Is Leaving Nigeria the Only Path to Success? The Dream of a Better Life Abroad [OPINION]

 

In recent years, the idea of leaving Nigeria for better opportunities has become a familiar dream among many young Nigerians. Once you start comprehending the nuances of life in Nigeria, you begin to grasp the undercurrents that push individuals, particularly the youth, towards the idea of fleeing to foreign lands. But is leaving Nigeria really the only way to build a prosperous future, or has it become a subconscious ambition fueled by frustrations?

Growing up in Nigeria, the dream of a brighter future often seems tethered to a different geography. For many, the goal of obtaining success appears inextricably linked to leaving the country. The perception that “greener pastures” lie beyond Nigerian borders is ingrained in the collective consciousness, especially as one navigates the often tumultuous realities of daily life in the country. The quest for a better life is not just about material wealth—it’s about escaping an environment many perceive as limiting their potential.

From a very young age, children in Nigeria are exposed to the idea that achieving their dreams means getting out of the country. They hear their parents speak longingly of relatives who have migrated abroad, those who live in countries where opportunities are plentiful, and where the economic and political climate is less volatile. This idea of migration as the ultimate solution to their ambitions takes root early, growing into a belief that only outside of Nigeria can they truly flourish.

However, the deeper one grows into adulthood, the more they experience the frustrations that come with living in Nigeria. From the power outages that disrupt work and studies, to the perennial fuel scarcity and skyrocketing inflation rates, the daily grind can erode the spirit. Many Nigerians, especially the educated youth, start to feel that their dreams are stifled by a lack of infrastructure, limited opportunities, and a government that often seems indifferent to their struggles.

In this environment, leaving Nigeria doesn’t just become a choice—it becomes a dream. The prospect of moving to countries with better living conditions, stable economies, and functioning systems of governance promises a more predictable and prosperous future. Indeed, for many young Nigerians, this dream is not just an abstract notion but a well-considered, sometimes desperate, plan.

The overwhelming desire to migrate often stems from the notion that Nigeria’s challenges—corruption, unemployment, security concerns, and an unreliable education system—are insurmountable. The constant struggle to survive in a country plagued by systemic failures can leave one questioning whether it's possible to truly achieve one’s dreams within Nigeria’s borders. As one young professional put it, “It’s frustrating to know that no matter how hard you work here, the odds are often stacked against you.”

Moreover, the phenomenon of “brain drain” has intensified in recent years. Highly skilled professionals, including doctors, engineers, and academics, have flocked to countries where their skills are in demand and where they are offered not only better pay but also the chance to live in a stable and progressive society. These professionals often cite the inability to practice their crafts in a country that doesn’t provide the necessary support as one of the primary reasons for leaving. Their departure represents a serious loss to Nigeria, but it also highlights a growing sentiment that leaving may be the only way to achieve personal and professional fulfillment.

Yet, there are others who continue to argue that leaving Nigeria is not the only answer. These individuals hold on to the belief that change is possible, even within the existing system. They advocate for staying in Nigeria to fight for better governance, better infrastructure, and better opportunities. They view their struggle as an essential part of the country’s collective development, believing that the future of Nigeria lies in the hands of those who choose to stay and work towards transformative change.

While it is easy to see why the allure of migration is strong, it is also important to acknowledge that not everyone has the privilege of choosing to leave. Many Nigerians, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds, simply cannot afford the financial or logistical barriers involved in relocating abroad. For these individuals, the dream of a better life is often nothing more than a distant fantasy. Their realities are defined by the daily challenge of survival, with limited options for a future that offers more than the present.

In the end, the question of whether leaving Nigeria is necessary to achieve one’s dreams does not have a simple answer. While many see emigration as the only path to success, others remain hopeful that the tides will turn within the country, creating an environment in which aspirations can be realized. Perhaps the true dream is not to escape Nigeria, but to see it evolve into a place where individuals can pursue their goals without the constant pressure of having to leave to find a better life.

As Nigeria’s youth continues to grapple with the challenges of living in the country, it is clear that the dream of leaving is not just about escaping—it’s about searching for a place where their potential can truly be realized. Whether that place is within Nigeria or beyond its borders, remains to be seen. But for many, the dream of a better future will continue to shape the choices they make, whether they stay or go.

*written by Ugo Daniels