₦airaland Forum

Traveling abroad is a beautiful experience when done the right way. The exposure is lovely and exciting. The culture shock is an eye-opener. It gives us the chance to learn, unlearn, and re-learn. It gives credence to the saying that learning is a lifelong process. That being said, living abroad isn't for everybody when compared with visiting abroad. If you can afford it, it is enjoyable and pleasurable. Those few days, weeks, or months could educate your mind more than a school.

Living abroad is an entirely different reality. Some people never fit in. Most times, fitting in depends on the phase or status you have achieved in life. If you have a high-paying job, relocating to start all over might not be good for you. If it’s a transfer from one good job to another, then it’s a blessing.

Additionally, if you own a thriving business, you are better off growing it in Nigeria. One of the ways to create wealth is through ownership. Business can be unpredictable in Nigeria, both positively and negatively. With the right connection and contract, an entrepreneur can sleep as a peasant and wake up on a throne with a gold crown.

In recent times, two of my friends in Nigeria who are doing well, to the best of my knowledge, believe their future lies abroad. These are comfortable men with promising businesses in Nigeria. Some of these moves are driven by women—people who can't zoom in on those glossy social media pictures of Nigerians abroad and see what is behind them. I took my time to ask them some strategic questions, and there was radio silence. This is because most people who relocate don't have a strong conviction that their decision is the right one.

The UK, especially, is an upgrade of Nigeria in terms of infrastructural facilities. In 2021, I met a former top bank official who relocated with his family. The man was generally sad. From his presentation, it was clear his wife engineered the move. He worked in a warehouse for a while before moving into healthcare. They gave him a bit of respect, but when he experienced verbal and physical assault by staff or patients, it hit him differently. He couldn't believe his eyes. He later had a stint as a care worker, organizing the personal care of elderly people. Note that care is just a fancy term for wiping bums. Let me add that I am not oblivious to the fact that people grow from blue-collar or transitional jobs to high-paying white-collar jobs. Testimonies abound.

People like this believe they are investing in the future of their children. This is largely true, but only time will tell. I have seen children of immigrants who have missed their way and ended up badly in social vices.

Apart from social media, some clerics also fuel the exodus from Nigeria. During an online service, a prophet declared that some people would be granted visas. The livestream erupted. "Amen!" "I receive it!" serenaded the entire space. I was shocked. In this age of radical nationalism, Africa might be barking up the wrong tree. The current way to gain popularity in Europe and America is to speak against migration. Rupert Lowe of the Reform Party UK is a good example. Nigel Farage is another one. These men are good students of President Donald Trump's school of thought.

Relocating abroad is just like the heavenly race. It is a personal decision. There is no guarantee it will work for you. Individual circumstances need to be critically considered.

I will give special consideration to people who have been kidnapped, escaped kidnapping, or are at risk of being kidnapped. If kidnappers have sent you a warning letter, like the residents of Kwara State, your emergency exit from Nigeria might be justified.

Love800:
Africans mostly nigerians move abroad to earn and retire back to Africa to spend it.
Staying abroad with your salary will eventually make you poor(average), but you will enjoy good amenities.

But then some people don't care about being poor abroad, as far it gives dem good social amenities(house, light, transport, water, security, school, health, food), they will live and die there.

MemphitzDgreat1:
Trust me when I say social amenities here can't be overemphasized. Imagine buying a bus ticket that can last you 24 hours and can take you anywhere within your city.

God punish our political leaders

ecomallchemistt:
God no go let you die for Iyana Ipaja.

Love800:
Africans mostly nigerians move abroad to earn and retire back to Africa to spend it.
Staying abroad with your salary will eventually make you poor(average), but you will enjoy good amenities.

But then some people don't care about being poor abroad, as far it gives dem good social amenities(house, light, transport, water, security, school, health, food), they will live and die there.