Nigerians Abroad: Catalyst for Class Inequality Back Home?

The influx of diaspora visitors brings economic boosts but also exacerbates local inequalities.

As the holiday season approaches, Nigeria witnesses the emotional reunions and extravagant social scenes fueled by returning expatriates known as "I Just Got Back" (IJGB). These Nigerians, reviving connections with family and friends, possess the economic advantage of favorable exchange rates which enables them to spend liberally in clubs and events, particularly in major cities like Lagos and Abuja. While their presence temporarily uplifts the economy, it also invites scrutiny regarding its impacts on the local populace.

Residents report how festive periods, especially "Detty December" in Lagos, inflate prices and create accessibility issues for those who earn their livelihoods in local currency. This has prompted some to question how the presence of the diaspora influences class disparities at home. A radio host, speaking under conditions of anonymity, expressed discontent over how local establishments prioritize returning expatriates over regular customers amidst inflation during festive celebrations.

Nigeria is characterized by a stark economic divide; statistics reveal that the wealthiest 10% own over 60% of the country's resources, including a significant percentage of the income. The country’s struggles with poverty, impacting around 87 million Nigerians, underline how deep-rooted this divide has become. Experts assert this divide has only worsened since independence in 1960, often blaming political corruption and irresponsible governance for the suffering of ordinary citizens.

Professor Martins Ifeanacho from Port Harcourt points out that wealth inequality in Nigeria transcends mere monetary values and deeply intertwines with societal perception. The social standing of individuals, based not only on wealth but also on the appearance of wealth, only complicates mobility within society. IJGBs tend to command higher attention in social spaces and are often perceived as living exemplars of success.

For many young people, particularly those born after the millennium, the decision to emigrate or "japa" in search of better opportunities is becoming increasingly prevalent. Recent surveys indicate that over 70% of young Nigerians would venture to leave if given the chance. However, the aspirational culture painted by successful returnees can create undue pressure on others, especially those from less affluent backgrounds, leading them to chase public approval through superficial means such as adopting foreign accents.

The phenomenon intersects with complex narratives of wealth acknowledgement and performance in Nigeria. Observations even suggest that some returning IJGBs may misrepresent their financial status, leading to situations where they attempt to reclaim payments for events they’ve attended, reflecting the societal pressure to appear affluent even when resources may be limited. The IJGB experience highlights the multi-layered issues of class, access, and self-image that continue to define economic life in Nigeria.