Reasons Nigerians Love to Travel: Why We Pack Our Bags

For Nigerians, traveling is more than just hopping on a plane or crossing borders. It is a lifestyle, a statement, and sometimes, a survival skill. From a quick trip to “the abroad” to a weekend getaway within the country, we always have a good reason to pack our bags.

Here are some top reasons Nigerians love to travel, sprinkled with humor and reality. Believe me; you will enjoy a great read.

Top Reasons Nigerians Love to Travel

Below are some of the reasons Nigerians love to travel:

1. “I Must Show Them”: The Pressure to Flex

Let’s not sugarcoat it because some Nigerians travel simply to flex. There is something about posting that first airport selfie or casually sharing photos of a snowy street in London that gets people talking.

It is not uncommon to hear someone say, “I’m going to Dubai next month,” not because they have planned anything but because they need new photos to refresh their Instagram feed.

But hey, we are not judging! If traveling boosts your confidence and gives you bragging rights at family gatherings, it gives you more power.

2. Shopping, Shopping, and More Shopping

Nigerians have mastered the art of “abroad shopping.” Whether it is to stock up on designer bags, affordable gadgets, or children’s clothes, traveling gives us access to what we call “better quality.”

Many parents are guilty of saying, “I can’t find this in Nigeria,” even when you know the exact item is sitting on a shelf in Ikeja.

And of course, there is that relative who sends a 3-page shopping list when they hear you are traveling. Be careful because they will expect you to carry everything, including a washing machine, in your luggage!

3. Education: The Nigerian Parent’s Pride

If you haven’t heard a Nigerian parent say, “My child is schooling in the UK/Canada/US,” you are probably living under a rock. Education is one of the top reasons Nigerians travel. Many families consider studying abroad a ticket to better opportunities and global exposure.

But let’s not forget the hustle. Many Nigerian students abroad are simultaneously juggling schoolwork, part-time jobs, and side hustles. If you see one smiling in a picture, know they have just survived submitting an assignment and a 12-hour shift in the same day.

4. Work and Business Ventures: The Global Hustle

For some, traveling is strictly business. Nigerians are natural entrepreneurs, and we are not afraid to take our hustle beyond borders. We know how to blend work with adventure by attending a conference, striking a deal, or scouting for international clients.

You will also find Nigerians taking up jobs abroad, from engineering gigs in Canada to teaching in Asia. And let’s not forget the legendary traders who travel to China, Turkey, and Dubai, returning with suitcases of wares to sell back home. They are the backbone of our “imported goods” economy.

5. Health Reasons: Seeking Better Care

Healthcare in Nigeria can be a struggle, so many people travel for medical treatments and check-ups. Nigerians often head to countries with advanced healthcare systems for routine care or more complex surgeries.

But don’t be surprised if someone travels for “health reasons” and still finds time for sightseeing and shopping. After all, why waste a perfectly good visa?

6. Family Reunions: Love Knows No Borders

Nigerians value family, and many of us have relatives scattered across the globe. From visiting children studying abroad to attending weddings or baby christenings, family reunions are a big travel motivator.

And let’s not forget the grandmothers who say they are “just going to visit,” but end up staying for months because they have become the default babysitter for the household.

Read also: Budget travel tips for Nigerians

7. Japa Syndrome: The Great Escape

Ah, the famous “japa” movement. For those unfamiliar, “japa” means to leave, often with no plans of returning anytime soon. Many Nigerians are leaving in search of greener pastures, including better jobs, safer environments, and higher standards of living.

While japa isn’t always easy (visa wahala and culture shock are real), the promise of a better life keeps people packing their bags and boarding that one-way flight.

8. Pure Wanderlust: Just Because We Love Adventure

Not every Nigerian traveler has a specific goal. Some of us just love exploring! From experiencing new cultures to seeing iconic landmarks, wanderlust drives many Nigerians to discover the world.

These are the ones who will casually plan a solo trip to Bali or backpack through Europe, and we admire their courage.

9. Religious Pilgrimage: Faith on the Move

Religion plays a big role in Nigerian life, so it’s no surprise that pilgrimage is a major travel reason. Muslims heading to Mecca for Hajj or Christians visiting Jerusalem are mostly the top reasons Nigerians love to travel for religious purposes.

Besides, these trips are deeply spiritual and often life-changing. And let’s be honest, they also make for great storytelling during testimony time in church or at the mosque.

10. Honeymoon and Baecations: Lovebirds on the Loose

When Nigerians fall in love, travel plans often follow. Newlyweds are notorious for planning honeymoons in exotic destinations while dating couples take “baecations” to spice things up.

And if you’re single? Well, there is always hope that traveling might bring you closer to your soulmate.

What Makes Nigerian Travelers Special?

• Our Resilience: Despite the challenges (visa drama, airport stress, etc.), we still find ways to enjoy the journey.
• Our Charisma: Nigerians are naturally friendly and can strike up conversations anywhere. Don’t be surprised if someone you meet on a flight becomes your lifelong friend!
• Our Love for Culture: We carry our heritage with pride, whether it is through our accents, fashion, or food preferences. You will never mistake a Nigerian traveler for anyone else!

Final Thoughts

Traveling as a Nigerian is an adventure of its own, full of challenges, excitement, and unforgettable memories. One of the major reasons Nigerians love to travel is to embrace the experience.

So, pack your bags, prepare your documents, and don’t forget to leave space for the inevitable “abroad shopping” haul. Remember, the world is your oyster, and no one does traveling quite like a Nigerian!