Hardship In US. Forces Nigerians Home

By Chinedu Offor, Correspondent, Washington DC

Thousands of Nigerian families are leaving America in time for Christmas as part of the traditional migration back to their roots.
But, unlike before, many have ruled out returning to the country that once promised prosperity.
Officials of the Nigerian embassy in Washington, New York, and Atlanta said over 500,000 Nigerians have left the US. to spend time with their kit and kin.
About 100,000 - mostly those with low paying jobs- plan to settle in Nigeria.
Administration officials said layoffs caused by the downturn of the once roaring American economy, dwindling job opportunities, anti-immigrant sentiments, and the crackdown on illegal immigrants are forcing hard choices on Nigerians and other nationals.
"You worry about how to survive or what those at home will say, but this is not the time for shame. I have to survive with my children," said Joseph Oligbo, a 45-year-old father of four, who lost his car dealership in Atlanta two months ago.
Embassy officials in New York confirmed that more people like Oluigbo are going home for good.
A sharp increase in duties paid by Nigerian businessmen has also affected small retailers.
"We recorded an increase in the number of Nigerians who told us they are interested in settling in Nigeria and made inquiries on the likely opportunities in the country," the officials explained.
Other Nigerians are looking at opportunities in Europe, Asia, and even Ghana, as alternatives outside the US.
An estimated two million Nigerian-Americans live in the US., mostly in New York, Atlanta, Chicago, Florida, and Virginia.
Statistics in those states also show movement by Nigerians to greener pastures outside America. Another indicator of the dire straits they are going through is the sharp fall in the amount of money sent home.
The Treasury Department said September and November remittances totalled $50.10 million, down 12 per cent from June.

http://odili.net/news/source/2008/dec/17/718.html

Other Nigerians are looking at opportunities in Europe, Asia, and even Ghana, as alternatives outside the US.

Are we scared of our homeland?.

So HotFunmi is relocating to Nigeria at last.

Please let them go back to where they are coming from, we dont want them in Nigeria, let them go to a country like chad - they will be more than welcome.

I advocate every returnee to have their heads painted with red paint, so we can recognise them from afar - they are to be dreaded.

So HotFunmi is relocating to Nigeria at last.

Naa, get Kobojunkie and Nuzo to go home first. They'd rather stay here as slaves than go home.

Please let them go back to where they are coming from, we don't want them in Nigeria, let them go to a country like chad - they will be more than welcome.

I advocate every returnee to have their heads painted with red paint, so we can recognise them from afar - they are to be dreaded.

What do you mean? are they not citizens?. Are you afraid of competition because a lot of peeps I know here with masters degree in business or IT are heading home for good this xmas. the labor mkt in Nigeria prefers them to Nigerian graduates and that may affect resident Nigerians that are yet to get jobs.

Nevermind that this is the holiday season when people go home to spend time with their kit and kin.

What do mean? Even Mexicans were reported on MSNBC last night to be fleeing back home? many Nigerian families here have gone home. Ok, you dey Ohio which is like zamfara state in America.

earTHMama:

What do mean? Even Mexicans were reported on MSNBC last night to be fleeing back home? many Nigerian families here have gone home. Ok, you dey Ohio which is like zamfara state in America.

hahaha hohoho hehehe hihihi huhuhu

EarthMama - you make me laugh o, even my dik was shaking in laughter.

No matter where u r, there's no place like home, besides y stuck up as a 2nd class citizen?

hahaha hohoho hehehe hihihi huhuhu

EarthMama - you make me laugh o, even my dik was shaking in laughter.

Why na? dude lives in Kebbi state of USA, that is why he is at par with what is going on. I've heard this news way before the Nigerian embassy started making complaintss. I just hope Yaradua creates over 20K jobs to assimilate these citizens embracing their homeland.

earTHMama:

Officials of the Nigerian embassy in Washington, New York, and Atlanta said over 500,000 Nigerians have left the US. to spend time with their kit and kin.
About 100,000 - mostly those with low paying jobs- plan to settle in Nigeria.

hahahahahahahahah hahahh ahaha hehe heheheh huheu hueehu!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DeepZone +Earthmama+Pepperspray+source= Radio without battery

earTHMama:

Officials of the Nigerian embassy in Washington, New York, and Atlanta said over 500,000 Nigerians have left the US. to spend time with their kit and kin.
About 100,000 - mostly those with low paying jobs- plan to settle in Nigeria.

hahahahahahahahah hahahh ahaha hehe heheheh huheu hueehu!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DeepZone +Earthmama+Pepperspray+source= Radio without battery

Yeh, it could be interesting to see them going back to home and join the 'go slow' and then bring the country to 'hold up' before they bring it to stand still. Well Im very sure there will be another 200 thousand ready to leave the country to give them space.

