Japa Dreams: The Harsh Truth Abroad
By Khadija Umar,
The dream of leaving Nigeria in search of a better life has become a widespread obsession among young people. The word “Japa” has become a symbol of hope, a ticket to a future free from economic hardship and insecurity.
Social media is filled with stories of Nigerians making it abroad, flashing their new cars, showing off high-paying jobs, and living in seemingly luxurious apartments. But behind the glamour and excitement, there are harsh realities that many do not talk about.
The question remains: Is the grass really greener on the other side? One of the biggest dangers of relocating without proper planning is the harsh economic reality abroad. Many assume that life outside Nigeria is automatically better, but they forget that bills abroad are unforgiving.
Rent, electricity, food, healthcare, transportation—all these expenses add up quickly. Unlike in Nigeria, where one can sometimes rely on family for support, abroad, you are entirely on your own.
People who fail to secure stable jobs soon find themselves struggling to survive, taking on multiple low-paying jobs just to afford basic necessities. The illusion of instant success is another major trap.
While there are indeed many success stories, the road to financial stability is often long and difficult. Some Nigerians arrive with the hope of getting high-paying jobs immediately, only to face the brutal reality that their qualifications are not recognized or their skills are not in demand.
Many degree holders end up working as cleaners, security guards, or factory workers just to get by. The frustration of doing menial jobs, despite having a university education, can be mentally draining.
Legal and immigration challenges can turn dreams into nightmares. Many travel without a clear legal pathway, assuming they will “figure it out” when they get there. This often leads to undocumented status, which comes with serious consequences—constant fear of deportation, difficulty in finding legal employment, and exploitation by employers who take advantage of their vulnerability.
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Even those on student or visiting visas who overstay their permitted time risk being blacklisted and forced to live in hiding. Loneliness and cultural shock are silent struggles many do not expect. Leaving home means leaving behind family, friends, and familiar support systems.
Many Nigerians find it difficult to adjust to life abroad, where people are less communal and social interactions are more formal. Depression and homesickness set in when the excitement of relocation fades, and the reality of isolation kicks in.
Some migrants, despite having jobs, suffer from deep emotional distress because they miss the warmth of home. Racism and discrimination are also painful experiences many Nigerians face abroad.
Some countries, no matter how developed, still have strong biases against immigrants, especially Africans. Job opportunities are sometimes limited, not because one is not qualified, but because of skin color or nationality.
There are cases where Nigerians have been refused promotions, treated unfairly in the workplace, or even harassed in public simply because they are foreigners. Exploitation within the Nigerian community abroad is another hidden danger.
While many expect fellow Nigerians to offer support, some migrants end up being deceived and used by their own people. There are reports of Nigerians promising newcomers jobs, only to overwork and underpay them.
Some landlords take advantage of desperate migrants by charging excessively high rents for shared, overcrowded apartments. The assumption that every Nigerian abroad is a brother or sister can sometimes lead to painful betrayals.
Health insurance and medical emergencies are often overlooked. In many developed countries, healthcare is extremely expensive, and without proper health insurance, a minor illness can drain one’s savings.
Unlike in Nigeria, where one can walk into a pharmacy and get drugs easily, medical treatment abroad requires strict procedures, appointments, and high costs. Many undocumented migrants fear seeking medical help because they do not have insurance or legal status, putting their health at serious risk.
Before you Japa, think twice. The grass may seem greener, but sometimes, it is just well-watered with struggles that are not visible from afar. If you must leave, have a solid plan—secure a legal status, learn high-demand skills, and be mentally prepared for challenges.
Do not let social media fool you into thinking success is automatic abroad. Many who left wish they had known the full truth before making the move.
