After years of mass emigration under the popular “Japa” wave, an increasing number of Nigerians are reversing course returning home to rebuild their lives after facing harsh realities abroad.
According to data from the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), nearly 3.7 million Nigerians emigrated between 2022 and 2023. But in a surprising twist, some of these migrants are now making their way back, citing mental health struggles, disillusionment, and a desire for peace.
One such returnee, Kenny Igho, who spoke to The Punch recently relocated from the United States, saying life overseas wasn’t as fulfilling as it appeared on social media. In a TikTok video, the mother of two shared how she battled anxiety and subtle depression abroad, leading her to make the life-altering decision to return to Nigeria. “I was not happy. I didn’t have peace. Every little thing got me anxious,” she said. “I realised I didn’t want to do it anymore.”
Another high-profile returnee is Dr Julius Oni, an Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery who left his prestigious position at Johns Hopkins University after 25 years in the U.S. to open a musculoskeletal care facility in Nigeria. “I sold my house, my cars, and moved with my family,” Oni revealed in a video. “I believe in building something impactful back home.”
With rising cost of living, limited social connections, and hidden emotional tolls, some migrants are finding more meaning in returning home and contributing locally.
