₦airaland Forum

Amalekki:
Well said and 100% agree with the OP. Japa if you can but if you are unskilled you better take care of that first before you leave Nigeria.

Those who japaed and are moaning abroad are those who capitalized on our terrible system to move ahead but found their true level abroad. A bank manager will no real tangible skill or respected certification in investing/banking/accounting is not worth more than a cleaner at a warehouse in the UK, US or Canada.

In essence, a cat pretending to be a tiger in Nigeria due to our horrible system will almost always rediscover his or her true self as a mere cat abroad. Skill up right from Nigeria even if it's being an expert barber, welder, mechanic or HVAC tech then move. Lastly, your move must be legal. It's expensive but that's the reality or it will end in tears.

Your take is the balanced version of the OP's "just come and be going because..." version.

That part about skilling up is where most Nigerians miss it! This is the part when not communicated properly ends up like discouraging people not to japa because yes there are Nigerians who just jump on the bandwagon that people like the OP feed them.

As if people pluck money on trees out there when you obviously have to put in decent work to get decent pay and a bank manager in Nigeria can end up working his butt out in factory with a fake smile posting videos on Tiktok.

Japa if you must (not just because you can) but make sure you have the right information. Count the costs and I'm not just talking about money here!

ecomallchemistt:
God , no let me die for Iyana ipaja

Sebi you vote for tinubu for 2023

Hoodrat:
Encouraging young Nigerians to sell family land or liquidate their inheritance just to escape is not advice it is a dangerous mindset that has destroyed more futures than it has saved. Migration is a right, but turning desperation into a strategy is how people end up stranded abroad, cut off from home, and unable to return to the very land that once belonged to their lineage.

Family land is not just soil.
It is identity, security, generational continuity, and the one asset that protects a family from total collapse.
Once it is gone, it is gone forever.

The same people telling young Nigerians to sell everything and run never mention the thousands who: arrived abroad with no skills and no plan, overstayed visas and lost legal status, became trapped in low‑wage jobs they can’t escape
cannot return home because they sold the only property their family had , now live in limbo neither fully abroad nor fully Nigerian
These stories are real, but they never make it into the motivational japa threads.

Leaving Nigeria is not the problem.
The problem is encouraging people to destroy their foundation before they even know what awaits them considering the racist and anti immigration atmosphere especially in today’s global climate where immigration systems are tightening and anti‑immigrant sentiment is rising across Europe, America, and Australia. People are not being told the full story.
There are thousands of Africans especially Nigerians abroad who are: living in shelters, sleeping in train stations and under bridges, stuck in immigration limbo for years, unable to work legally, mentally exhausted from constant rejection, detained for immigration violations, isolated with no support system , unable to return home because they sold the only property their family owned
These stories are real. Search YouTube the evidence is everywhere.

A person who sells their inheritance for a one‑way ticket is not migrating they are gambling their entire bloodline on hope.

And the irony? The same people shouting run! online:

still have their own family land intact

still have homes to return to

still have relatives abroad funding them

still have safety nets

still have dual citizenship or foreign passports

They are not sacrificing anything.
They are asking others to sacrifice everything.

I do not need to debate with you. Nigerians who are homeless abroad like you claimed, how did they enter the country and what skills do they possess? Skilled Nigerians who enter western countries legally are never stranded. Stop this negativity. It has outlived its thriving days of darkness.

For your information, there are millions of Nigerians living in abject POVERTY even in their own country NIGERIA.

You talked about ancestral land. Please what is ancestral about the land? The same ancestral lands that are sold all over Nigeria for reasons that are not even attached to Japa? Abeg talk another thing. This your opinion is stale.

I leave in Europe, when I listen to some people how they talk bad about Japa it amazes me. Sometimes they say about how people make money in about and use all for expenses. Since I have left Nigeria testimony has been my name, after expenses I still save millions. I pity how people defend government and non government matters in Nigeria, I weep.

SkyBizzy:
Who get Money go think say Him wife actually love am.

If u know, u know

Mtcheeew...

Dem no know say woman no sabi love ...

Na just comfort, money and attention dem want....and once you can provide it ...boom!

My own be say ....if you no meet your wife as a virgin ...you can't call her your one and only...

Rapmoney:
I do not need to debate with you. Nigerians who are homeless abroad like you claimed, how did they enter the country and what skills do they possess? Skilled Nigerians who enter western countries legally are never stranded. Stop this negativity. It has outlived its thriving days of darkness.

For your information, there are millions of Nigerians living in abject POVERTY even in their own country NIGERIA.

