The hardship, security challenges, and general uncertainties in Nigeria have forced one in every 10 young Nigerians to want to japa from the country. While it is a great idea for some to leave, it may not be the best for others.
If you are considering remaining in the country but are looking for reasons not to leave, here are some reasons that may help you.
Why You Should Not Leave Nigeria
1. Familiar culture and traditions
At the top of the reasons why you should not leave Nigeria for any other country is because of the culture and traditions you have been used to and that are familiar to you. This may seem trivial, but many people find it difficult to relinquish their culture or identity for something else.
2. Strong family ties and support systems
Nigeria offers you strong ties and support systems that you may not get anywhere else in the world. This is especially true when you are moving to a place where you do not have family members or friends.
3. Easier to raise children with your values and customs
If you have kids, Nigeria is one of the best places to raise them, per the values and customs you hold dear. Relocating with your kids will force them to drop a better part of the values you hold and adopt the value systems of the country you are moving to.
4. Leaving Nigeria is not for everyone
Unless you are convinced that leaving Nigeria is for you, you should remain in the country. Many people have achieved some level of success before leaving the shores of their country, only to lose it all in other countries.
5. No culture shock
Another reason you should not leave Nigeria is that you get to protect yourself from culture shock, which may come from being exposed to cultures, ways of life, or attitudes that are alien to you. While some people get over this, many struggle for a long time.
6. Untapped markets in almost every industry
Nigeria is a haven of opportunities, as almost all industries in the country are still untapped. This makes it easy for one to fit into any industry and excel once you are willing to put in the work.
7. Fewer legal hoops to jump through to start a business
One of the most important reasons why remaining in Nigeria is a no-brainer is that it is easy to start a business in the country. This is because Nigeria has fewer legal barriers to starting a business when compared to many other countries.
8. You don’t feel isolated or lonely
If you are scared of being alone or isolated, leaving Nigeria may not be the best option for you. This is because you will be exposed to loneliness and isolation when you are in most other countries around the world. This stems from the fact that you will mostly be by yourself for a long time before you start making friends.
9. Emotional attachment to the country
For those who are emotionally attached to Nigeria, there is no reason why you may want to leave the country for any other.
10. Relatively low cost of living
Even though things are becoming more difficult in Nigeria, the country still has a relatively lower cost of living than most other countries around the world. This makes it a great place if you are looking to live a very simple life.
11. It is easier to rise in Nigeria
Looking at the ease of starting a business and the vast untapped market in the country, it is easier to rise in Nigeria than in many other countries. More so, as a Nigerian, you have more opportunities to rise in the country than in any other.
See Also: 10 Worst Countries To Relocate To as a Nigerian
12. You’re not limited by strict laws or regulations
As a Nigerian living in the country, you will find yourself restricted by many laws and regulations in other countries from doing a lot of things because you are an expatriate.
13. You’re not subjected to racial profiling
Nigerians have been subjected to racial profiling all over the world, including in African countries such as Ghana and South Africa. The best way to prevent yourself from being a victim of such is to remain in the country.
14. Do not leave until you are ready and understand where you are going to
With the japa fever sweeping, many Nigerians have left the country when they are neither ready nor know the right country to go to. This has led them to go to the wrong countries, where they face greater hardship than they faced in Nigeria. Before deciding to move, ensure you are ready and you carry out research on the country you are moving to.
15. You can help fix the system from within
Finally and most importantly, the reason why you should never leave Nigeria is that unless you are in the country, it becomes difficult for you to help fix it. Those driven by the passion to change the country will never leave it, no matter the opportunities presented by other countries.
