₦airaland Forum

Qurungu:
I went abroad to a master’s degree program in 2015 and returned in 2017. This was about a couple of years before the japa craze reached its peak.

When I would hear people saying they were moving abroad to secure better lives for their children I used to wonder, “is it the same abroad i experienced or another one?”.
Yes, some people have it good, but that’s not the story for the majority. The reason for this are the same reasons that the OP posted.

The worrying part for me was the moral permissiveness of western societies. Everything goes. I wondered if I could raise children there.

I have the same conclusion; the abroad is just a different society, not totally a better one.

The quality of life may be better with regards to clothes and devices and clean environments and orderliness and affordable food, but poorer in terms of human connections, how wealthy a person can become, raising children, and freedom of speech.

In terms of security, the problem with the west is that the security agencies themselves almost always see you as a suspect and give you extra scrutiny that is embarrassing.

Compare how Benjamin Mendy was treated with how Gyfli Sigurrdson was, for the same “offenses”.

You'd see that most of the people almost trying to tear the OP apart for stating these clear and true facts actually stand for nothing. They do not care about raising children with morals; they do not mind being treated less than cats; and, all because they want to "make it." It's because of people with their type of reasoning that Nigeria is deteriorating everyday!

There is nothing truly dark about all these... people in nigeria are lonely and depressed too, their jobs barely feed them...

Sunnyshinylight:
The Dark Side Of Living Abroad Nigerians Don’t Tell You



Every day on Nairaland, Instagram and WhatsApp, we see pictures of Nigerians abroad living “soft life” — big jackets, snow selfies, fine streets, clean trains.

From Nigeria, it looks like once you japa, all your problems are solved.

But the truth?
There’s a dark side of living abroad many Nigerians don’t talk about — especially those already there.


Let’s be honest.


1. Loneliness Will Deal With You


In Nigeria, even if you’re broke, you have people. Neighbours, family, friends, noise, gist.
Abroad?

You can stay months without real human connection.
Everyone is busy. Everyone is tired. Everyone minds their business.


Many Nigerians abroad battle silent depression, but won’t say it because they don’t want people back home saying “you wanted to japa, now see you.”


2. You’ll Work Jobs You Never Imagined
That “abroad” dignity fades fast.
Doctors become caregivers.
Engineers wash dishes.
Graduates do night shifts nobody wants.


Nothing is wrong with honest work — but the mental shock is real, especially when you remember how people respected you back home.


3. Bills Will Humble You
Yes, currency is strong — but expenses are stronger.
Rent.
Tax.
Insurance.
Transport.
Utilities.
You may earn well, yet still be one emergency away from crisis.

That’s why some Nigerians abroad can’t send money home as often as people think.


4. Racism Is Real (Even If It’s Silent)
It’s not always shouting or insults.
Sometimes it’s:
being ignored
being over-policed
being treated like you don’t belong
working twice as hard to be seen as “normal”
You’ll constantly feel like you have to prove yourself.


5. No Family Safety Net
In Nigeria, if things scatter, you can manage:
stay with family
borrow food
get help
Abroad?
If you fall, you fall alone.
Miss rent = eviction.
Lose job = real trouble.
No uncle. No mummy’s friend. No village support.


6. Immigration Stress Can Break You
Waiting for:
papers
visas
renewals
approvals
Living in fear of one mistake ruining years of effort.
That stress is not a joke. Some Nigerians abroad are physically there but mentally exhausted.


7. You Can’t Easily “Come Back”
Once you japa, coming back empty-handed feels like failure — even if you’re tired.
So people endure misery in silence, just to maintain the image of success.


Final Truth
Living abroad is not bad, but it is not paradise.
Nigeria is hard.
Abroad is hard — just in a different way.
Anyone telling you japa will solve all your problems is not telling the full story.
Over to you, Nairalanders 👇

Would you still japa knowing all this?

Nigerians abroad, what’s the hardest part nobody warned you about?
Let’s talk — no packaging.