You talked about ancestral land. Please what is ancestral about the land? The same ancestral lands that are sold all over Nigeria for reasons that are not even attached to Japa? Abeg talk another thing. This your opinion is stale.

You’re asking the wrong questions on purpose. The issue isn’t whether people abroad are skilled or legal. The issue is that you’re encouraging young Nigerians to burn their only foundation before they even understand the realities of migration. That’s reckless.

You talk as if every Nigerian abroad is thriving, but you ignore the thousands stuck in immigration limbo, sleeping in shelters, battling depression, or stranded because the system shifted under their feet. These aren’t unskilled people. They’re people who walked into a global climate that is increasingly hostile to newcomers you and i know how amendments are constantly been made in european countries now frequently. That’s not negativity that’s reality.

And yes, millions are poor in Nigeria. That doesn’t magically make desperation abroad safe. Two truths can exist at once: Nigeria is hard, and blind migration is dangerous.

You dismiss ancestral land like it’s nothing, but land is the only fallback many families have. Once it’s gone, it’s gone forever. Selling it for a one‑way ticket with no plan is not courage it’s gambling your entire lineage on hope.

People sell land for weddings or emergencies, yes. But encouraging young Nigerians to sell their inheritance just to escape, without skills, without structure, without understanding what awaits them, is irresponsible. When things go wrong abroad and they often do they return to nothing. Leaving Nigeria is not the problem.Destroying your roots before you even know what awaits you is the problem.

Calling that warning stale doesn’t make it untrue. It only shows you’re more interested in winning an argument than protecting people from mistakes they can’t undo.

Don't mind them my brother. We that know what's going on won't fall for those beriberi brain washing of no place like home.

We know what's up and non of us that has sense will fall for those discouragements. Not in this 21st century.

Starz825:
Mtcheeew...

Dem no know say woman no sabi love ...

Na just comfort, money and attention dem want....and once you can provide it ...boom!

My own be say ....if you no meet your wife as a virgin ...you can't call her your one and only...

Too much sense will not kpai u my brother

TheStoriesOfMan:
The best countries in Africa to japa are Botswana, Namibia and Seychelles.

Best countries in Europe are Lithuania, Azerbaijan, northern Ireland and Luxembourg.

Best countries in Asia are Japan, Taiwan and Macau.

Best countries in south America are Brazil only.

I don't think you have seen the interior of an aircraft.

Raypower22:
I leave in Europe, when I listen to some people how they talk bad about Japa it amazes me. Sometimes they say about how people make money in about and use all for expenses. Since I have left Nigeria testimony has been my name, after expenses I still save millions. I pity how people defend government and non government matters in Nigeria, I weep.

God bless you. I was just thinking of this topic on ma mind then boom i came online and saw same thing. My sister works with a government agency while in Nigeria for 13years and usually paid 235k monthly. We encourage her to travel and all things been equal she's able to save 1million in a month conveniently even as she works with a 2month course presently for a stat. If you have your way legally...move.

cutedharmee:
God bless you. I was just thinking of this topic on ma mind then boom i came online and saw same thing. My sister works with a government agency while in Nigeria for 13years and usually paid 235k monthly. We encourage her to travel and all things been equal she's able to save 1million in a month conveniently even as she works with a 2month course presently for a stat. If you have your way legally...move.

Unfortunately, working for the Nigerian gov't isn't likely to make someone attain middle class lifestyle. Their salaries are horribly low. Except for a few agencies in the oil and gas industry and finance/tax.

It's actually a global phenomenon, except in few countries such as Singapore where salaries in gov't agencies are pegged to the private sector. There, gov't employees earn very competitive salaries.

ANOTHER UNSOLICITED ADVICE!
Una nor dey tire? Haba!![i][/i]

peterboro:
Please don't even make that mistake, cos you will definitely regret it. Cyprus is just full of expenses that can be frustrating.

Though my advice👍, BUT YOUR CHOICE!

OP,

Your commentary is good and balanced. It's disheartening that electricity, especially in the region where much of our wealth comes from, isn't available to the majority. The annoying part of the diatribe against japa is that it comes from those who campaigned and voted for Buhari in 2015, 2019 and Tinubu in 2023. Those elections made me realise that most Nigerians are wicked towards themselves, even in the face of facts.

