He couldn’t see a future in Nigeria after 2020 — and he still doesn’t.
Ben (33) made the decision to leave Nigeria permanently after witnessing the #EndSARS protests. Although he now lives in the UK with his wife, the country he left behind — and its challenges — still linger in his mind. In this week’s Abroad Life, he shares what it’s like starting over as a newly married man abroad.
“We moved out of Nigeria in November 2023 and currently live in the UK. Honestly, everything about Nigeria made us consider leaving. I had spent my entire life there, and after a series of events, I just couldn’t see a future that aligned with the life I wanted. It wasn’t about career progression — I was already doing well. I worked as a finance manager at a multinational company, and my wife was thriving in her field. But I was heavily involved in the EndSARS protests and the elections, and those experiences killed my hope in the country’s direction. I couldn’t imagine raising a family under those conditions.”
“Life in Nigeria was relatively comfortable — we had a rented apartment, two cars, decent savings. But despite earning well, it always felt like we were chasing after stability that never came. International vacations weren’t consistent, inflation was relentless, and the cost of living made it hard to enjoy the rewards of hard work. So, when my wife was recruited by one of the Big Four firms in the UK, we took the chance. Since moving, our quality of life has improved dramatically — no more traffic jams, fuel queues, or blackouts. I walk to work in two minutes instead of spending five hours in Lagos traffic. I now have the time and peace of mind to focus on self-growth — learning languages, cooking, going to the gym. Here, life feels more intentional.”
“Married life has also been better since we moved. We left Nigeria a month or two after getting married, and while the relocation process didn’t give us much time to settle into married life initially, we’ve since grown closer. In Nigeria, I worked long hours and barely had time for us outside of weekends. Now, we get to walk to work together, eat lunch together, and share the little routines that build a life. Having a partner made the transition easier. Adapting to a new country — especially during the long winter months — would have been harder alone. Moving together gave us emotional support and made the adjustment smoother.”
“I do miss Nigeria — especially the food and the social life. There’s no Nigerian restaurant where we live, so sometimes we take a trip to London just to get a proper meal. Friday nights in Nigeria meant grilled fish, good music, and hanging out at a lounge. That vibe is hard to find here. I also miss having family nearby. But overall? I’d rate my happiness in the UK a ten. Life is peaceful, more stable, and honestly — beautiful.”
