Hmm, Is Nigeria Worth Visiting? Here’s My Experience After 5 Years Abroad

For as long as I could remember, Nigeria was home. It was the place I loved, where life felt simple and secure. Every time I thought about leaving, friends and family would ask, “Why leave? Nigeria has everything you need.” And I believed them. But in 2015, things began to change. The country I knew started shifting, and even the most loyal Nigerians began wondering if things would ever improve.

When the chance to leave came, I took it. I left with dreams of a better life, picturing “abroad” as a land of easy money and stress-free living. But reality abroad hit hard—life was tougher than I expected. Every time I thought about coming back, family would remind me to “stay strong,” saying it was just the devil tempting me.

Five years later, I decided to come back for a visit, just to see what had changed. From the moment I landed, I could feel the difference. The warmth was still there, but so was a new hustle—a hustle that touched every moment, from the airport to the streets.

This is my story of coming home, the surprises, the smiles, and the things that made me shake my head. This is the Nigeria I returned to.

A Quick Guide to Nigeria

Before diving into my experience, here’s a quick look at Nigeria today. If you’re curious or planning a visit, here’s what captures the true spirit of the country.

Quick Facts About Nigeria

• Known as the “Giant of Africa” due to its population and economy.
• Home to over 250 ethnic groups, with Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo as the largest.
• Composed of 36 states and 1 Federal Capital Territory (Abuja).
• Lagos, a booming city, is one of the fastest-growing cities in the world.
• English is the official language, but over 500 indigenous languages are spoken.
• Nigerian food is rich and flavorful, with dishes like jollof rice, pounded yam, and egusi soup.
• Nollywood, Nigeria’s film industry, is the second largest globally by production.
• Greetings and respect are deeply valued, especially among Yoruba and Igbo people.
• Nigeria boasts West Africa’s longest bridge, the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos.
• Known for resilience and lively spirit, reflected in music, festivals, and daily life.

Is Nigeria Worth Visiting? Here’s Why It’s Memorable

Nigeria leaves an impact on anyone who visits. It’s energetic, warm, and unforgettable.

It’s a Whole Vibe

Whether you’re seeking adventure, good food, or vibrant nightlife, Nigeria delivers. Here’s what makes it stand out:

• Colorful festivals like Eyo and New Yam.
• Bustling markets full of fresh produce and bright fabrics.
• Scenic places like Erin Ijesha Waterfalls and Lagos beaches.
• Flavors of jollof rice, suya, pounded yam, and more.
• Afrobeat music and nightlife that lasts till dawn.
• Nollywood film sets and screenings everywhere.
• Traditional arts like Yoruba drumming and Hausa crafts.
• Historic sites like Benin City walls and Osun-Osogbo Grove.
• Warm, genuine hospitality everywhere.

Endless Experiences Await

Every visit to Nigeria feels fresh, even after a hundred times. Here are must-see spots that capture the magic of Nigeria:

• Erin Ijesha Waterfalls – Stunning, multi-level falls with fresh pools.
• Lekki Conservation Centre – Elevated canopy bridge and abundant wildlife.
• Benin City – Rich history of the ancient Benin Kingdom.
• Lagos Nights – Afrobeat, lively bars, and clubs that go till morning.
• Balogun Market – Massive market with fabrics, crafts, and local culture.
• Street Food – Cheap, delicious bites like suya and puff-puff.
• Tarkwa Bay Beach – Calm beach accessible by boat for a relaxing break.
• Eyo Festival – All-white attire, traditional dances, and a city-wide celebration.
• Osun-Osogbo Grove – A sacred site full of Yoruba art and traditions.
• Nollywood Films – Enjoyable, dramatic, and very Nigerian.

Budget-Friendly Tips

Nigeria has its pricey spots, but experiencing the culture doesn’t have to cost a lot. Here’s how to keep costs down:

• Accommodation – Budget hotels and guesthouses offer good deals outside city centers.
• Local Food – Street food and local “bukas” serve great, affordable meals.
• Transport – Use buses or keke (tricycles) for a real feel of daily life.
• Festivals – Many cultural events are free and unique experiences.
• Shopping – Local markets are affordable for souvenirs, food, and crafts.
• Nature – Enjoy affordable day trips to places like Tarkwa Bay, Erin Ijesha, and Lekki Conservation Centre.

Warm, Welcoming People

Nigerians are known for their humor, warmth, and resilience. Wherever you go, expect smiles, shared stories, and a welcoming spirit that makes you feel at home. Here are a few tips on social etiquette in Nigeria:

• Greet People – A simple “good morning” or “good afternoon” goes a long way.
• Respect Elders – Elders hold high respect; politeness is appreciated.
• Ask Before Taking Photos – Especially in markets or of locals, a quick ask is courteous.
• Mind Personal Space – Respect the flow and give people room in crowded places.
• Start Conversations – Nigerians love to chat; a simple “how’s your day?” can lead to interesting stories.

