Naija Diaries: Moving To Nigeria From The Diaspora With Your Family? 15 Survival Tips

First of all, you need to understand that Nigeria is no walk in the park. Its a jungle out there! You are entering into the lions den. A battle ground where only the strong survive. Yes, you are a survivor, an overcomer and more than a conqueror. No one is disputing that. Having said that, you need to be fully prepared. Mentally, physically and financially. You have to be ready for the hustle and bustle of a new life in Nigeria.

Before you move, ask yourself why you are moving. Are you moving because you have a job offer and you will love the experience? Have you just completed your studies and want to move back home to look for a job? How long do you intend staying in Nigeria? Are you moving back for good? Do you have a business idea you would like to work on? Do you want to experience the culture and nature of the people because there is absolutely no place like home? Do you have family/friends you will stay with when you go? Will your new environment be condusive for your children? Are you visiting Nigeria for the first time? Are you non-Nigerian and looking for a sunny country to settle down in? Mentally, you have to be prepared for the challenges you will inevitably face. The culture shock will hit you like a ton of bricks. You have to be prepared to get knocked down but know you will rise again. Like life in general, you will face obstacles but you have to be humble and persistent.

Moving is quite tiresome and exhausting, but if you have made up your mind and you are fully prepared, here are some helpful survival tips you will need to get you and your family started and hopefully settled.

1. PRAY. Pray hard. For everything concerning your move. If you have never prayed before, its best to start praying now. The only way to learn how to pray is to open your mouth and start praying. Talk to God. Heavenly Father...

2. The timing has to be right. There is no such thing as perfect timing, but the timing has to be right for you and your family. For example, you shouldn't go in the middle of a school term (if you have children) irrespective of their age and level of education.

3. If you already have a home, thats a great start. If you do not, the first thing you will need to do is get a roof over your head. With your home, you will also need to buy a generator and an inverter.

4. You and your children should be up to date with all your immunisations and vaccinations. Don't forget to get anti-malaria medicine to protect your family against malaria.

5. Learn the lingo. It will help if you are fluent in pidgin english.

6. Don't drink tap water, pure water or water generally sold on the street. Just don't. The last thing you want is typhoid.

7. Go sight-seeing. Nigeria is a beautiful country and some states like Abuja, Kaduna, Uyo are really mesmerizing.

8. Everyone will know you are new to the country and they will all flock to you for money. Some you will know and others you won't. God loves a cheerful giver and God wants us to be charitable, but understand that is humanly impossible to feed every tom dick and sally that will approach you. Depending on how deep your pocket is, maybe you can chose to go to some certain institutions and directly help those who are desperately in need.

9. Try stocking up on some mosquito repellents, mosquito nets, hand sanitizers, antiseptic sprays, bleach and basic cleaning products. If there are some food products you/your children love to eat, take a couple with you too. It will help you during your first few weeks. It makes the transition a lot easier.

10. Don't waste unnecessary time arguing with the police or LASTMA. They will humble you. Just avoid any issues with them.

11. Don't be too braggadocious. No one wants to know who your father is and "who you are". Its best to put your head down and keep pushing forward. On your really bad days, they will be the first to laugh at you.

12. Get a small and tight support network around you.

13. Get organised. You will either find yourself sitting at home waiting for nepa to "bring light" or waiting in traffic. Organise your days to make allowances for travel but also to do something productive. Unlike other countries, there are no free handouts in Nigeria. So start making money.

14. Don't trust everyone and don't envy anyone's financial wealth. Some worked hard for it, and you too will make it if you do the same. Others didn't. So please, don't be envious. Set your eyes solely on God so you will not be misled.

15. Smile. There will be challenges. But you will get through them. Be grateful for the little you do have. Enjoy the journey. Life begins when you stop waiting for life to happen!

Just my two cents. Goodluck!

Be Inspired
xoxo