Logic is when you desert your country to make another better. It isn’t. But what choice do you have when your only chance at life is fading?
Nigerian youths are leaving Nigeria in droves. Whether they are financially prepared or not, they are determined to push their way through the chaos to a better life—a place that offers opportunities and stability.
Seeking Greener Pastures
“I’m looking for greener pastures and better opportunities, rather than getting stuck here in Nigeria,” says Olotu Olanrewaju, one of many Nigerians seeking to escape to the UK, US, Canada, or any other country that contrasts with the daily struggles in Nigeria.
According to The BBC, more than 270,000 Nigerians live in the UK, with the number of Nigerians granted UK work visas quadrupling since 2019 due to post-Brexit immigration rule changes.
Reasons for Leaving
The reasons for this mass exodus are extensive: lack of opportunities, unreliable power supply, financial constraints, poor management systems, and nonexistent infrastructure. These challenges create barriers to living a fulfilling life, leading many to seek better conditions abroad.
Historical Context
The idea of emigrating from Nigeria is not new. Since the 1980s, many middle-class Nigerians have sought economic opportunities abroad. However, the scale and urgency now feel different, with the phenomenon of “japa” becoming increasingly popular among Gen Z and millennials.
An African Polling Institute survey from 2022 found that 69% of Nigerians aged 18-35 would relocate if given the opportunity—a significant increase from 39% in 2019.
Personal Stories
Social worker Oluwatobi Abodunrin, 29, moved to London last year and feels positive about her decision. She believes Nigeria is filled with “passionate, active youths” who desire more from their careers. “We are highly talented, we want to be recognised, we want our voice to be heard, and we want to be respected,” she says. Despite the difficulties of leaving friends and family behind, many like her see relocation as the only viable option for a better future.
Popular Destinations
The UK, US, and Canada are highly desirable destinations. The UK has responded to the increase in migration by tightening work visa rules. Meanwhile, Canada has seen a surge in migration, with the number of Nigerians seeking residency there tripling since 2015, a phenomenon known as the “Canada Rush.”
For many young Nigerians, leaving the country is no longer just a choice; it is a necessity. The relentless challenges and lack of opportunities in Nigeria make emigration a quick and honest solution to their struggles.