RoadMozart:
Not enough reason for me to stay back in this country

If you ain't making it here, it'll be very hard for you to make it over there. Like someone said, fight to earn in FX and you'll be fine here.

When i was in Nigeria, I used to work at least 12hrs daily. Get to work by 7 close by 6 or maybe 7, earning the same stagnant pay. Came abroad and made frigging bank working same 12 hours cos 4 hours is OT and wages x2. If you are lazy, entitled and old (40 years ish) stay back. If you are young, strong, ambitious & wise, dont waste away in nigeria. Even if you relocate in your 40s, open your eyes drop your naija mentality.

Advantages of Japa
1. Japa brings out the hustling part of you that home and family comfort hided. like he said, no family support, if you fall, you fall alone.
2. In Nigeria, the gap between the rich and poor is so wide, the poor always feels intimidated and living becomes discouraging.
3. More employment opportunity even though its a job you cant do in Nigeria because of the pay, you can cope with life through such jobs abroad.
4. stable economy encourage investment.
5. better health care and safer environment.

Disadvantages
1. loneliness
2. work your ass out just to survive
3. depending on your age, above 40, your old age will be nothing to write home about once you are out of job.
4. you become a sacrificial lamb to the family in Africa.
5. the work stress cancels out the soft life you lunged for before travel.

samuelson06:
If you ain't making it here, it'll be very hard for you to make it over there. Like someone said, fight to earn in FX and you'll be fine here.

I am making it here. But i can assure you that if i apply the same energy i exert into my hustle here over there.... No one in my generation will ever be poor again.

Itsofficial:
This is the problem I have with those that do not have the means to relocate, and instead of them to stay calm they’ll start saying things to comfort themselves or those that have the means but still undecided to relocate. This same person tell him I will sponsor your relocation abroad his rhetorics will change.

In abroad there’s dignity in labour no matter the job you do you’re respected because you can pay your bills and also contribute to the society by way of your personal income tax, the CEO of you company respects you, attend same company town hall meeting of your company, seats in the same hall, chat eat and if you see him in an elevator or walk-way you still address him by his name Michael or whatever and tell him how you feel about the company be it positive or negative without fear.

The present day Nigeria with people like Tinubu, Wike and APC any Western country is better no matter the kind of menial job you do. My brother works with government before he relocated to UK and when he was in Nigeria he was just managing with the government job, but today he’s doing extremely well buying properties and taken up more responsibilities something that would have been almost impossible if he was still in Nigeria with his family.

Yes, the early months or years of relocating abroad could be challenging but it’s temporary provided you know what to do like in the case of Canada getting the Canadian job experience by just getting any job to start paying your bills then start improving yourself, you’ll see how things will gradually change.

And beside people like me that relocated to Canada I did it for my family I mean my kids giving them the best of education, exposure, health and better opportunities. Yes at the beginning I didn’t get the kind of job I wanted but I started somewhere got the Canada job experience first then started moving from one company to company before I finally landed the job I am proud of today, after landing the job i did not stop there I started writing more certification exams in the industry to prepare myself in case a greater opportunity comes.

Lastly, no body should deceive anyone if you have the means to relocate abroad do but be strategic, calculative set your goals and target long term and short term. Around 2013 I was working with a multi national in Nigeria and my brother approached me to sponsor him to Australia for his masters education as a way of relocation I discouraged him then that let him do his masters in Nigeria that he’ll get a better paying job in Nigeria like me that Nigeria has all the potentials, I did sponsored his masters in Nigeria by 2015 I regretted not sending him to Australia when he brought that idea and proposal.

Still, everything the OP mentioned is true.

uchman:
80M for Eba abi Ewedu?

Its not terrible to go back to Nigeria with 80m.
There are banks that offer as much as 20% interest on fixed deposit.
He will not be the wealthiest around, but if he can stay contented, he will live comfortably with peace of mind.

