Nigerians are global travelers, and you can find them in many popular and even unpopular countries of the world. There’s a saying that if you visit a country and don’t see a Nigerian, leave that country immediately. That place isn’t safe or receptive to foreigners. That’s how far and wide Nigerians are known for their adventurous spirit.
True, migration is common among humans and Nigerians, like people from other peoples, want a better life, security and a higher standard of living. That’s why they leave their home country in search of greener pastures. If you are looking for the top 10 countries that Nigerians travel to most, this article will give you the information you need. If you are already thinking of moving abroad, the valuable insights in this article will help you discover places you can freely travel to as a Nigerian. Sit tight and read further.
10 Foreign Countries Nigerians Travel to Most
1. United States
Of course, the United States will always be the first place on the minds of Nigerians. America is a popular destination for Nigerians looking for better opportunities in education, jobs, and quality of life. With its diverse economy and multicultural society, America offers the kinds of possibilities Nigerians are praying for. A Nigerian who succeeds in going to America has the hope of building a successful career and improving his standard of living. Some of the major cities to achieve such dreams are New York, Los Angeles, and Houston. These places are attractive to Nigerians due to the presence of Nigerian communities and promising opportunities in several areas.
2. United Kingdom
Apart from the United States, the UK is another place Nigerians migrate to most. Many Nigerians see the United Kingdom as a Promised Land where most or all their dreams will come true. No wonder many Nigerians travel to the UK every year. It is possible because the UK has a strong economy, prestigious educational institutions, and welcomes foreigners from former British colonies. In addition, the UK’s multicultural society is attractive to many Nigerian students, professionals, and families. If you visit cities such as London, Manchester, and Birmingham as a Nigerian, you will find opportunities in industries like finance, technology and healthcare. This could be one of the top reasons Nigerians move to the United Kingdom.
3. Canada
Traveling to Canada is no longer news to many Nigerians. Even children as young as five are aware that Canada is a land of opportunities. Perhaps Canada’s favorable immigration policies and high quality of life are some of the reasons the country looks cool to Nigerians dreaming of a better future abroad. Canada has a robust economy, good healthcare system, and beautiful natural landscapes. No wonder it has the capacity to offer Nigerians myriads of opportunities for career growth, education, and security to live, work and enjoy family life. Some of the most loved cities are Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. You will find many Nigerian migrants in these places.
4. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
It might shock you to know that Nigerians see the UAE as a land of opportunities. The United Arab Emirates, specifically Dubai and Abu Dhabi, are attractive to many Nigerians looking for opportunities to change their lives and future career. You will find opportunities in fields such as construction, hospitality, finance, and healthcare. The UAE enjoys a booming economy, tax-free salaries, and flamboyant lifestyle. These are obviously what gives most Nigerians the chance to pursue their careers and achieve a high standard of living. Also, the strategic location of the UAE makes it a gateway to other Middle Eastern and Asian markets. Most Nigerians see this as extra opportunities to decide what is best for them and their families.
5. South Africa
South Africa is a popular country Nigerians love to migrate to for better opportunities in business, jobs, entrepreneurship, education, personal and professional growth. Unlike many other African countries, South Africa is a diverse economy and multicultural society. It offers Nigerians and other African migrants the opportunity to begin life afresh by starting businesses, pursuing advanced degrees, or working in industries such as mining, telecommunications, and tourism. Big cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban are popular among Nigerians because of job opportunities and their multicultural appearance.
6. Australia
Few people think of Australia as a promising destination. However, Nigerians are not the type of people who miss opportunities. No matter the distance or difficulty, Nigerians love to migrate to countries where they will find a better life. Australia’s strong economy, high standard of living, and multicultural society make it a favorable destination for Nigerians. Australia boasts of reputable universities, prosperous industries, and natural environment, Nigerians who move to Australia will likely find jobs in various sectors such as engineering, information technology, and healthcare. Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane are the cities popular among Nigerians because of the possibility of finding good and high paying jobs and quality living.
