The number of Nigerians living abroad has increased dramatically from 450,000 in 1990 to over 1.4 million in 2020, according to research published in 2020 by the Centre for Global Development. While public records might not suffice for many developing countries such as Nigeria, this figure arguably higher than projected. Another publication by Statista, shows that net migration from Nigeria to other countries is higher in comparison to those coming into the country.

Why Are Nigerians Migrating To Other Countries?

In my previous article, a detailed explanation was given as to the reason behind the quest for many people, not just from Nigeria but also other parts of the world to relocate to other nations. In addition to those reasons, below are other factors motivating Nigerians and others to want to “japa”, as it is popularly called in Nigeria. .

High Unemployment Rate:

There is no gain-saying that the unemployment rate in Nigeria has risen to an alarming rate with the statistics churned out by the responsible govt agency. Despite the fact that the national unemployment rate rose from 23.1% in 2018 to 33.3% in 2023 mid-year with the youth worse hit at 42.5%, as reported by the National Bureau of Statistics. We anticipate that this rate may reach 40.0% in the twilight of 2023, up from the previous projection of 37.7% in 2022. The unemployment rate, no doubt is a major factor for more Nigerians eager to migrate to other perceived better countries.

Lack of Political Will:

It is a widely believed perception in most developing nations, which Nigeria falls within, that the leaders of the country lack commitment to the people. The perception appears real with the politicians' lack of will to fulfil campaign promises once they get to power. It is not uncommon to find leaders living 'big' at the detriment of the masses who voted them to power. Such display of lack of commitment has eroded the confidence the majority of citizens have on the leadership.

At a forum organized by the African Capacity Building Foundation, the Executive Secretary of the Foundation noted that “Nigeria has always had good plans; It always had plans to diversify the economy, but the issue has always been to what extent has this nice strategic plans been implemented.”

As a result of the above, many people, particularly, the youths are earger to leave the shores of the country in search of the greener pasture having lost hope in the government.

Study:

Nigerians, migrate to Canada, the UK, the USA, and many other countries in droves in search of quality education.

According to statistics available, there were 14,438 Nigerian students enrolled in American universities in 2022, up from 12,860 the year before. In the 2021–2022 school year, there was a 12.3% increase in the number of Nigerian students studying at universities and colleges in the United States. It is important to know the different visa types offered by the USA to help you with the right choice for your immigration plans.

Canadian higher education institutions have a reputation for excellence in teaching, a wide range of academic offerings, and a welcoming environment for international students. Most international students find jobs in Canada while engaging in their studies, amid diverse cultural integration.

New statistics from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) show that despite Nigeria's economic crisis, many Nigerian students are migrating to Canada to pursue higher education and relocation purposes.

According to the IRCC, Nigeria is the ninth most popular origin country for international students, with a 30.3% increase in new study permits to 13,745 in 2021 from 10,550 in 2020. The last time it was this high was in 1997. you can check relevant canadian government website for guidance to make your dreams come true.

Countries to Migrate to:

Georgia

Georgia, a country in the intersection or crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, should rank quite highly when considering the cheapest places to go to from Nigeria outside of Africa.

Tbilisi, the country's capital, and other major cities in the country have a much lower cost of living than their European counterparts. Here, you'll find a reliable public transit system at a price that won't break the bank.

Georgia is a great option if you're seeking for a low-cost place to live in Europe with a high quality of life, guaranteed safety, and low rates of racial harassment.

Tbilisi has a high unemployment rate, so if you're not an IT guru or a software engineer, you can have trouble finding work if you decide to stay there. However, you have the option of enrolling at any one of their many universities.  Costs at this school are reasonable.

Immigrants posing as students are actually con artists and pose as the greatest threat to your safety in Georgia. Some of them, alas, are from different countries.

Poland:

A common expression these days is "Life is good in Poland." Some say that Poland, an Eastern European country, has no business being here, but more and more young people are choosing Poland as their study abroad destination instead of other countries where English is not the official language. Having the opportunity to live and learn in Poland is a great draw.

