As the holiday season unfolds, Nigeria transforms into a vibrant spectacle filled with emotional reunions at airports, lavish celebrations in upscale clubs, and Afrobeats performances that attract large crowds. During this lively period, many Nigerians living abroad return home, affectionately known as I Just Got Back (IJGB), bringing not only their Western accents but also significant financial resources that boost the local economy.
Economic impact and rising tensions
However, this influx of returning Nigerians also brings to light a troubling reality for many locals. Those living in Nigeria, earning in the local naira, often feel alienated in their own cities. This sentiment is particularly acute in economic hubs like Lagos and Abuja, where festive celebrations lead to price surges and heightened living costs. A Lagos-based radio presenter, who chose to remain anonymous due to the sensitive nature of his views, remarked, “Detty December” – a term used to describe the festive excitement around Christmas and New Year’s – renders Lagos nearly unlivable for its residents. Traffic congestion skyrockets, prices inflate, and local businesses often shift their focus away from regular customers.
The radio presenter further expressed concerns about the significant class disparities that have emerged, questioning whether the returning IJGBs contribute to bridging the divide or exacerbate it. “Nigeria is very classist. Ironically, we’re a poor country, so it’s a bit silly,” he added, highlighting the stark contrast in wealth distribution.
Wealth inequality and the quest for opportunity
Despite Nigeria’s status as one of Africa’s largest economies, its citizens face immense challenges. The charity Oxfam recently reported that the wealth gap in Nigeria has reached crisis levels. According to the World Inequality Database, over 10% of the population controls more than 60% of the nation’s wealth, while the World Bank estimates that 87 million Nigerians live below the poverty line, marking it as the second-largest population of impoverished individuals globally, following India.
Martins Ifeanacho, a sociology professor at the University of Port Harcourt, noted that the gap has widened since Nigeria gained independence in 1960. He attributed this to the greed of the political elite, who focus on amassing wealth and power at the expense of the ordinary citizen. “The ordinary people are left out of the equation, and that’s why there is a lot of hardship,” he stated.
Wealth in Nigeria extends beyond financial assets; it influences social status and access to opportunities. The presence of returning diaspora members can intensify these existing divides. The Lagos radio presenter explained that social mobility is hindered by entrenched class distinctions. For many Nigerians, the only path to prosperity seems to lie outside the country. The World Bank has highlighted weak job creation and limited entrepreneurial prospects as barriers for the 3.5 million Nigerians entering the workforce annually.
This trend has led to a mass exodus, particularly among younger generations, who are increasingly seeking opportunities abroad. Dubbed “japa,” a Yoruba term meaning “to escape,” this phenomenon has become emblematic of the desperation to find better prospects. A 2022 survey revealed that 70% of young Nigerians would relocate if given the chance, but the financial burden associated with studying abroad often poses a significant obstacle.
Lulu Okwara, a 28-year-old recruitment officer who studied in the UK and frequently returns to Nigeria, emphasized the pressure to succeed that permeates Nigerian culture. “It’s success or nothing,” she said, reflecting the expectation to achieve and the lengths many feel compelled to go to attain success.
As returning IJGBs mingle with family and friends during the festive season, they often feel compelled to present themselves as success stories. Professor Ifeanacho noted that this desire to be seen as a hero upon returning can lead to a performance-driven culture, where foreign accents and displays of wealth become symbols of social status. “People fake accents to get access. The more you sound British, the higher your social status,” he stated.
However, some IJGBs face criticism on social media, suggesting that their apparent wealth may not always reflect true financial stability. Bizzle Osikoya, founder of The Plug Entertainment, shared his experiences with returning travelers attempting to dispute their payments after attending events in Nigeria, indicating the lengths some go to maintain an image of success in a society that scrutinizes displays of wealth.
In Nigeria, the performance of success appears to be crucial, and for those who can effectively showcase their achievements, the journey up the social ladder remains a possibility.