Funmi

When re u coming home?

tharma:

Yeh, it could be interesting to see them[b] going back to home and join the 'go slow' and then bring the country to 'hold up' before they bring it to stand still. [/b] Well I'm very sure there will be another 200 thousand ready to leave the country to give them space.

Well, that could definitely happen or these people could push for change and if not, leave the country again when things change. I do know a lot of people who went home this holiday but I know it is only so they can relax and prepare for what the next step will be when they get back. Let's hope this is what the country needs to jumpstart change in the right direction. Since the article does mention that most of those moving are low income workers, I do hope that does not mean those who still hold on to the old Nigerian mentality as well.

Frying pan to fire!!!!!!!!!!!

Funmi

When re u coming home?

In 4 years time, baby.

Yeh, it could be interesting to see them going back to home and join the 'go slow' and then bring the country to 'hold up' before they bring it to stand still. Well I'm very sure there will be another 200 thousand ready to leave the country to give them space.

So, lets get this: A Nigerian living in the US who is interested in moving back to Nigeria is asking
someone in the Nigerian embassy about opportunities in Nigeria? Wonderful!

Let me guess again, and that Nigerian will move back for good based on the advice giving to him
or her by the embassy staff? Are we sure these are Nigerians?

Finally, so these Nigerians are moving back in droves to the Nigerian that is going to be immuned
from the economic turmoil that is taking hold globally? Ok, whats the exchange rate to the dollar
today? Well, thats part of your answer right there.

I like my "second citizenship" status here!

So, lets get this: A Nigerian living in the US who is interested in moving back to Nigeria is asking
someone in the Nigerian embassy about opportunities in Nigeria? Wonderful!

Let me guess again, and that Nigerian will move back for good based on the advice giving to him
or her by the embassy staff? Are we sure these are Nigerians?

Finally, so these Nigerians are moving back in droves to the Nigerian that is going to be immuned
from the economic turmoil that is taking hold globally? Ok, whats the exchange rate to the dollar
today? Well, thats part of your answer right there.

I like my "second citizenship" status here!

Heroes lost!. God save Nigeria.

Funmi

How do plan surving the credit crunch. Better come now that u can afford to pay for ur tickets home. U could start an online forum for women, u know.

A person has a better chance surviving the crunch abroad than in Nigeria. I mean worst comes to worst, you get food aid and allowance from the government to an extent. I doubt the Nigerian government will care what the situation will be with the people who move down there. Also with the high cost of living down there, I am not sure it is a good idea for people who do not have to.

Funmi

[b]How do plan surving the credit crunc[/b]h. Better come now that u can afford to pay for ur tickets home. U could start an online forum for women, u know.

Trust me I rode my way up in here in case you think am a pussy. I will survive.

DeepZone, I have been looking for you. All these claims of access you boast of its time to make use of it. Can you get me a contact in any Nigerian newspaper with national circulation? Do something good for a change.

DeepZone, I have been looking for you.  All these claims of access you boast of its time to make use of it.  Can you get me a contact in any Nigerian newspaper with national circulation?  Do something good for a change

I am planning on an NGO to liberate women in Nigeria especially Northern women from the hands of the polygamous shylocks they call husbands. It will be hard work but I should be ready to do it in 5 years time. I will be operating from Ilesha tho because i also plan to start farming by then in Nigeria.

@earthMama

Heroes lost!. God save Nigeria

Hmm, I didn't know I was a hero. 50 years from now, I am sure you will be repeating
the same "God save Nigeria" prayer. God is preoccupied with nations who are truly
helping themselves.

Lastly, I am so sick of misinformed people in Nigeria assuming everyone abroad is living
a second class citizen life. I have been to Nigeria several times in recent years, and
believe me I see a bunch of 3rd, 4th, or 5th class citizens.

Needless to say, this "second class" citizen has been harassed more by law enforcement
in Nigeria in two yeas than all my 17 years put together in the US. Please spare me!

i can be slow at times. Deepzone what exactly do u mean by rode ur way down and not being a pussy (females dont use these terms)

i can be slow at times. Deepzone what exactly do u mean by rode ur way down and not being a pussy (females don't use these terms)

Is the word registered to men alone?. Females use it here in the US, you chauvinistic he-snake.

Lastly, I am so sick of misinformed people in Nigeria assuming everyone abroad is living
a second class citizen life. I have been to Nigeria several times in recent years, and
believe me I see a bunch of 3rd, 4th, or 5th class citizens.

You are right because most Nigerian residents think their people that live out here do only blue collar jobs. What do you mean by 3rd, 4th class Nigerian citizens in Nigeria?

Iyke-D:

God is preoccupied with nations who are truly
helping themselves.

that is funny!!

that is funny!!

What is funny about God deserting your mother land?