Being Nigerian abroad isn’t just about holding onto where you come from—it’s about navigating two worlds that, in many ways, are poles apart. On one hand, there’s the unapologetic vibrancy of being Nigerian, the deep cultural heritage that runs in our veins. On the other hand, there’s the reality of adapting to life in a new environment, where the rules are different, the freedoms unfamiliar, and the expectations unique. What many don’t realize, however, is that the merging of these two identities creates something extraordinary.
As Nigerians, we’re raised with an inherent sense of resilience and ambition. The “Naija spirit” pushes us to excel wherever we find ourselves. But living abroad, we come to appreciate certain freedoms and structures that we sometimes take for granted back home. From the seamless public systems that function without the need for “connections” to the freedom of speech that allows for open discourse without fear of backlash, living abroad opens our eyes to how different societies operate.
Yet, this new world isn’t without its challenges. For all its conveniences, being part of a different culture means we sometimes feel like outsiders, constantly aware of how our roots set us apart. The food, the language, the music—these are the pieces of home that we often crave. But it’s in these moments of longing that we find ways to merge the best of both worlds, birthing something beautiful and unique.
Take, for instance, places like Ades Foods in London or Pat’s Caribbean Market in the U.S., where you can walk in and be greeted with the comforting aromas of Iru, ogbono, egusi, and dried fish. These shops offer more than just food items—they offer a taste of home, a connection to our roots. The same goes for restaurants like Buka in New York or 805 Restaurant in London, where you can sit down to a hot plate of jollof rice, or a bowl of amala gbegiri and ewedu o, even while you’re miles away from Lagos or Abuja. These are spaces where the Nigerian in you thrives.
But there’s also the other side: the blending into a new society. Over time, we’ve come to appreciate the access to opportunities, the professional networks, and the systems that make things work smoothly in places like the UK, U.S., and Canada. Here, you don’t need to “know someone” to get things done; the meritocratic systems allow for social mobility, and that’s something we’ve learned to navigate well. Platforms like LinkedIn, for instance, have become crucial for building professional connections, and services like TaskRabbit help integrate us into the daily rhythms of our new environments. These tools are invaluable in the diaspora experience, making it easier to blend into the society while still holding onto our Nigerian essence.
What emerges from this is a dual identity—a powerful fusion of Nigerian culture and the adaptability gained from living abroad. It’s a unique perspective that allows us to bridge gaps between worlds, to understand different viewpoints, and to thrive in environments where others might struggle. We’re able to take the best of both worlds: the vibrant hustle and determination from Naija and the structured systems and freedoms from our new homes.
This merging isn’t just about surviving in a foreign land; it’s about thriving. It’s about the ability to walk into a corporate office in Toronto, Boston, or London with the confidence that comes from knowing your cultural heritage is your superpower, not a setback. It’s about being able to navigate the fast-paced global professional world while also knowing how to dance to Burna Boy or Tiwa Savage at the end of the day, surrounded by friends who understand both your worlds.
The beauty of this dual identity is that it gives us the freedom to choose. We can embrace the structure and predictability of life abroad while still honouring the spontaneity, warmth, and community of our Nigerian roots. We can wear Ankara to a corporate event and still feel at home in a suit. We are building a new narrative—one where being Nigerian abroad is not a story of compromise but one of opportunity, growth, and innovation.
In all, being Nigerian abroad is about blending the best of both worlds. It’s about creating something new—a stronger, more resilient identity that draws from the richness of Nigeria’s culture and the opportunities and systems of the world we now live in. It’s about finding our place in the world while never losing the essence of where we come from.
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Warmest regards,
Izzy O Agbor
Editor, Diaspora Desk
You laid out my experience nicely!
This is a great article, it capture essence of being Nigerian abroad, navigating two worlds while creating a unique identity that blends our rich heritage with the opportunities of a new environment. It’s a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the Naija spirit, redefining what it means to thrive globally while staying true to our roots. It was worth reading 👏
I love the perspective you bring to this platform. I look forward to you bringing up challenges that Nigerian marriages face abroad.
This is an insightful piece, it highlights both the beauty and challenges of navigating multiple cultures. 👍
I really enjoyed reading this simple and straightforward article, definitely captured my experience abroad. There’s a new level of confidence that comes with knowing you’re internationally credible ❤️