SpatialKing:
I'm in the USA

No trbalism unlike Lagos everyday they keep reminding u to go back to your state
No religious fantastics
Good roads
Everything is based on merit
Good pay
Even with the task I get task returns
I don't bother about fueling generator everyday
Your votes count
I'm well paid and I can invest in real estate in Abuja, Enugu and other cities...
Access to basic amenities and good life
I drive cars only politicians and yahoo boys drive in Nigeria

Sebi, Peter Obi turned Anambra to Dubai. Nothing wrong with them telling you to go back to your state.

In the US, ICE are currently profiling people by looks in Minnesota, yet you lie to yourself.

6.you'll miss real egusi and okoro soups ....na this one dey vex me .., I rather do suffering and smiling here..

chibuikejohn:
Advantages of Japa
1. Japa brings out the hustling part of you that home and family comfort hided. like he said, no family support, if you fall, you fall alone.
2. In Nigeria, the gap between the rich and poor is so wide, the poor always feels intimidated and living becomes discouraging.
3. More employment opportunity even though its a job you cant do in Nigeria because of the pay, you can cope with life through such jobs abroad.
4. stable economy encourage investment.
5. better health care and safer environment.

Disadvantages
1. loneliness
2. work your ass out just to survive
3. depending on your age, above 40, your old age will be nothing to write home about once you are out of job.
4. you become a sacrificial lamb to the family in Africa.
5. the work stress cancels out the soft life you lunged for before travel.

oga there's nothing like home.... Japa can rest....

TruthDefender:
Contrary to popular belief, almost all billionaire children live majorly in Nigeria. Dont you see Wike's son touring with him all over the place ? What will they be doing working abroad? To earn how much? You guys are funny. People that their parents have amassed millions of dollars are who you expect to live abroad. They live in Nigeria where they are worshipped. There's no fun for them abroad. They go abroad to study,then move back to Nigeria. Then they only visit abroad for vacations therefater

How many billionaires and politicians children are fully based in Nigeria?

Facts- many of them are not based in Nigeria, they only come for visit.
Many of them already have dual citizenship with countries like America, UK, Canada and other European countries, so they have a free flow of travel movement.

I lived in Abuja. Go to maitama, Asokoro and Ministers Hill, so many big mansions there are under lock and key. They belong to the Elites.
All their children are based abroad.

During December, you will see those houses busy again, because some of their children are back home for the Christmas.

I can name so many politicians and business men in Abuja that I personally know of their children even wife that are based abroad.

They only come for visit.

Even your President Tinubu is based in Paris.

Do your fact check, over 85% of Politician's children all schooled abroad.

When you go to Abuja Airport, you will know the rate at which these people travel like no man's business.

The racism can be tough to deal with at times. I’ve had white patients who specifically ask for a white doctor instead of a Black doctor with an accent. Surprisingly, I’ve also seen some Black Caribbean patients prefer white physicians over doctors who share the same dark skin tone as them.

Oh well, at least it means less work for me.

Micro policing is another ish especially if you are new to a Trust or your colleagues can’t trust you and your judgement!

ogaemma:
How many billionaires and politicians children are fully based in Nigeria?

Facts- many of them are not based in Nigeria, they only come for visit.
Many of them already have dual citizenship with countries like America, UK, Canada and other European countries, so they have a free flow of travel movement.

I lived in Abuja. Go to maitama, Asokoro and Ministers Hill, so many big mansions there are under lock and key. They belong to the Elites.
All their children are based abroad.

During December, you will see those houses busy again, because some of their children are back home for the Christmas.

I can name so many politicians and business men in Abuja that I personally know of their children even wife that are based abroad.

They only come for visit.

Even your President Tinubu is based in Paris.

Do your fact check, over 85% of Politician's children all schooled abroad.

