For decades, traveling abroad has been one of the biggest aspirations for many Nigerians. Families often make huge financial sacrifices—selling belongings, taking loans, or pooling resources—to send a relative overseas in hopes of escaping poverty and securing a better future.
However, Economy & Lifestyle has discovered a surprising trend: more young Nigerians in the diaspora are returning home, even with Nigeria’s current economic challenges. Their reasons range from identity struggles to mental health concerns, visa issues, overwhelming work pressure, and difficulties adapting to foreign life.
Miss Brenda Osarumwense, who recently returned to Nigeria, shared her experience:
“I was sick and had to wait 42 weeks just to see a doctor. Even when it was serious, they only offered painkillers. When the appointment finally came, I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression. The long work shifts, constant bills, and endless stress were suffocating. I told my husband I needed to return to Nigeria. The best thing is to go there, make your money, and come home to invest.”
Students are also increasingly choosing to return home after completing their studies. Miss Ruth Onifade, a student abroad, said:
“I’m leaving immediately after graduation. I already miss home. You can succeed abroad if you work hard, but the stress and depression are real. Living abroad is lonely—you depend only on yourself and God. It’s not like Nigeria where communal living gives you support.”
For others, returning home is connected to academics or immigration regulations.
Mr. Lucky Igbafe, who lives abroad, explained that many returnees include students who fail their courses and must either redo their exams in Nigeria or reapply for visas. Others return for personal reasons—some already qualify for pensions or have saved enough to start businesses back home.
“Most people who relocate home have foreign citizenship, so they can always go back if they wish. But honestly, if you have the opportunity to leave Nigeria for your family’s future, please go,” he advised.
Mrs. Helen Jegede, another Nigerian in the diaspora, noted that many youths return because of visa expiration or financial constraints.
“Some visas are non-renewable after studies unless you meet strict requirements. If you fail your courses, you’re advised to return home and reapply. Students on scholarships often don’t have the funds to renew visas. Others can’t cope with bills and responsibilities abroad, so they come back. Before, only older people returned to Nigeria after retirement—but now, even youths leave after seven or eight years abroad. Some don’t last two years.”
This shift reflects a growing reality: life abroad is not always the glamorous escape many imagine, and for a rising number of Nigerian youths, returning home offers relief, identity, and a chance to rebuild.
