Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has raised concerns about the increasing number of Nigerians abroad who are struggling with regret and depression. According to her, many Nigerians living in different parts of the world are reaching out to her agency, expressing feelings of deep disappointment about their decision to move abroad.
Dabiri-Erewa’s statement comes at a time when a significant number of Nigerians continue to leave the country in search of better opportunities, a phenomenon popularly known as japa. However, with increasing reports of challenges faced by Nigerians abroad, Dabiri-Erewa’s remarks suggest that the grass may not always be greener on the other side.
In a tweet posted on Saturday, Dabiri-Erewa explained that her agency had been receiving a large number of calls from Nigerians abroad who are regretting their decision to relocate. Many of these individuals, she said, are dealing with depression as they struggle to adjust to life in their new countries.
“Many Nigerians abroad are bombarding us with calls, expressing regrets and depression,” Dabiri-Erewa said. Her tweet was a direct response to a similar message from Dele Olawale, a UK-based lawyer, who recently shared his own observations about the difficulties Nigerians face when they leave for foreign countries.
Olawale, in his tweet, spoke of a “toxic” immigration atmosphere in the UK, noting that life had become increasingly difficult for immigrants. He advised those considering relocation to think twice, especially if they were already doing well in their home country. “Many depressed people. Many broken lives. Many broken homes. Many stranded families. Irreversible regret,” he said. “Could you not do it because others are doing it? Think thrice before making the jump!”
In sharing Olawale’s tweet, Dabiri-Erewa echoed his sentiments, urging Nigerians to be cautious when considering life abroad. “I hope this message resonates. We @nidcom_gov have been bombarded with many cases of regrets and depression,” Dabiri-Erewa said. She also quoted a piece of advice from social media influencer Moro Ojomo, stating, “The grass is not greener on the other side; it’s greener where you nurture it.”
The phenomenon of Japa has become a common trend in Nigeria, especially in recent years. Economic hardship, rising inflation, and an unprecedented cost of living crisis have pushed many Nigerians to seek better lives abroad. The promise of a brighter future has lured many to countries such as the UK, the United States, Canada, and other destinations, where they hope to secure jobs and improve their living conditions.
However, the reality of life abroad often proves to be far more difficult than expected. For many Nigerians, the initial excitement of relocating quickly fades as they encounter unexpected challenges such as job insecurity, cultural adjustments, and limited opportunities. These struggles, coupled with feelings of homesickness and isolation, have contributed to a growing number of Nigerians expressing regrets about their decisions.
In her remarks, Dabiri-Erewa pointed out that some Nigerians who left for better prospects have ended up in situations that are worse than the conditions they left behind. “In 2024, some Nigerians fled to countries worse than Nigeria,” she said, highlighting the challenges that some immigrants face in their new countries.
Many Nigerians who decide to move abroad often do so with high hopes and great expectations. However, the cost of relocation can be overwhelming. With the economic situation in Nigeria pushing more people to look for alternatives abroad, they often sell everything they have or sacrifice their livelihoods in pursuit of what they believe will be a better life.
But the harsh realities of immigration — such as adjusting to a new culture, facing racial discrimination, and struggling to secure stable employment — can leave many feeling disillusioned and regretful.
Dabiri-Erewa’s warning to influencers and bloggers reflects the growing concern that more Nigerians may be making hasty decisions without fully understanding the challenges they will face. “Please, we appeal to bloggers and influencers. Help us appeal to Nigerians that where you are running to is worse than where you are running from (Nigeria),” she urged. Her plea is a call for awareness, urging people to take a more measured and informed approach when considering relocating abroad.
Dabiri-Erewa’s comments are part of a wider conversation about whether Nigerians should stay in their home country and try to make it work, rather than seeking a better life abroad. While many Nigerians leave due to the difficult economic and political climate, others are beginning to advocate for building the nation from within, despite its challenges.