When you go to Abuja Airport, you will know the rate at which these people travel like no man's business.

but the real reason they send their children abroad is not because of economic,it personal ideology....they know the kind of dirty things they do everyday hence it won't be safe to let their children walk around freely knowing fully well the evil they have done... It's an ideology something not about economic

Just facts. No. 1 depends on how sociable you are though

RoadMozart:
Not enough reason for me to stay back in this country

Lol. All dai na dai abi.

But there's no point IF you're a tad comfortable here though. Cos the grass ain't always greener on the other side

chopnaira:
Sebi, Peter Obi turned Anambra to Dubai. Nothing wrong with them telling you to go back to your state.

In the US, ICE are currently profiling people by looks in Minnesota, yet you lie to yourself.

ICE are profiling criminals, illegals and Somalians who have been stealing... Democrats should allow ICE do their job...

Peter Obi never promised to turn Anambra to Dubai
Soludo did, we are still waiting for him...

The data below shows how other states in the south west are failed states...

buttlover:
Unless I no c work that I can save at least 1000$ per month. I can't stay more than 5 years in abroad. If I save up to 80m, I'm good to come back home

In 5 years time,80m will very much be like 8m.
I can bet you wont want to come back.

LordIsaac:
Seconded and thirded gbamsolutely!

You'd see that most of the people almost trying to tear the OP apart for stating these clear and true facts actually stand for nothing. They do not care about raising children with morals; they do not mind being treated less than cats; and, all because they want to "make it." It's because of people with their type of reasoning that Nigeria is deteriorating everyday!

Nigerians will still japa...most always learn the hard way

Emmy000seun:
You are absolutely correct 💯💯..infact I pity people that think they want to travel and later come for their family..when reality comes, if your mental health is not strong self you might run mad 💔..and dey will think it's village people which is not..
And if they tell you[b] Nigerian are wicked not the regular one you see in Nigeria ooo[/b], the one in naija dey learn, if you see what Nigerian do to their fellow Nigerian outside ehn, you won't have any pity for any Nigerians except your family and inner circle 💯.. Nigeria abroad have this mentality of na here we meet, I don't know him from anywhere so it's easy carrying out their wickedness.. so pathetic

That is why Nigeria is not making progress. Indians have a community, Chinese, Jew etc have a system to help each others. But it is Nigerians that will punish their fellow Nigerians. Nigerian women that had nothing at all will divorce her husband that brought her from the village. If you make a small mistake at work, it is a fellow Nigerian that will report you.

Oracleee:
Well said. When I was younger, I do see all this Benin folks coming in to Nigeria to work as househelps, then as a young adult, I witnessed hausas coming to southwest to dig well and other menial jobs. Now that I'm grown, I see hausas migrating to southwest as Okada riders etc.


When I hear Japa, I imagine those Cotonou girls washing Amala plates etc and I picture those Hausa boys doing Okada etc. And I'm always like is this what I want for myself? Their is dignity in labour but not all labour as dignity in it. For those that Japa, I guess they can withstand it and they're fine with it. For folks like me, I'd rather go abroad for holidays and as a tourist than go just for survival instincts. What's now the difference between y'all and those Cotonou girls in bukas.

The difference is we can afford to support relatives in Nigeria with upward of a $1000 a month. We can send our children to good schools without worrying about school fees, Our children can graduate high school and attend ivy league universities and universities that are better than any in Africa. Our children graduate universities and work to become top in their field, own businesses that put some of them in the top 5% in some of these countries.

Yes we started washing Amala but we did not remain there. We move up to be supervisors, managers, directors in government, tech, healthcare, entertainment companies. Many of our major issues is not the bills and taxes we are paying but the resources to support as many of our folks as possible in Nigeria including relatives children we have supported to go to college and graduate and still have no job.

