By Akinkunle A. Akinbinu
PEOPLE should be grateful for the little things their friends and family abroad send to them. It is hard to send money to Nigeria from abroad because of the challenges most people face there. If they open up about their struggles, you might raise funds to help them. People often see abroad as a place where success is guaranteed. Some people make it in Nigeria, while others travel out of Nigeria without noticing much difference. Most of the money they make goes back into the economy without savings. So, when you see a friend or family member who travelled five to ten years ago and does not hear from them, pray for them. Some are going through tough times to pay bills. Be grateful if you have someone living in the UK, USA, Canada, or other European countries who sends you ₦5,000 or ₦10,000 regularly. These individuals face significant economic challenges, much like those in Nigeria. However, the only difference is that their governments provide basic amenities and infrastructure to cushion the effects of a struggling economy. For instance, while the cost of living in Nigeria might seem high, the lack of consistent electricity, reliable healthcare, and efficient public transportation makes daily life even more challenging. In contrast, people abroad often have access to these basic needs, which helps them manage economic difficulties better.
Despite having these amenities, life abroad is not without its financial burdens. For example, residents in these countries still deal with rising prices and taxes on everyday items. Consider a simple pack of sweets or biscuits; these items are taxed in places like the UK or Canada. This is a small example, but it illustrates a broader point: taxes and the cost of living can be very high. In addition, they must pay for more expensive goods like fuel, housing, and healthcare, which are often subsidised or provided by the government in Nigeria. For instance, while healthcare in Nigeria may be underfunded and lacking, it’s generally more affordable than the exorbitant health insurance premiums and medical bills faced by people living abroad. Consider another example: a friend who moved to the UK might be working long hours in a physically demanding job. Despite the exhaustion, they still send you money because they know how much you need. This is a significant gesture of love and support. It is a reminder that money does not come easily, and they are making a considerable effort to assist you. So, when you receive financial aid from friends, family, or partners living abroad, recognise the hard work behind it and be genuinely grateful. They are likely making significant efforts to provide for you, balancing their economic struggles with the desire to help.
Let’s say your sister moved to Germany and managed to get a decent job. Despite her busy schedule and the high cost of living, she still sends you money regularly. She might be cutting down on her expenses, skipping meals, or working extra hours to ensure you have something to support yourself. Moreover, the cost of living abroad can be much higher than in Nigeria. Rent, for example, can consume a significant portion of one’s income. Rent prices are astronomical in some provinces in Canada, like PEI, Ontario, or Nova Scotia. Imagine paying $1,800 CAD (₦2,030,400) monthly for a two-bedroom apartment if you eventually get one. Housing crises are a reality governments are dealing with, whether in Europe, the USA, or Canada. On top of that, they have to pay for utilities, electricity, internet, grass cutting, snow removal, water, gas, tenant insurance, transportation, and other necessities with tax on each payment. For instance, a monthly transport pass in a city like London can cost around ₦100,000, a substantial amount compared to the cost of public transportation in Nigeria. In the UK, some people pay taxes for television use.
If you have a car, you will pay for insurance based on the cost of the vehicle and maintenance during the winter. In the US, in addition to these, they also dodge bullets (it is their constitutional right to keep dodging bullets), “hahahahaha,” forest fires, and “illegal migrant invasion,” a major sickness that can ruin their finances all the while. It’s also important to note that many people living abroad face job insecurity. They might be working on temporary contracts or in jobs that don’t offer stability. This uncertainty can make financial planning difficult. For example, a person working in the hospitality industry in the USA might worry about losing their job during the off-season. This uncertainty means they have to save more and spend less, making it even more challenging to send money back home. Also, keep some travel agents away; they deceive you with jobs in Canada. Most of the jobs posted by these agents are copied jobs flying on the internet, and they are doing that to scam people of their hard-earned money. Don’t get me wrong, there are good jobs, and few people are lucky enough to get them, but most of these good jobs are for permanent residents and citizens. Though the unemployment rate in Nigeria is going up geometrically, it exists everywhere. If you assume that advanced education will automatically place you in a white-collar job and middle-class life in Canada, think again. The opportunities, culture, expectations, and society differ entirely from what you are used to in Nigeria. That is probably why their system works! It is primed to be efficient. You can be sacked from your job despite working hard simply because the economy is slow. Your boss thinks the company will benefit from laying you off or closing your section. This does not necessarily have anything to do with your face or colour! For those on the study route, reality sets in when you finish your studies and search for jobs for months. People will have no choice but to return to the menial jobs they started with. Many graduates with two to three certificates work in a mall as long as it pays their bills.
Another expectation is that people can visit all their friends who live in Canada or the USA when they get there. The truth is Canada and the USA are very big, and their friend probably lives in a different province/state. Travelling costs an arm, a leg, and a kidney. They probably won’t have the time to travel because they always work in the coldest weather conditions. Additionally, the pressure to maintain a particular lifestyle can be overwhelming. People abroad often feel the need to keep up appearances, which can lead to financial strain. They might have to buy new clothes for work, maintain a car, or pay for social activities, all of which add to their expenses. For instance, someone living in Canada might have to spend money on winter clothing, which can be expensive. This is an added cost that people in Nigeria might need to consider when thinking about life abroad.
Furthermore, the mental and emotional toll of living abroad should not be underestimated. Many people experience loneliness and homesickness, which can affect their overall well-being. This emotional strain can impact their ability to work and manage their finances effectively. For instance, someone living in the UK might feel isolated and miss their family back in Nigeria. This emotional burden can make it harder to focus on work and maintain a steady income. In all these, I’m not trying to discourage anyone from relocating. In fact, I encourage it and even consult with people who want to relocate, helping them settle down when they arrive. Moving to a new country can offer numerous opportunities, but preparing for the reality is crucial. Life abroad is more challenging than it might appear. The streets are not paved with gold, and money doesn’t lie on the ground or grow on trees. You have to work hard to pay your bills. For example, in Canada, an average person might work two or three jobs to make ends meet.
They might work as a cleaner during the day, a cashier in the evening, and an Uber driver at night. This is a common scenario. People abroad often have to juggle multiple jobs to cover rent, utilities, groceries, and other expenses.
Despite these challenges, many people abroad still prioritise sending money to their loved ones in Nigeria. This sacrifice shows their deep sense of responsibility and love for their families. It’s a reminder that money doesn’t come easily, and they are making a considerable effort to assist you. So, when you receive financial aid from friends, family, or partners living abroad, recognise the hard work behind it and be genuinely grateful.
In conclusion, living abroad comes with its own set of economic challenges that are often underestimated. While people in countries like the UK, USA, and Canada may have access to better infrastructure and basic amenities, they face high living costs, taxes, and job insecurity. The financial support they send to their loved ones in Nigeria is a significant sacrifice, reflecting their deep sense of responsibility and love. Appreciating and being grateful for this support and understanding the hard work and sacrifices involved in earning that money is essential.
- Akinbinu works with the provincial government of Prince Edward Island, Canada, as a land use planner.
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