Leaving your home country to seek better opportunities in foreign lands is a journey typically filled with hope, excitement, and dreams of a brighter future. For many Nigerians, this journey is a leap of faith into the unknown, driven by aspirations for a better life.
However, the reality often proves to be different from what they imagined. Life in these countries presents its own set of challenges and hardships, deflating their expectations. From cultural differences to economic struggles, the harsh realities of daily life begin to unravel the initial dreams of opportunity and success, but despite these, many Nigerians are not planning to return and have chosen to navigate through the setbacks.
We spoke to six Nigerians abroad about their unmet expectations and their refusal to return to the country.
Fraud Reigns Supreme in Cyprus – Kole
Moving to Cyprus was supposed to bring new friends and a different lifestyle, but I didn’t expect to feel so lonely. At first, I stayed in a dormitory, but as time passed, I felt more and more isolated. It made me sad and even led me to feel depressed. Luckily, after the first year, I got my place, which made me feel much better. I started doing more fun things like playing sports and hanging out with people. Leaving the dorms was a big change for me.
One thing I like about Cyprus is how friendly and kind people are here. But there’s also a not-so-nice side to life here. Some people do bad things to make money, like fraud. They feel pressured to be rich quickly, and it can make others feel bad about themselves if they don’t have a lot of money. However, I have figured out that this can work to my advantage. I’m looking to start a clothing line, and these fraudsters can be my clients. I don’t care how they made their money. I’m selling clothes, and they’re customers. My parents might want me to return to Nigeria, however, I would try convincing them that I have more career prospects here than I could ever in present-day Nigeria. They’re bearing witness to it.
London is Lagos in Another Continent – Obiora
London shares many similarities with Lagos, particularly in its large Nigerian community. However, it can sometimes feel isolating, especially if you’re not naturally inclined to make friends. I once lived in a place for a year without ever meeting my neighbor. In Nigeria, moving to a new area usually means getting to know everyone on the block within a few days. Yet, London often reminds me of Nigeria; you can stroll through the streets and overhear conversations in Igbo or other Nigerian languages.
One major difference is that things in London run smoothly. If you work hard, you’ll succeed, and you’ll always be compensated for your efforts. This is a stark contrast to Nigeria, where pay can be inconsistent, and you might only receive half of your salary. Nigerians in London tend to thrive because we’re accustomed to overcoming challenges. Bringing that determination here, where the systemic issues we face in Nigeria are absent, increases the chances of success. The respect for labor, higher standard of living, and overall quality of life are the main reasons why I have no plans to return to Nigeria anytime soon.
South Africa Isn’t El Dorado – Miriam
Before I came to South Africa, I thought it would be like a little London, but when I got here, everything changed. South Africa wasn’t so different from Nigeria. It didn’t seem special or different. There were problems like corruption and bad government, just like in Nigeria and South Africa had a big issue with xenophobia, where people from other countries, especially Nigeria, weren’t treated well.
Even though South Africa wasn’t what I expected, it wasn’t all bad. There were good roads, clean water, and electricity. Nigerians especially seemed to do well here because they worked hard and took on jobs that South Africans didn’t want to do. Nigerians are known for being hard workers, and we make it big here because South Africans are somewhat lazy.
So, while South Africa wasn’t exactly what I hoped for, it seemed better than Nigeria in some ways. Things seemed more fair here, which is why I might choose South Africa over Nigeria.
Canada Is Overhyped – Zainab
Personally, Canada was hyped on social media and everywhere else, and when I came here, I found out it was overhyped. I wish I knew real stuff like feeling alone, money problems, and the cold weather.
Let me start with the weather. They say Canada is cold, but I didn’t know it would be this cold. I came in December, during winter. It was tougher because I was even single. I had to buy warm clothes, which cost a lot here. And finding work is tough, I could only get menial jobs as an international student. It was hard because I’d never done it before. I would’ve been okay staying home and studying online, but I had bills to pay – phone bills, rent, lots of bills.
I also wish I knew what it would be like to be in a place where I hardly knew anyone. I felt so sad and lonely when I got here. If I told my friends back home, they brushed it off that I was in a better country and making money. I have tried to explain to them but I always lose my mind.
However, I’m not complaining too much because I know it will get better. It’s cold, lonely, and sometimes tough but if l survived Nigeria, I will survive Canada.
UK Is Too Free – Chinedum
You know the West is free, but the freedom I’m witnessing in the United Kingdom, it feels like there are a lot of people who are gay, lesbian, or part of the queer community, and the shocking thing it that they’re open about who they are. This surprises me, especially because I’m a conservative Catholic Nigerian boy who went to a boarding school where homosexuality is met with expulsion, and ridicule. I found it hard to wrap my head around it, and that’s not all. There are also a lot of people who use drugs. It’s everywhere you look. You can’t even walk a short distance without seeing someone smoking weed or using other substances. It’s like it’s a normal thing here in the UK. I didn’t know it would be this bad, however despite my conservative disposition, I’m not looking to return to Nigeria. The standard of living here can’t even be compared to Nigeria. I can deal with the little issues the UK has.
Nigeria And Argentina Are Two Sides Of A Coin – Oma
I left Nigeria at the end of 2020 after the #EndSARS protest and the country that I could find my way into after that short time was Argentina. I packed my bags and landed in Messi’s country. Before now, I naively believed that every country is better than Nigeria, but I was sorely disappointed. When I arrived, the economy was comatose. The cost of living here is expensive. The cost of living is higher than the Coca-Cola House in Ibadan. The corruption here, in Nigeria is learning work. I’m trying to get by and my friends and the people in Nigeria won’t understand because they think everywhere is better than Nigeria. LOL. They have told me to come back, but I have vehemently refused. Argentina is not it, but I’m not going back to Nigeria because I have better prospects for success in life than I can ever have if I’m in Nigeria. Also, a new president is now in power, and there are hopes that things will start looking up for the better.
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