This is not to say the OP has no point. My response is specifically to you that everyone in Nigeria has the opportunity you have to be asking us the difference between us and those washing Amala as washing Amala is some disease.

ispreloaded:
but the real reason they send their children abroad is not because of economic,it personal ideology....they know the kind of dirty things they do everyday hence it won't be safe to let their children walk around freely knowing fully well the evil they have done... It's an ideology something not about economic

They now send their children abroad because they have destroyed this country.
They know themselves that no hope for Nigeria.
I personally know of Politician's and elites in Abuja who send their children to London for malaria treatment.
Even so many past and present governor's children already have dual citizenship.
They have left Nigeria for the common Masse's to live and die.
Worst of it is the insecurity Nigeria now faces.

In life, there will always be challenges; if those who succeeded Abroad have listen to voices like yours, they would have been here frustrated and our population by now would have been 300m

Many of us don’t realize how deeply colonial influence has shaped the way we see ourselves and our land. For generations, people were encouraged to leave their own rich and resourceful homeland in search of a “better life” elsewhere, while the same powers that pushed this narrative quietly recognized the value of what we already had. As we longed for foreign lands, those lands longed for the resources, beauty, and potential of ours.

The commandment of the Most High God given to our forefathers to give unto us to till and enjoy the good of the land, has been replaced with religion which enhanced the confusion, zero knowledge about our own land has contributed to hunger, insecurity, and instability. Instead of building on the wisdom, abundance, and natural blessings around us, many communities were guided into systems that replaced understanding with confusion. What should have been a relationship with the land became a dependency on ideas introduced through colonial structures disguised as progress.

Psalm 106:24 captures this perfectly: “They despised the pleasant land; they believed not His word.” It reflects the tragedy of turning away from a land that was already good, already abundant, and already capable of sustaining its people. When people lose sight of the value of their own soil, they lose access to the strength, security, and prosperity it can provide.

The truth is simple: reclaiming knowledge of the land is reclaiming stability, dignity, and direction.

Heffalump:
Very wacked and incoherent post from the OP.

For those who can afford it, move if you have what it takes to survive out there. Nigeria is not destined to be great. Don't put your eggs in one basket. Tinubu will not solve Nigeria's problem. The political class will continue to be selfish and wicked. Infact, expect more hardship in Nigeria.

Life itself has ups and downs. It's not cheap anywhere, but survival rate out there is higher than Nigeria. We were not prepared to be a great country from day one. The British were self-centred and after their own interest before the creation Nigeria. Pulling different nationalities into one was the greatest mistake in the life of humanity. Plan your life and forget what people say.

Your head dey correct.

Kaczynski:
Untill you die in the hands of either unknown gunmen , npf or nigerian doctors.

Abroad you can also die in the hands of ICE immigration officers or a crazy gunman who decides to go shoot up a mall

Maj196:
The best advice I can give anyone is find a way to earn in $ from Nigeria and enjoy. If you want to travel just go for vacation and come back.

So true

RoadMozart:
I am making it here. But i can assure you that if i apply the same energy i exert into my hustle here over there.... No one in my generation will ever be poor again.

Not entirely true. If you are doing well here, move into a housing estate where the noise is less and go enjoy your life there with your family. Install solar system, fence round, and stay there quietly with your family. Give your children quality education that they can also use and start making money before 18. Living the country should be the last resort.

Listen, you'll be leaving your home and there's no place like home. Make money here and live a good life here. Take flight when it's a long trip. Ignore short trips that are you can't use flight. If you're currently staying in the north that's not secure, relocate to the south. I'd recommend Aba, Uyo, or Calabar.

On thinking about helping your family, I'd advise you teach them how to help themselves. Don't help anybody directly so they don't depend on you. You can't solve your family's problems. Their problems can't finish. The more you try, the more they become dependent on you—calling you on a daily basis as though you are God. If you die today, they'll continue this life without you. So don't even talk about that side. Focus on your immediate family (if any).

Abroad can be depressing, especially when you are jumping shifts. Consider your health. Consider racism. Sometimes, it's not all about money but your health as well—even the quality of family you intend to raise can be a big consideration. Find happiness where you live, especially if you are doing well here. Forget about moving abroad. However, if you really want to leave the country, go ahead if you're still in your 20s (or below 35), else, let go. Sometimes, it can take you over 5 years or more years to start living instead of surviving. Imagine leaving behind a thriving life to go waste like three, four, or even five years before life begin to make sense to you again.

