The Complex Reality of Nigerians Abroad and Their Impact on Local Class Divides

Mon Oct 20 2025 03:05:38 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Nigerians returning from abroad during festive seasons spark debate about economic disparity and social mobility in their homeland.

The influx of Nigerians abroad during holiday periods, often dubbed "I Just Got Back" (IJGB), ignites discussions about the widening class divide in Nigeria, particularly in urban centers where local residents feel increasingly alienated amidst soaring prices and inflated costs of living due to the returning diaspora.

The dynamics of holiday seasons in Nigeria are often marked by emotional airport reunions, extravagant celebrations, and bustling nightlife, as those returning from overseas – affectionately known as "I Just Got Back" (IJGB) – reinject considerable spending power into the local economy. While these visitors often flaunt Western accents and social capital garnered abroad, their presence casts a significant shadow on the local populace, grappling with an economic gap that continues to widen.

These returnees are especially noticeable during the festive "Detty December," a time when the bustling cities of Lagos and Abuja become almost unmanageable for residents. Local Nigerians voice concerns about skyrocketing costs and the prioritization of IJGBs over regular customers, exacerbating the feelings of exclusion among citizens who earn their livelihoods in the local currency, naira.

Economic inequality is glaring, with current statistics indicating a major wealth imbalance: more than 10% of Nigerians possess over 60% of the nation's wealth, leading to stark realities for the majority. Observers like Martins Ifeanacho, a sociology professor, affirm that the wealth gap and resulting class stratification have deep historical roots, exacerbated by political corruption that prioritizes elite accumulation of wealth at the expense of ordinary citizens.

The phenomenon of Nigerians migrating for opportunities, particularly among younger generations, has accelerated in what has been termed "japa," referring to the exodus of ambitious individuals seeking better prospects abroad. Unfortunately, this pursuit often demands substantial financial investments for education or relocation, which highlights the fragile state of economic mobility within the country.

Those who return often do so with aspirations of proving their success; however, this creates pressures that shape perceptions of wealth and achievement back home. The emphasis on material success can lead individuals to adopt foreign accents and behaviors as a means of navigating the social landscape. Yet, the authenticity of this wealth is scrutinized, as some IJGBs face backlash when attempting to maintain a façade of affluence.

In this climate, where the pressure to demonstrate success is pervasive, the return of the diaspora may amplify existing class divisions, making it difficult for local Nigerians to envision paths to upward mobility. As social media challenges the true financial clout of some returnees, the resulting dialogue about wealth, status, and identity continues to evolve in a society grappling with deep economic disparities.