In comparison to other developed economies like Germany and France, the cost of living in Poland is relatively low, but the level of living is quite high. Everything is running well, and completing tasks like securing a place to store your paperwork doesn't cause undue worry. In Poland, you may receive the essential and modern conveniences you need at far lower prices than in the rest of Western Europe.

Poland is a better option than other less expensive European countries, and you might not want to leave after a short visit.

Similarly, everything else being equal, obtaining a Polish visa in Nigeria is less expensive and straightforward than obtaining a German visa.

Lithuania

One of the most accessible and affordable destinations for Nigerians to immigrate is this Lithuania.

They serve decent meals at fair prices, plus they have other side activities.

If you want to camp, you can do so on the Curonian Spit.

Additionally, the sand dune that connects to the Baltic Sea is a terrific place to have fun.

You can have a wonderful time in a cottage in Nida because the locals are wonderful.

The best thing about visiting Lithuania is that it is in Eastern Europe, where everything is connected by land transportation and costs relatively little.

The majority of their bordering nations are also affordable.

The approximate daily budget for Lithuania is 33–43 dollars, with the cost of food coming in at 11–16 dollars and the cost of lodging at 16 dollars.

The Euro is used as their local currency.

You can attempt this nation if you wish to work and emigrate from Nigeria on a tight budget.

If you are a Nigerian citizen or an immigrant of Nigeria, you will need to register for a visa to enter Lithuania.

Requests for visas are handled in Abuja or Lagos by VFS (formerly, Visa Facilitation Services) Global. After submission, your application will be forwarded to the Belgian Embassy for consideration.

You may submit your application between 15 and 90 days prior to your departure date.

Also read: 10 Best countries for Nigerians to Migrate

Turkey

Many Nigerians are beginning to favor Turkey as a vacation spot, and it's easy to see why: as a hub connecting Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, Turkey is an affordable option for Nigerians.

Things are done differently and the border officers are welcoming, but getting to Turkey is not prohibitively expensive thanks to the various low-cost aircraft operators available.

You may save money on your education if you're able to take classes in Turkish rather than paying for tuition at a private institution where English is the language of instruction.

As a largely Islamic country, merchants in Turkey treat their customers properly and offer low prices on a wide variety of goods and consumables.

To sum up, Turkey is a great place to experience European culture for a fraction of the cost.

Vietnam

Nigerians can save a lot of money by moving to this Southeast Asian country.

Vietnam is known for many things, including its stunning natural beauty and delicious cuisine, but it is also known for having one of the lowest expenses of living in the world.

A beautiful apartment in Vietnam, complete with maid and laundry services, can cost as little as €200 per month to as much as €600 per month to rent, depending on location and facilities.

The public healthcare system is regarded as one of the best in Southeast Asia and the world, and transportation and basic food basket expenses are affordable.

Morocco

If you're a Nigerian seeking for a cheaper vacation destination than Europe, the Kingdom of Morocco is a good option.

Morocco, an African country, offers a taste of Europe despite its location on the African continent. Although the cost of living in Morocco is far lower than in virtually every European country, the standard of living in Morocco is comparable to that of Europe. Morocco is currently one of the world's cheapest developed nations.

South Africa

According to a number of sources, South Africa is both the most affordable English-speaking country and one of the top choices for remote workers.

Traveling to South Africa will not only allow you to see a variety of sceneries and civilizations but also to do it on a budget as low as $380 per month.

Individuals who work in hospitality and English instruction might make good money due to the low cost of living.

Moving to South Africa from Nigeria is not a cumbersome process. However, you have to apply through the country’s embassy with your travel itinerary, international passport data page, two passport photos, employment details (employment letter if employed or business registration documents if you are a business owner), and bank statement to prove you have funds for your journey.