Here’s My Experience Visiting Nigeria After 5 Years Abroad

Highlights of My Return to Nigeria:

1. Landed in Nigeria feeling excited and a bit nervous.
2. Saw long lines at immigration; noticed some people paying to skip the line.
3. Refused to pay a bribe, which made my wait much longer.
4. At customs, officials asked for 5,000 naira to let me through with my bags.
5. Managed to negotiate and paid 3,000 naira to pass.
6. Felt that everyone in the airport expected some extra money.
7. Walked outside to a crowded, chaotic scene with heavy traffic.
8. Every few blocks, police at checkpoints hinted for “support” money.
9. Wore simple clothes and slippers to avoid standing out as a “returnee.”
10. Reunited with family, and my mom was overjoyed to see me.
11. Took my mom to the hospital for a check-up; felt good to help her directly.
12. Met with friends, but many expected financial help from me.
13. Ate all the Nigerian food I missed—jollof, pounded yam, and suya.
14. Shocked at how expensive local food had become.
15. Stayed at a hotel where a basic room cost 20,000 naira per night.
16. Hotel staff kept asking for tips and didn’t give me much peace.
17. Experienced poor water quality and occasional power outages at hotels.
18. Saw many job ads but noticed Nigerians don’t value small, menial jobs.
19. Observed young people living flashy lifestyles, often beyond their means.
20. Found that market prices were often tripled because I’d been away.
21. Felt like patriotism was low; most people just wanted to make quick money.
22. Noticed inflation had made everything more expensive.
23. At social gatherings, people kept hinting that they needed money.
24. Loved seeing Nigerian resilience, but was saddened by how tough things were.
25. Realized that almost every errand or service required “settling” someone.
26. Police at road checkpoints often hinted that they wanted a little something.
27. Reconnected with Nigerian culture but felt it had lost some of its warmth.
28. Found it tiring to get anything done because everyone expected a bribe.
29. Saw corruption everywhere, from airport officials to simple market transactions.
30. Left Nigeria with mixed feelings—happy to see loved ones but disappointed by the state of things.

Breakdown Of My Travel Expenses To Nigeria, Totaling Over 5.75 Million Naira:

| Total Estimated Cost | | 5,750,000 |

The Airport Arrival

The airport was my first taste of what had changed. I was ready to get through immigration quickly, but I noticed people slipping cash to the officers to skip the line. I didn’t want to pay, so I waited longer, and the officer looked annoyed but finally let me through. At customs, things got real—they asked for 5,000 naira to let me pass without even checking my bags. I tried to talk my way out of it, but in the end, I had to settle with 3,000 naira. It was clear that “settling” was still very much part of life here.

Moving Around and the Police Checkpoints

As soon as I left the airport, I dressed down in slippers and simple clothes to avoid standing out. I blended in, but every few blocks, police checkpoints popped up, and they all expected something. If I didn’t give them “support money,” they’d keep me waiting, asking random questions. It became clear that in Nigeria, you don’t just go from one place to another; you have to be ready for these “stops.”

Seeing Family Again

Getting to my family’s home was the highlight. I hadn’t told them I was coming, so when I arrived, my mom was beyond happy. She hugged me tight, and I felt at home again. The next day, I took her to the hospital for a check-up, which felt like something I should have done sooner. Being there for her in person meant a lot.

Meeting Old Friends

Catching up with friends was great, but I quickly noticed a change. Many assumed I had a lot of money just because I’d been abroad. Some hinted, others asked directly, and it felt like every reunion came with expectations. I realized that being back came with responsibilities I hadn’t fully expected.

Eating Nigerian Food Again

One thing I’d missed was the food. I dived into everything—jollof, pounded yam, suya. The flavors were just as good as I remembered, but the prices? Shockingly high. Every meal cost way more than I thought it would. The cost of food had gone up, and it was clear that eating out wasn’t as cheap as it used to be.

High Hotel Prices and Constant Tipping

Staying in hotels was also pricier than I expected. The cheapest place in Lagos was around 20,000 naira a night, and even then, it was basic. Hotel staff were friendly, but everyone seemed to be expecting a tip. Every small favor came with an unspoken “thank you” in cash.

Power and Water Issues

Electricity had improved a bit, with some places using solar, but the water quality was bad in some hotels. The water smelled off in a few places, likely from old tanks, and some hotels didn’t have hot water. I missed having these basic comforts without thinking twice about them.

Attitudes Toward Jobs

I saw job ads around, but it seemed like many young people didn’t want menial work. Everyone wanted the big jobs, the quick success. The drive for shortcuts was strong, and it seemed like people were hoping for money without putting in much work.

High Cost of Living

There was a love for imported goods over locally made stuff. People were spending on foreign clothes and food to look a certain way, and even those who didn’t have much seemed to want to live above their means. The cost of living had clearly shot up, from food to clothes to transport. It felt like every little thing added up fast.

The Spirit of Nigeria

Despite everything, Nigeria’s energy was still there. The streets were full of music, laughter, and people talking. Nigerians are strong, finding ways to enjoy life no matter what. But there was also a feeling of frustration in the air—a sense that things could be better.

Leaving with Mixed Feelings

Leaving Nigeria was hard. I loved seeing my family, eating the food I’d missed, and catching up with old friends. But the hustle, the bribes, and the high costs were draining. This trip reminded me that life in Nigeria has its own pace, one where you have to be patient, alert, and ready to “settle” at any moment.

As I left, I felt a mix of relief and respect for those who live with these daily challenges. Nigeria is home, with all its ups and downs, and that’s something I’ll always carry with me.