7. Germany
Germany has been a popular destination for many Nigerians. If you are seeking opportunities in engineering, technology, and manufacturing, Germany could be the place to fulfill those dreams. Germany enjoys a strong economy, well-developed infrastructure, and an enviable education system. It is a place that provides Nigerians the platform to pursue careers in fields like automotive engineering, information technology, and renewable energy. Cities like Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt are some of the attractive places most Nigerian migrants find job opportunities and better standards of living.
8. Italy
Italy is another popular country many Nigerians travel to for greener pastures. This country provides amazing experience in fashion, cuisine, and tourism. Italy has a rich cultural heritage, amazing recipes, and breathtaking landscapes. It offers Nigerians the needed springboard to launch careers in areas such as fashion design, hospitality, and culinary arts. Milan, Rome, and Florence are popular cities that most Nigerians believe have job prospects and the quality of life they are looking for..
9. Ireland
Ireland’s strong economy, favorable immigration policies, and colorful cultural scene make it appealing to Nigerians migrating abroad. Due to its popularity in technology, world-class universities, and beautiful landscapes, Ireland provides opportunities in sectors such as information technology, finance, and healthcare. Important cities such as Dublin, Cork, and Galway are famous for the number of Nigerian migrants living there and looking for better jobs and higher quality of life.
10. France
Nigerians seeking breakthroughs in fashion, cuisine, and culture will definitely find France charming. With its rich history, globally recognized cuisine, and amazing arts scenes, France offers Nigerians the right opportunity to pursue careers in industries like fashion design, hospitality, and performing arts. Cities like Paris, Lyon, and Marseille have been some of the places Nigerians see job opportunities and cultural attractions.
Why Nigerians are Everywhere
Nigerians travel a lot for various economic, educational, political and social reasons.
Better Economic Opportunities
Many Nigerians relocate to other countries to search for better economic opportunities. This means they are looking for better employment, increased wages, and the opportunity to start businesses and family life afresh in more favorable economic environments.
Quality Education
Nigerians love quality education, especially higher education opportunities abroad. They can do anything legitimate to acquire world-class education at renowned institutions. This has helped them enjoy academic opportunities available in countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, and Australia.
Political Stability Abroad
Political instability and insecurity have become what Nigeria is known for. To escape these, many Nigerians find refuge in countries with more stable political environments and security of lives and property.
Improved Healthcare
Healthcare in Nigeria is in shambles. Access to quality healthcare is a huge concern in Nigeria, both in terms of qualified personal and facilities. These have made some Nigerians to seek better healthcare services abroad. They relocate to countries with advanced medical technology, and specialized treatment options unavailable in Nigeria.
Family Reunification
Many Nigerians have family members in various countries around the world due to migrations. Family reunification is one of the common reasons Nigerians travel to other countries where their relatives live.
Business Opportunities
Nigeria has a strong entrepreneurial spirit, and many Nigerians travel to foreign countries to take advantage of the available business environment. They establish international connections, and make their businesses part of the global markets.
Security Problems
Crime rates, party politics, religious unrest, terrorism, and ethnic conflicts in certain regions of Nigeria scare some Nigerians out of the country. They rather seek safer environments abroad than risk living where daily threats of violence and instability are the order of the day.
Quality of Life
Every Nigerian wants a better life and improved standard of living. Therefore, they see migration as an effective way to achieve their goals. They believe that countries such as the US, the UK and Canada have better infrastructure, healthcare, education, and quality of life.
Various Discrimination
Some Nigerians, especially those in the north, face discriminations and limited opportunities based on ethnicity, religion, or socioeconomic status. Migration to countries free from these discriminations enables them to pursue their goals without facing such religious or ethnic barriers.
Adventurous Spirit and Curiosity
Like typical Africans from any other country, Nigerians are adventurous and curious people. They want to see the world, witness new cultures, experience different lifestyles, and gain global experience through travel and exposure.
Conclusion
Nigerians migrate to some countries around the world because they need better opportunities, security, freedom from discrimination and quality of life. These top 10 countries Nigerians migrate to most are some of the places that offer Nigerians amazing possibilities for career growth, education, and quality family life. These make the destinations attractive to people who want to leave Nigeria for greener pastures.