- Nigerians who sought greener pastures abroad will be returning home for the end-of-year festivities
- For those who have been away for a while, some surprises await them, like the high cost of fuel, high cost of transportation, food, and others
- Here are some things that might shock a returning Nigerian about the economy, events that took place, and some lifestyle changes
The pursuit of greener pastures is an innate aspect of human nature. Throughout history, individuals have sought better opportunities when their environment becomes unbearable.
This trend persists today, with Nigerians embracing the "Japa" syndrome, which represents their quest for freedom and better prospects overseas.
As the festive season approaches, many Nigerians abroad prepare to return home to celebrate with loved ones. However, for those who have been away for a while, the changes they will encounter might be more shocking than expected.
While some things remain unchanged, there are notable shifts in the economy, infrastructure, and daily life that may come as a shock.
For those returning home to reconnect with family, commonly referred to as ‘IJGBs’ (I Just Got Back), TheRadar has compiled a list of surprising changes during your time abroad and what is now considered the new normal for many.
What to expect when returning for Detty December in Nigeria
1. Be prepared to spend more
Credit: TheCable
Returning to Nigeria after time abroad can be a thrilling experience, but it's essential to be prepared for the economic reality on the ground.
Transportation costs have skyrocketed, and you will likely spend more on getting around than anticipated. Whether ordering Uber, hailing a ride, or even driving yourself, be prepared to spend more money on transportation and fuel.
The recent fuel price hike has impacted the lives of many Nigerians, triggering a surge in the cost of basic living essentials.
For those returning to Nigeria, the current fuel price of N1,200 per litre (depending on location) may come as a shock, especially considering it was significantly lower when they left. To make your 'Detty December' adventures enjoyable, be prepared for these changes and do not be surprised about the high cost of living.
The days of returning home as a symbol of financial prowess, flaunting foreign currency to splurge, are long gone. Now, get ready to stretch your budget even further.
2. New economy packs of rice and spaghetti
Credit: Kano Times
The economic crisis, hike in fuel prices, and insurgency have severely impacted food production. Many northern farmers are too afraid to cultivate their land, resulting in food scarcity. In response, innovative entrepreneurs have introduced sachet-sized rice and spaghetti at lower prices. While this may seem amusing, it reflects the harsh realities many Nigerians face.
3. Higher billing than before
Credit: Meta AI
Unfortunately, many still believe that anyone returning from abroad must be stashed up with cash. Although this mentality might not be alien to the IJGBs, the widespread hardship gripping the country has inspired the desperation of individuals to make ends meet, which is palpable, and many resort to extreme measures to survive.
A heart-wrenching viral video of a woman rummaging through roadside waste to collect discarded tomatoes is a poignant testament to the struggles many Nigerians face.
The deteriorated economic state is going to be shocking, and there will be a massive number of requests from family and friends, all expecting a share of your foreign wealth.
4. Same struggles, new shocks
Credit: Brooking Institute
You might expect Nigeria to have transformed like your country, but the reality is still jarring. Bad roads persist, traffic rules are frequently ignored, and some individuals' mischief remains unchanged.
Some essential government responsibilities are neglected, leaving Nigerians to cope with poorly maintained roads and subpar road construction that falls short of international standards.
One IJGB, Abimbola, posted on X(formerly Twitter) about the shocking state of a road where an obstruction was placed on the Zebra crossing. Returning after some time and encountering the same infrastructural issues can be an eye-opener.
5. Power struggles continue
Credit: Punch newspaper
In the power sector, subscribers are served under different bands, with Band A enjoying more reliable electricity. However, it may come as a surprise that the issue of epileptic electricity remains unresolved, with the national grid collapsing frequently.
Despite paying hefty electricity bills as subscribers under Band A, Nigerians are still plagued by the frustratingly familiar phenomenon of epileptic power supply. The national grid
"This has become a staple of daily life, showing no signs of improvement.
6. Bountiful rice for Christmas and New Year celebrations
With the government providing an abundance of rice as palliatives to ease the hardship Nigerians are facing, there should be plenty available for the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Throughout this year, the government provided and donated many trucks of rice to all Nigerians and flood victims. , includingrnment has donated so much rice to help alleviate the economic hardship in Nigeria that there will be an ample supply for Christmas and New Year celebrations.
7. Nigeria’s first national asoebi
You’ll be surprised to see that Nigeria continues to make amusing decisions to address its pressing national issues. Amid the online tribal tensions that arose during and after the 2023 presidential election, the government sought to unite Nigerians in an unconventional way. This led to the unveiling of the national unity fabric by the First Lady Oluremi Tinubu aimed at promoting unity among Nigerians and breaking down the tribal barriers that exist.
Despite everything, Nigeria still retains its unique charm, and its sense of home is as strong as ever. Make the most of your reunion and enjoy your time back home.
1 in 2 Nigerians wants to move abroad — why it’s more than just a statistic
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that half of Nigerians want to move abroad as Gallup’s recent data indicates, the desire to seek greener pastures has become more prominent.
The desire to seek better opportunities abroad is understandable. Nigeria's talented youth, often stifled by systemic challenges, are eager to contribute to the global workforce.