Additionally, some of this diatribe come from people who sold off their assets to move to countries with fluctuating immigration policies. Also, some of these people were doing pretty well in Nigeria, so moving abroad to do warehouse loading or other odd jobs (things they never did in Nigeria) pains them, so they complain or try to warn others. However, this does not apply to the people you met. This is why it's important to know the background of anyone who argues for or against japa, then compare to yourself and skill-set.

You recommended scholarships, that's one fantastic way to leave Nigeria.

In all, people should migrate legally and to countries that make sense. Moving to Burkina Faso or Egypt to do house girl is senseless. Judging from comments about working in the Middle East, especially outside of the UAE, as a non-professional, one is better off learning Spanish and targeting South America.

Gerrard59:
I don't think you have seen the interior of an aircraft.

Well, it will take you years, decades of international experiences/certifications and resources to enter one of those countries and stay there for a year, so I'll dignify you with the least response.

bobogogo:
iran

7000 virgins awaits you at the airport.


i come with peace.

Mat man

Wealthyonos:
Mat man

TheStoriesOfMan:
Well, it will take you years, decades of international experiences/certifications and resources to enter one of those countries and stay there for a year, so I'll dignify you with the least response.

lol

I live in Japan.

So tell us why you recommended these countries for Nigerians to japa to? What is a Nigerian going to do in Northern Ireland? Azerbaijan? Macau? Luxembourg?

Abeg, you people are too funny. You recommend countries where there are few good jobs for the locals, but want Nigerians - Black Africans - to go compete with them for those jobs? How many Nigerians with a professional skill set speak good Chinese to compete with native Taiwanese for jobs?

and Botswana and Namibia? L O L

Botswana has had reduced govt earnings from diamonds, and Namibia had and still has a very high youth unemployment rate. Except the Nigerian is an oil worker transferred to work there, the average Nigerian will find it hard to get a good job in that country.

Rapmoney:
Last year, I travelled to a state in the Niger Delta Region for a project. An entire local government area has not seen light for donkey years. In some parts of the state, people do not use electricity up to 10 minutes in a day. Then, you have remote workers in these places. You have artisans who need electricity for their business. These people spend hell on purchasing fuel, and by the end of the day, their profits cannot even make them have access to a decent life. Tomorrow, when their business crumbles, you call them 'lazy people'.

That is the Problem
Everyone blames the FG for even things state and LG can handle
Tell me why any state in an oil producing region will still grapple with electricity in 2026?
If any region has failed it's the Niger delta, especially that Bayelsa state with just 8 local governments owing workers , such a shame .

To the topic, me don't advise anyone not to Japa, migration is human nature but know that NOT EVERYONE will Japan
NOT EVERYONE even wants to Japa
Anyone that wants to Japa should do so in peace, what I detest is making it seem like those who stay behind are FOOLS, no they aren't

The abroad you want to japa to was built on the blood and sweat of the working class. If you are ready to shed blood and sweat that you will never do at home, you should japa.

Actually, if you are down and broke with better chance to japa, please japa. If you have a reasonable means and standard of living, then sell everything to japa, you are a capital FOOL!

🤣🤣

SkyBizzy:
Who get Money go think say Him wife actually love am.

If u know, u know

Difrent:
That is the Problem
Everyone blames the FG for even things state and LG can handle
Tell me why any state in an oil producing region will still grapple with electricity in 2026?
If any region has failed it's the Niger delta, especially that Bayelsa state with just 8 local governments owing workers , such a shame .

To the topic, me don't advise anyone not to Japa, migration is human nature but know that NOT EVERYONE will Japan
NOT EVERYONE even wants to Japa
Anyone that wants to Japa should do so in peace, what I detest is making it seem like those who stay behind are FOOLS, no they aren't

Nobody called anyone a fool for choosing to stay. The OP said no one should discourage you if you want to leave

SkyBizzy:
Who get Money go think say Him wife actually love am.

If u know, u know

How e concern travelling

HacheNoire:
Don’t ever discourage anyone who wants to Japa. They will take you as an enemy. Instead, exploit their desperation and happiness. I have made millions from it.

They always need quick cash and hopeful of x10 of what they sold when they get to their destination. You just encourage and buy it, or use third party to beat the price down. Resell or hold for long term.

This is demonic

Rapmoney:
Lately, I have been seeing different threads online created solely to discourage young Nigerians from travelling abroad. One particular thing common among these posts is how the writers unrealistically make oppornities in Nigeria seem equal or even greater to those that abound in Europe, America, Canada, or Australia. That is very ridiculous. We are not blind. We know the current state of Nigeria - from epileptic power supply, hyper inflation, to monster insecurity. I saw a video where a young youth corp member was being tortured by bandits in the north as if we were living in the 1720s. Until now, the authorities and security agencies have not made any statement on it. Why would they? It is 'normal' in Nigeria.

