As holiday seasons unfold in Nigeria, one can’t help but be drawn into scenes reminiscent of a blockbuster movie heartfelt reunions at airport terminals, champagne flowing freely in upscale clubs, and A-list Afrobeats artists thrilling packed crowds across the nation. This vibrant atmosphere comes alive when Nigerians from the diaspora return, affectionately known as "I Just Got Back" (IJGB), bringing along more than just their full suitcases.


With their Western accents seamlessly blending into Pidgin and wallets enhanced by favorable exchange rates, their presence significantly boosts the local economy. However, it also casts a spotlight on an uncomfortable reality.


For many Nigerians residing at home, the economic disparity becomes painfully evident, especially in bustling cities like Lagos and Abuja, where soaring prices during festive periods leave locals feeling sidelined. This phenomenon is especially pronounced during "Detty December", a term that refers to the exuberant celebrations around Christmas and New Year's. For many residents, this time transforms Lagos into a challenging environment navigating horrendous traffic, facing inflated prices, and witnessing local businesses neglect their regular clientele, as noted by a Lagos-based radio presenter speaking to the BBC.


Amid ongoing concerns about the widening class divide, as the Easter holidays and summer vacations approach, many are left questioning whether the IJGBs are bridging or exacerbating socioeconomic gaps in Nigeria. One radio personality expressed, “Nigeria is very classist. Ironically, we're a poor country, so it's a bit silly.” He added, “The wealth gap is massive. It's almost like we're worlds apart.”

Despite Nigeria's status as one of Africa's largest economies, its over 230 million citizens confront significant challenges. A report earlier this year from Oxfam described the nation’s wealth divide as reaching "crisis level." Disturbing statistics from 2023 reveal that over 10% of the population owns more than 60% of the country’s wealth, while 10% of workers take home 42% of the income. Alarmingly, the World Bank reports that approximately 87 million Nigerians live below the poverty line making Nigeria home to the world's second-largest population of impoverished individuals, right after India.


Martins Ifeanacho, a sociology professor at the University of Port Harcourt, highlights how this gap has expanded since Nigeria gained independence in 1960. He attributes this widening divide to the greed exhibited by political elites. “We have a political elite that bases its calculations on how to acquire power, amass wealth for the purpose of capturing more power. The ordinary people are left out of the equation, and that’s why there is a lot of hardship,” Ifeanacho explained.


Yet, the issue goes beyond mere financial standings. Wealth, whether tangible or perceived, can dictate access, status, and opportunities, which serves to magnify the class divide, especially with the conspicuous presence of the diaspora. The radio presenter elaborated, “Nigeria’s class system is difficult to define. It’s not just about money; it’s about perception.” He recounted experiences at restaurants where those arriving in luxury vehicles receive immediate attention, while others are overlooked.


With social mobility stifled by a concentrated wealth among a small elite, many Nigerians see emigration as their best chance for a brighter future. The World Bank points to “weak job creation and entrepreneurial prospects” as factors restricting the absorption of the 3.5 million Nigerians entering the labor market each year. “Many workers choose to emigrate in search of better opportunities,” they noted.

Since the 1980s, there’s been a steady trend of middle-class Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad, but recent times have seen an intensified desire among Gen Z and millennials to leave the country. This phenomenon has been termed “japa,” a Yoruba word meaning “to escape.”


In a 2022 survey, it was found that at least 70% of young Nigerians would relocate if given the chance. However, emigration isn’t always straightforward: studying abroad—the most common route—can cost tens of thousands of dollars, not including travel, accommodation, and visa fees.


Lulu Okwara, a 28-year-old recruitment officer who moved to the UK for her finance studies in 2021, describes the pressure to succeed prevalent in Nigeria. As one of the IJGB, who has returned home multiple times since her move, she remarked, "It's success or nothing. There is no room for failure." This relentless pursuit of achievement exemplifies the aspirations driving many young Nigerians as they navigate the complexities of opportunity and class in their home country.