where sick people meet their deaths rather find cure to their illnesses; you provide your own security because the police are busy collecting 20naira bribes at road blocks whilst armed robbers are busy robbing peoples home and kidnappers go on rampage for the next ransom.
Nothing wrong if you are considering relocating but take the advice of doing it in small steps, perhaps visiting for a couple of months and have a good feel to find out if you can cope.

ronkebp:

Please abeg, i want to read that '20 things to consider'. it would really help.

Yes, IB, please post this.