A Nigerian man's social media observation has ignited a significant online conversation about the differing attitudes and experiences of Nigerians living in various Western countries. The man, known online as @omocana, pointed out a noticeable trend where complaints about life abroad are far more common from Nigerians residing in the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States than from those in Australia or New Zealand.
The Viral Observation That Sparked Debate
The comment, made on TikTok and spotted by Legit.ng, came amidst a wave of online content from Nigerians abroad detailing the hardships of relocation. @omocana posed a pointed question to his audience: "Have you ever heard any Nigerian in Australia complaining that abroad is not good, that abroad is overrated?" He noted that while grievances from Nigerians in the UK, US, and Canada flood social media platforms, similar complaints from those in Australia or New Zealand are conspicuously absent.
The Theory: Strict Visas Filter for Determination
@omocana proposed a theory to explain this stark contrast. He suggested that the relative difficulty and strictness in obtaining visas for countries like Australia act as a natural filter. "One of the reasons I think this is possible is because these countries do not give us a lot of visas, you understand? So those who are able, those who manage to get these visas, they went there, and they are focused," he explained.
His argument implies that the arduous visa process ensures that primarily the most determined, prepared, and goal-oriented individuals succeed in moving to Australia. Consequently, these individuals are more likely to appreciate the opportunity they fought hard to secure and channel their energy into building their lives and "hustling" rather than vocalizing dissatisfaction online.
Diaspora Reactions: Gratitude and Quality of Life
The video resonated widely, prompting numerous Nigerians in the mentioned countries to share their perspectives in the comments. Many from Australia and New Zealand affirmed the observation, attributing their contentment to the quality of life and a mindset of gratitude.
User @Ajudith4ever1 commented, "We love it here, have been living in Australia for 16 years and love it." @Maria.Sarauniya.SA from New Zealand wrote, "Nigerians here in New Zealand are humble and grateful." Another user, @Ifeoma (favour), stated, "I’m Nigerian in Sydney Australia.. there is nothing much to complain about. And besides, this is a multicultural nation."
Others echoed this sentiment of appreciation. @Amry Aussie remarked, "Is not about distance. Australia is beautiful. We are grateful," while @Grace simply said, "We don't complain because we are appreciative and value what we have." One user, @Antex, offered a different angle, claiming, "Australia has strict policies abt social media, you know."
A Broader Conversation on Diaspora Mindset
This discussion has opened up a wider conversation about the mindset and expectations of Nigerians in the diaspora. It touches on themes of preparation, the psychological impact of immigration hurdles, and how the immigration policy of a destination country can shape the community that forms there. The debate contrasts the experiences of those who may have had relatively more accessible migration pathways with those who faced a more rigorous selection process.
The conversation also reflects a recurring narrative about the "Japa" movement, where the reality of life abroad sometimes clashes with the idealized expectations held by those planning to relocate. In a related report by Legit.ng, a Nigerian man who relocated to the UK hinted at a possible return to Nigeria in 2026, citing a decline in his living standards compared to his life in Nigeria, where he lived in a duplex and owned a big car.
Ultimately, the viral observation by @omocana has provided a new lens through which to examine the nuanced and varied experiences of Nigerians building lives across the globe, highlighting how destination-specific factors can influence diaspora satisfaction and expression.
