If you have lived in Nigeria long enough, you should know someone who has tried his or her luck abroad, or what is referred to as “Japa.” This is trying to live in a more prosperous country like the US, Canada, Australia, or Europe, to escape Nigeria with its multitude of troubles. The dream is simple: a new life that’s better in every aspect, without the constant wahala the Nigerian soil delivers. Yet, in between glitz and glamour of those whose abroad ventures turned out to be successful, there are immense stories of pain, frustration, and broken dreams.
Finding greener pastures abroad for many Nigerians is no longer about simply getting a flight ticket and taking off. The journey is a long one, full of hurdles that could have been created either by other countries’ governments or by Nigerians. From dubious visa agents to the difficulty of providing proof of funds, and the struggle to adjust to the intricacies of a new environment, the japa dream oftentimes is like a nightmare that passes like a wonderful vacation.
ALSO READ: Don’t Mind Them, Japa If You Can – UK-based Man Encourages Nigerians
Fake agents
One of the most serious obstacles which persons set out to migrate face is that of fake agents. It is the need to leave Nigeria that has made the visa racket a very lucrative business for these agents. These scammers promise quick visas, guaranteed admissions into foreign schools, and job placements, only to vanish into thin air, leaving people broke and with nothing.
We hear stories of a person selling their business, giving the agent amounts of millions just to find themselves at the airport with a fake visa. Other students are entrapped in grey ‘study abroad’ programs that do not lead to a quality education, but instead, to schools with no name, who do not pay their tuition.
Furthermore, students’ visas are usually canceled by the criminal agents once they find that they are not making money. The net is inundated with scary tales, but despair leads people to forget the signs of improper way.
Proof of funds wahala
By now, you realise you need millions of naira, no thanks to the gravitational fall of Nigeria’s currency. Even food is almost beyond the reach of common citizens, so what were you expecting thousands of dollars, pounds or euros to be?
For many Nigerians, this is mission impossible. Some people resort to borrowing money, using ‘rental’ services where they pay to temporarily ‘borrow’ proof of funds, or outright lying on their applications. But even if they succeed in getting the visa, the financial struggle doesn’t end there.
Culture shock and struggles abroad
Finally, after all the wahala, you get the visa, book the flight, and land in your dream country. But reality hits differently when you arrive.
First, there’s the shock of discovering that ‘abroad’ is not as easy as you see on Instagram and Tiktok. Jobs aren’t waiting for you at the airport, rent is through the roof, and the bills don’t stop coming. And another one – you can’t beg Baba Mulika to give you three months to come up with the rent. If you ain’t paying, the next minute you may be sleeping in a makeshift tent on a kerb in Ontario. Many migrants start with odd jobs—security, dishwashing, or caregiving—no matter their qualifications. Degrees from Nigerian universities are often ignored, forcing many to go back to school or start over from scratch.
Then there’s the loneliness. Unlike in Nigeria where your neighbours are your extended family, abroad is a different world. People mind their business. The food is strange. The weather can be brutal—especially the winter in Canada or the UK, where the cold bites like hunger.
Racism and discrimination are real. Many Nigerians find that they are treated differently because of their accent or skin colour. Some struggle to make friends, while others never fully integrate. It’s a tough life, and many begin to question if leaving home was worth it.
What if we used all that energy to fix Nigeria?
Here’s a thought: what if all the stress, money, and effort spent on leaving Nigeria were used to build a better life here? Yes, Nigeria is tough—bad governance, unemployment, insecurity, and a weak economy. But the reality is, not everyone will escape. And even those who leave still struggle.
Instead of spending millions on visa applications and proof of funds, that money could start a business.
Of course, this is easier said than done. Nigeria’s system does not make success easy. But some Nigerians are proving that with determination, strategy, and smart investments, life here can be rewarding. Tech startups are booming, real estate is growing, and despite the odds, many have built successful careers without ever leaving the country.
The harsh reality of ‘Japa’
This is not to discourage anyone from leaving. Sometimes, relocating is the best option for personal growth, better education, or security. But it’s important to see the full picture: ‘japa’ is not a magic fix. It comes with its own struggles, sacrifices, and regrets.
ALSO READ: Japa if you want but…
So before selling everything to chase a dream abroad, think carefully. Weigh your options. Ask yourself: is the grass truly greener, or are you just running from one set of problems to another? Maybe, just maybe, the life you seek is possible right here in Nigeria.
