₦airaland Forum

LordIsaac:

QuinQ:
Meaning what?
The truth is that abroad is NOT one size fits all. For some Nigerians in US/UK the best thing anybody can do for them is find a way to get them back to Nigeria

LordIsaac:

libertyfather:
Since I was born and now that I'm grown like this ,I've never seen anyone that come back, even my brothers that complain complain all the time willl never relocate back here

libertyfather:
Since I was born and now that I'm grown like this ,I've never seen anyone that come back, even my brothers that complain complain all the time willl never relocate back here

Rubyjade:
Here’s a harsh truth about moving back to Nigeria that many returning Nigerians (especially from the diaspora) often realize too late: "You may be overqualified, underconnected, and mentally unprepared for the chaos."

Let’s break it down:

1. Overqualified but underutilized
Your foreign degree or experience might not give you the edge you think it will.
Many companies still prioritize "who you know" over "what you know."
You could be competing with local candidates who understand the system and are willing to be paid less.
2. Your mindset may clash with the system
If you've lived in a structured, rule-based society, adapting to Nigeria's “anything-goes” approach can be jarring.

Bribery, power outages, internet issues, and poor customer service may become everyday frustrations.

Expect delays, inefficiencies, and a culture where speaking up may be viewed as arrogance, not assertiveness.
3. Old connections fade fast
Many of the friends, family, and contacts you once had might have moved on.

You may face envy, suspicion, or resentment, especially if people think you’re coming back "to show off."

Rebuilding a reliable circle takes time, and loneliness can hit hard.

4. The cost of living isn't as cheap as you think
Imported goods, secure housing, and quality healthcare/schools can be very expensive.

Trying to maintain a "foreign standard" of living in Nigeria can burn through your savings quickly.

5. Your safety and sanity are not guaranteed
Security is a real concern — kidnappings, fraud, and police harassment happen more than they should.

You may constantly have to "watch your back" in ways you never did abroad.

The brutal reality: “Nigeria can humble you, frustrate you, and teach you resilience — all in one week.”

It’s not all bad — many who return thrive. But it takes strategy, adaptability, strong connections, and a clear WHY for coming back.

tensazangetsu20:
I am different sha. Even for holidays I no wan visit.

Suicideboy:
i day pity your papa

tensazangetsu20:
Why?

Suicideboy:
E go tey before you enter nigeria again

E fit day miss you

Rubyjade:
Here’s a harsh truth about moving back to Nigeria that many returning Nigerians (especially from the diaspora) often realize too late: "You may be overqualified, underconnected, and mentally unprepared for the chaos."

Let’s break it down

1. Overqualified but underutilized
Your foreign degree or experience might not give you the edge you think it will. Many companies still prioritize "who you know" over "what you know." You could be competing with local candidates who understand the system and are willing to be paid less.

2. Your mindset may clash with the system
If you've lived in a structured, rule-based society, adapting to Nigeria's “anything-goes” approach can be jarring.

Bribery, power outages, internet issues, and poor customer service may become everyday frustrations. Expect delays, inefficiencies, and a culture where speaking up may be viewed as arrogance, not assertiveness.

3. Old connections fade fast
Many of the friends, family, and contacts you once had might have moved on. You may face envy, suspicion, or resentment, especially if people think you’re coming back "to show off."

Rebuilding a reliable circle takes time, and loneliness can hit hard.

4. The cost of living isn't as cheap as you think
Imported goods, secure housing, and quality healthcare/schools can be very expensive. Trying to maintain a "foreign standard" of living in Nigeria can burn through your savings quickly.

5. Your safety and sanity are not guaranteed
Security is a real concern — kidnappings, fraud, and police harassment happen more than they should. You may constantly have to "watch your back" in ways you never did abroad.

The brutal reality: “Nigeria can humble you, frustrate you, and teach you resilience — all in one week.”

It’s not all bad — many who return thrive. But it takes strategy, adaptability, strong connections, and a clear WHY for coming back.

GloriousGbola:
as somone who has worked in corporate nigeria i call BS

most of what you said may apply to people coming to nigeria to work in government roles. but in corporate nigeria - i worked in an oil company and the ceo regularly employed and elevated people from the abroad.

and private companies do who you know [networking] and what you can do. no one in corporate nigeria is going to employ and pay a person a big salary for not delivering, especially at a higher level.

a large number of nigerias issues are resolved by getting a high paying job in corporate nigeria. most corporate companies have former police commissioner as security officers. back in the day we had one who we used to call and he would shut down any issue sharp sharp.

and the other irony is that a lot of people who worked abroad actually do assimilate because there is so much more you can get away with in nigeria than you can get away with in the west. sexual harassment in nigeria is simply not a career killer. getting kickbacks is expected. gaming the system is expected. i have seen people from abroad make far more and get away with far more than they could outside.