Last year, I travelled to a state in the Niger Delta Region for a project. An entire local government area has not seen light for donkey years. In some parts of the state, people do not use electricity up to 10 minutes in a day. Then, you have remote workers in these places. You have artisans who need electricity for their business. These people spend hell on purchasing fuel, and by the end of the day, their profits cannot even make them have access to a decent life. Tomorrow, when their business crumbles, you call them 'lazy people'.

As a young Nigerian, if you have the means to travel to access better opportunities, DO NOT ALLOW anyone to discourage you. Some of these people who try to discourage you have family members abroad who have established businesses for them here. Some of them might even be living abroad, but you do not know that. Some are beneficiaries of the failed systems and institutions in Nigeria. If your country was okay, why are the children of your leaders living in developed countries? Shouldn't this country be good for them instead?

Countries that have thriving economies do not even have citizens who discourage their fellow citizens from travelling, talk more of a country that has failing systems and institutions.

How does another man's decision to travel affect your own life? The decision to travel for greener pastures, better social amenities, and guaranteed security is a personal thing, and should not give other people headache. Why you dey swallow panadol for another man headache?

You dey Nigeria dey earn 40k as a private school teacher, and you dey allow another man wey dey Sweden dey earn millions with better security and healthcare to brainwash you. You go die poor ooo! Nor go find scholarships or sell family land. Dey there.

Thank you Sir
Congrats on leaving this Trap of bigotry and tribalism
I too will leave as there's nothing here
From our leaders to the least Nigerian citizen no iota of patriotism.
There's hate amongst us Igbos Hausa Yoruba etc
Inspired by politicians who won't use the power bestowed to them to build the country

Melagros:
COMRADES @ OP, my brother, I am just waiting for my passport patiently, make en come out first, then I'll decide whether to go out of this country or remain in this dilapidated and collapsed country called Nigeria

I don’t understand. Why you do passport if you been no wan leave ? Lol

Gerrard59:
lol

I live in Japan.

So tell us why you recommended these countries for Nigerians to japa to? What is a Nigerian going to do in Northern Ireland? Azerbaijan? Macau? Luxembourg?

Abeg, you people are too funny. You recommend countries where there are few good jobs for the locals, but want Nigerians - Black Africans - to go compete with them for those jobs? How many Nigerians with a professional skill set speak good Chinese to compete with native Taiwanese for jobs?

and Botswana and Namibia? L O L

Botswana has had reduced govt earnings from diamonds, and Namibia had and still has a very high youth unemployment rate. Except the Nigerian is an oil worker transferred to work there, the average Nigerian will find it hard to get a good job in that country.

So what's my business if you live in Japan? I've lived there too. Was sent by my company in '01.

Again, it will take you years to reach my level, so don't sweat it.

Thank you.

What about my cousin that is in UK since 2007 , no paper, no family, no kids,noomey and can't come back and hisum is getting super old !

How do people travel and make themselves miserable

abbey621:
If your guy narrates all the shit he's been through, you might weep for your guy, his eyes don see wonders

Many people wey Japa...70% are suffering trust me on this

googi:
The abroad you want to japa to was built on the blood and sweat of the working class. If you are ready to shed blood and sweat that you will never do at home, you should japa.

Actually, if you are down and broke with better chance to japa, please japa. If you have a reasonable means and standard of living, then sell everything to japa, you are a capital FOOL!

Gerrard59:
I don't think you have seen the interior of an aircraft.

I didn’t even reply him. That guy is clowning

Difrent:
That is the Problem
Everyone blames the FG for even things state and LG can handle
Tell me why any state in an oil producing region will still grapple with electricity in 2026?
If any region has failed it's the Niger delta, especially that Bayelsa state with just 8 local governments owing workers , such a shame .

To the topic, me don't advise anyone not to Japa, migration is human nature but know that NOT EVERYONE will Japan
NOT EVERYONE even wants to Japa
Anyone that wants to Japa should do so in peace, what I detest is making it seem like those who stay behind are FOOLS, no they aren't

You see that Bayelsa case ehnn. I schooled in Bayelsa so I understand the situation first hand. Almost all the youths Dey do local politics to survive. The governor own na to Dey dash out peanuts to community leaders while they sing his praises. No light, no infrastructure. Only hotels full everywhere. I think Bayelsa is the most backward in the oil producing states of this country.