You may also wish to contact Excel Fortune Global Services Ltd (Travel Consultants) to assist you with all the stress of application while you concentrate on other things that matter to yiu.

Slovakia

The European country of Slovakia is bordered by the countries of Hungary, Poland, Ukraine, the Czech Republic, and Austria. The currency of the country is the Euro.

Approximately 5 million people live in its mountainous regions. Bratislava, the country's capital, is a great place to start exploring the country's rich architectural and museum history.

Wine and beer are produced in plenty in Slovakia, making it an ideal location for a wine and beer enterprise. If you're seeking for low-cost, low-hassle European countries to migrate to, this one is worth a look.

Your total daily costs (food and lodging) shouldn't be more than $40 if you're good with money and budgeting.

Nigerians do very well here. It's a great destination if you are looking to migrate from Nigeria.

Also read: 31 VISA TYPES USA OFFERS

Maldives

People living in Maldives tend to be wealthy individuals. If you're searching for a place to simply unwind and have a good time, a trip to the Maldives is exactly what you need. Deep water diving excursions to explore the Maldives' spectacular and colourful coral reefs, clean and relaxing beaches, kayaking, sea bobing, jet skiing, Maldivian folk dance, champagne, and delectable local cuisine are just some of the highlights for visitors from Nigeria. Travelers from Nigeria can receive a 30-day tourist visa to the Maldives upon arrival.

Peru

Over 31 million people call the country of Peru, located on South America's western coast, home.

It attracts many visitors every year because of its rich cultural history and attractions like Machu Picchu.

However, people considering immigration to the country will find that the cost of living is rather low.

The main reason Peru is so low on this list of the most expensive nations to immigrate to from Nigeria is that a person can rent a quality apartment in Lima for less than $370 per month and still have money left over after paying for food, transportation, and other essentials.

This is to argue that one may, in fact, live comfortably in Peru on significantly less than $ 900 per month.

Mexico

Mexico is a part of the North American continent due to its location and geography.

It has a low cost of living and lots of cool things to do.

The most beneficial thing to do is to apply for Forma Migratoria Multiple (FMM) document, which is a form of visa that would allow you to stay in Mexico for 180 days just costs $21.

While you are in the country, you can renew your visa as many times as you like until it expires.

Monthly rents average around $200, there is a great selection of delicious meals available at restaurants (starting at just $1), and public transit costs just $10 per month, making it reasonable.

Monthly costs can be drastically reduced by relocating to a less touristy location, such as Mérida or Guanajuato.

Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda

These East African countries has become a delight for many Nigerians who are in a quest to migrate out of the country but in a budget.

Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda are the ideal destination if you enjoy animals. They are home to a wide variety of creatures, including buffalo, crocodiles, giraffes, elephants, lions, rhinoceroses, baboons, hyenas, different species of monkeys, and many more. The majority of these animals are mythical in nature and cannot be found in Nigeria. Why not dispel the notion by taking your next vacation to East Africa.

Nigerians can go to these countries with a low cost visa application process like Kenya. Rwanda and Uganda are visa on arrival for Nigerians and they can stay for up to 90 days so long as they have an entry pass when they arrive. This pass typically lasts 90 days, during which time you can travel the entire nation.

Ghana

Because of its proximity to Nigeria, Ghana's beauty is frequently greatly underrated. The nation has a long history and a wide range of cultural traditions. If you were to travel to Ghana during one of its festivals, you would be in awe of how vibrant and beautiful it can be. In addition, Ghana offers a lot of parks, pristine beaches, and animal conservation facilities. It is even conveniently reachable by road, making it one of the least expensive nations that Nigerians can go to!

Conclusion

It is difficult to immigrate to a new country in any universe. However, the aforementioned countries are among the least expensive places for Nigerians to relocate to.

You can visit any of these nations if you research their entry requirements and gather the relevant paperwork.

You may also wish to engage the services of a genuine travel agency like EF Global Travels to assist with your relocation plans.