Just Before You Japa- Obstacles Almost Every Nigerian Might Face

Nigeria is full of vibrant cultures, beautiful landscapes, and some friendliest people you’ll ever meet.

But let’s be honest, sometimes living here can be a bit challenging. From the hustle and bustle of Lagos traffic to the constant power outages, sometimes you just need to japa (slang for “escape”) to greener pastures.

However, as a Nigerian, japa-ing is easier said than done. Here are some of the challenges you might face if you want to japa:

1. Visa issues

If you’re a Nigerian passport holder, you already know the struggle. Getting a visa to travel to other countries can be a nightmare. To obtain your visa, you must fill out endless forms, provide all sorts of documents, and pray to the travel gods. Even if the visa is approved, you may still face challenges at the airport.

2. Currency conversion

Let’s say you manage to get a visa and book your flight. Now you need to convert your Naira to the currency of the country you’re visiting. Good luck with that! The exchange rate always fluctuates, and you’ll likely pay more than you anticipated.

3. Homesickness

Nigerians are known for their love of family and community. Leaving all that behind to start a new life in a foreign country can be tough. You might miss your favourite jollof rice, your mom’s home-cooked meals, and your friends back home. And let’s not forget about the Nigerian music scene – can you really live without afrobeat?

Read also: For Budget Travelers: How To Eat Street Food Without Regret

4. Culture shock

Every country has its unique culture, and adjusting to a new one can be challenging. You might have to learn a new language, adapt to new customs, and navigate unfamiliar social norms. And if you’re a Nigerian who loves to bargain, good luck negotiating with locals who don’t haggle.

5. Immigration laws

If you want to stay in a foreign country long-term, you’ll need to deal with immigration laws. Depending on the country, this can be a complicated and expensive process. You’ll need to navigate residency permits, work visas, and possibly even citizenship applications.

6. Nigerian food withdrawals

You can take the Nigerian out of Nigeria, but can you really take Nigeria out of the Nigerian? One of the biggest challenges of japa-ing is dealing with Nigerian food withdrawals. Sure, you might be able to find some Nigerian restaurants or cook your own meals, but it’s just not the same as eating mama put in a buka with your bare hands.

As you can see, japa-ing is not for the faint of heart. But if you’re determined to escape the challenges of living in Nigeria, don’t let these obstacles stop you. Just remember to pack some extra jollof rice for the journey.