For Nigerian families living abroad, there’s a fine line to walk between the deeply rooted traditions we grew up with and the modern, often fast-paced, lifestyle of the countries we now call home. It’s a balancing act—keeping the values and practices that define us as Nigerians while adjusting to the new realities of family life in places like the UK, US, or Canada. The result? A fascinating blend of tradition and modernity, full of both challenges and rewards.
As the world changes around us, Nigerian families abroad are faced with the question: how do we maintain our heritage while adapting to a new cultural environment? It’s a question that touches on everything from how we raise our children to how we structure our households, and it’s one that brings plenty of unique experiences to the table.
Nigerian family traditions are built on strong, time-tested values. Whether it’s the importance of respect, the significance of extended family, or the central role of religion, these values shape every part of family life. As Nigerians, we’re raised to uphold a collective identity—knowing that family comes first, elders are always respected, and personal success is meant to elevate the entire community.
Living abroad, though, can challenge how these traditions are practiced. In many Western countries, family dynamics are more individualistic, with a focus on personal space, freedom, and independence. For Nigerian families, adjusting to these norms while holding onto our communal spirit can be tricky.
Yet, tradition remains the cornerstone. Many Nigerian parents still ensure their children address adults with “sir” or “ma,” teach them traditional greetings in their native languages, and make time for weekly family Zoom calls with relatives back in Nigeria. Even in a new environment, these practices serve as a link to home, grounding families in their cultural roots.
Evolving Gender Roles and Family Structure
One of the most noticeable shifts Nigerian families abroad experience is in gender roles and the overall structure of the household. Traditionally, Nigerian homes often follow defined roles—men as providers and women as caretakers. But living in countries where gender equality and shared responsibilities are the norm, many Nigerian families are rethinking this dynamic.
In modern family life abroad, both parents often contribute to the household income, and shared parenting has become more common. It’s not unusual to see Nigerian fathers changing diapers, preparing meals, or helping with homework—roles that would traditionally be seen as a mother’s responsibility back home. This shift reflects the evolving nature of modern familyhood, where collaboration and partnership are at the forefront.
While the adjustment may take time for some, this flexibility has empowered many Nigerian families to embrace a more balanced, teamwork-driven approach. It’s a blending of values—retaining the respect for defined roles from our culture while adapting to the need for equality and shared duties in today’s world.
Raising Children in Two Worlds
Perhaps one of the biggest challenges for Nigerian parents abroad is raising children who can successfully navigate both Nigerian and Western cultures. The desire to pass on cultural values is strong, but children growing up in the diaspora are equally influenced by the modern, liberal ideas they encounter in school, on social media, and in everyday life.
For many parents, this means juggling the push and pull of two very different worlds. At home, there are rules about showing respect to elders, eating traditional Nigerian dishes, and attending church or mosque on Sundays. Outside the home, kids are learning about individualism, freedom of expression, and making their own choices.
Some diaspora parents worry about losing control of their children’s cultural identity—fearing that their kids might grow up too “Westernized” and out of touch with their Nigerian roots. Yet, there’s beauty in the way many diaspora children learn to combine both worlds. They develop a unique, hybrid identity, one that embraces the communal values of Nigeria while benefiting from the personal freedoms of the West.
These children often speak both English and their native languages fluently, enjoy jollof rice as much as they love pizza, and celebrate Nigerian holidays with the same excitement as Halloween or Thanksgiving. It’s this merging of cultures that creates something new and special—a generation that holds onto tradition while embracing modernity.
Extended Family: Close Despite the Distance
Back in Nigeria, extended family plays a significant role in raising children. Grandparents, aunties, uncles, and cousins all contribute to the upbringing of the next generation, and there’s a strong sense of shared responsibility. But for Nigerian families living abroad, this dynamic can feel distant—both figuratively and literally.
The physical distance between diaspora families and their relatives back home can be challenging, especially for those who are used to the closeness of extended family. Many families rely on WhatsApp video calls, social media, and frequent trips back home to stay connected. These digital and physical connections help maintain the family bond, but the feeling of distance still lingers.
At the same time, living abroad can give families more freedom to make their own decisions without the constant input from extended family members. While this independence can be empowering, it can also come with a sense of isolation, especially for parents who may have grown up with the support of an extended family network.
The Fusion of Tradition and Modernity
In the end, Nigerian families abroad are creating a new type of family dynamic—one that honours the past while embracing the future. The fusion of Nigerian tradition with the realities of modern life abroad creates a rich and evolving family experience, full of both challenges and opportunities.
Nigerian parents are finding ways to adapt to modern parenting techniques while holding onto the values they grew up with. They’re teaching their children to be proud of their heritage, even as they explore the world around them. They’re blending old and new, creating a unique family culture that respects the traditions of home while making space for the realities of life abroad.
It’s not always easy—there are compromises, adjustments, and learning curves along the way. But this journey is one that creates a dynamic, thriving family unit—one that reflects the strength, resilience, and adaptability that Nigerians are known for. And in this blending of tradition and modernity, Nigerian families abroad are redefining what it means to be both Nigerian and global citizens in today’s world.
Join the Conversation
How do you balance traditional Nigerian values with modern family life abroad? We want to hear your story Share your experiences in the comment section and on our with us on social media platforms. Let’s celebrate the beauty of family at the intersection of tradition and modernity.
Warmest Regards, Izzy O Agbor – Editor Diaspora Desk