For me, I was born here in Nigeria and I'll die here in Nigeria. One thing I strive to make happen in my life is having a thriving online business. And it'll happen. No more; no less.

See

Sunnyshinylight:
The Dark Side Of Living Abroad Nigerians Don’t Tell You



Every day on Nairaland, Instagram and WhatsApp, we see pictures of Nigerians abroad living “soft life” — big jackets, snow selfies, fine streets, clean trains.

From Nigeria, it looks like once you japa, all your problems are solved.

But the truth?
There’s a dark side of living abroad many Nigerians don’t talk about — especially those already there.


Let’s be honest.


1. Loneliness Will Deal With You


In Nigeria, even if you’re broke, you have people. Neighbours, family, friends, noise, gist.
Abroad?

You can stay months without real human connection.
Everyone is busy. Everyone is tired. Everyone minds their business.


Many Nigerians abroad battle silent depression, but won’t say it because they don’t want people back home saying “you wanted to japa, now see you.”


2. You’ll Work Jobs You Never Imagined
That “abroad” dignity fades fast.
Doctors become caregivers.
Engineers wash dishes.
Graduates do night shifts nobody wants.


Nothing is wrong with honest work — but the mental shock is real, especially when you remember how people respected you back home.


3. Bills Will Humble You
Yes, currency is strong — but expenses are stronger.
Rent.
Tax.
Insurance.
Transport.
Utilities.
You may earn well, yet still be one emergency away from crisis.

That’s why some Nigerians abroad can’t send money home as often as people think.


4. Racism Is Real (Even If It’s Silent)
It’s not always shouting or insults.
Sometimes it’s:
being ignored
being over-policed
being treated like you don’t belong
working twice as hard to be seen as “normal”
You’ll constantly feel like you have to prove yourself.


5. No Family Safety Net
In Nigeria, if things scatter, you can manage:
stay with family
borrow food
get help
Abroad?
If you fall, you fall alone.
Miss rent = eviction.
Lose job = real trouble.
No uncle. No mummy’s friend. No village support.


6. Immigration Stress Can Break You
Waiting for:
papers
visas
renewals
approvals
Living in fear of one mistake ruining years of effort.
That stress is not a joke. Some Nigerians abroad are physically there but mentally exhausted.


7. You Can’t Easily “Come Back”
Once you japa, coming back empty-handed feels like failure — even i,f you’re tired.
So people endure misery in silence, just to maintain the image of success.


Final Truth
Living abroad is not bad, but it is not paradise.
Nigeria is hard.
Abroad is hard — just in a different way.
Anyone telling you japa will solve all your problems is not telling the full story.
Over to you, Nairalanders 👇

Would you still japa knowing all this?

Nigerians abroad, what’s the hardest part nobody warned you about?
Let’s talk — no packaging.

the calamity am facing in Nigeria cannot be compared with this . Pls if this is the only thing I will face in japa please japa come and carry me forever. Me personally I like loneliness, racism me I go fight back, if they call me monkey I go call them pig with demonstration, and as for family safety, let's be truthful to ourselves, in Nigeria can ur safety be guaranteed? Your wicked uncle or aunty is targeting to kill you even ur blood! Bandits and Fulani on rampage. This one no be problem. When it comes to easily coming back? Me if anything carry my leg touch Yankee, naija is a forgotten issue na bye bye till I die. Them go bury me for abroad

Jeremiah 22:10 reminds us that the deepest sorrow is not death, but separation from one’s homeland. The verse teaches that we should not weep for the one who has passed on, for their struggle has ended. Instead, we should mourn for the one who has been taken away, the one who will never again see their native country. It is a powerful reflection on the pain of displacement and the tragedy of losing connection to the land that shaped you.

Tell this to the government.