If you’re still living on daily “Iya Basira” survival kits, you might need to chill small before booking that one-way ticket. The japa trend is not slowing down anytime soon. Everyone’s either plotting their exit or has already vanished quietly. You could be vibing with someone on Saturday, shouting, “we’re outside,” and by Monday, bam! They’ve relocated.
You're probably also thinking of leaving. And that’s valid. The dream of greener pastures is understandable (and honestly, very tempting). But let’s be honest, not everyone is mentally or practically ready to japa.
Before you start folding clothes into your Ghana-Must-Go bag and announcing your farewell tour on Instagram, check yourself. Because if you still do these five things, you’re definitely not ready to japa.
1. You Can’t Survive Without “Iya Basira”
If your daily functioning depends on smoky jollof from the woman under the umbrella who calls you “my customer,” or you get emotional thinking about amala from that buka under the bridge—you’re not ready.
Abroad, you’ll either learn to cook or adjust to things like bread that tastes like sponge and chicken that feels like rubber. No more steady food plug. It’s you, your microwave, and frozen broccoli. Plan accordingly.
2. You Still Believe “My Uncle Abroad Will Sort Me Out.”
If your entire relocation plan is based on that uncle in Manchester or cousin in Houston who said, “just come, I go run am,” please press pause.
Life abroad isn’t one long holiday. Your relatives are hustling, working long shifts, paying endless bills, surviving snow, and dealing with their own wahala. You need a real plan: school, job, housing, and money, not just vibes and WhatsApp broadcasts.
3. You Complain About Walking Short Distances
If trekking from Lekki Phase 1 gate to your friend’s house makes you sigh like you just climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, you’re not ready.
In many Japa destinations, you’ll walk like never before. Missed your bus? You walk. Need groceries? You walk. Left your keys upstairs? You walk again. Abroad will turn you into a fitness expert by force.
4. You Can’t Live Without Daily Gist & Neighbourhood Wahala
If you thrive on greeting Mama Nkechi downstairs, exchanging gossip in the compound, or shouting, “who carry my bucket?” you may struggle out there.
Outside Nigeria, peace and quiet can be overwhelming. Your neighbors might never even say hi. Everybody minds their business. If you're not comfortable with silence or find yourself trying to gist with houseplants you might want to rethink things.
5. You Think Abroad = Instant Soft Life
If you believe landing at Heathrow or Toronto Pearson means automatic “soft life only” Instagram captions, you’re dreaming.
The reality? You’ll work. You’ll pay rent, taxes, utilities, health insurance, and possibly still send money back to Aunty Bisi at home. The bills abroad will reset your brain. If you’re not ready to hustle smart and hard, maybe just hold on a bit longer.
Relocating is more than just an escape; it's a full life shift that demands mental, emotional, and practical preparation. So before you japa, ask yourself honestly: Am I really ready?
