There is no doubt that living abroad is one of the desires of most Nigerians, it is one of the most unforgettable and incredible experiences that anyone will love to partake in. However, there are quite a few things that you may miss outside Nigeria. Yes, you may have taken these things for granted, but wait till you have spent few months abroad. By then, the excitement and fun of the new city must have worn off. This is when you may start missing the some things about Nigeria and you’ll shockingly be longing for them.
Here are 5 things Nigerians miss while living abroad:
1. KIOSKS (Mallam Shops):
You would definitely miss the street shops in Nigeria when you travel abroad. The reason is, these street shops provide you with everything you may need early in the morning or late in the night when the markets are closed. On every street, you will find Aboki with small kiosk selling a variety of household items or a pharmacy store right at the corner of the street.
2. CHEAP LABOUR:
When you’re abroad you learn to do things by YOURSELF. From cooking to cleaning to assembling beds. Everything is done by you. Househelps are expensive so most Nigerians end up being their own maids to keep the extra change.
3. ROWDY WEDDINGS:
This should come up first on the list, according to Time Magazine (just joking o!). Nigerians marry as a sport,every Saturday morning churches are administering weddings and event centres make ridiculous cash as well.
Oyinbo(white people) don’t have that time. Contrary to what you see on T.V, typical foreigners spend as much as we (Nigerians) spend on our regular Sunday lunch.
4. MAD TRAFFIC:
Funny I should mention this, but the truth is when your abroad you really miss traffic. Speaking for Lagosians alone, you miss the commotion of trying to dodge bad drivers,hawkers,LASTMA,Road Safety Officers,Local Government Chairmen Convoys, Okada,School children,Agberos,Rallies etc.
It’s crazy I know but believe me you’ll miss the madness.
5. NIGERIAN FOOD:
If it’s not Panadol,then it can never be like Panadol. Yes,there are loads of Nigerian shops where food stuffs like Garrison,Ewedu,Yagi,Bitter leaf,Egusi,Poundo yam,Palm oil etc are being sold abroad but it can never…I repeat – NEVER be like homegrown food. First of all,it is relatively more expensive compared to the quantity given,sometimes even the taste seems different.
You need to hunt for instant chops like amala,puff-puff,agege bread,fried yam,ewa goyin, massa etc.
Don’t get me wrong,living abroad can be a real treat. I guess it’s the chaos that we laugh and miss the most when we are off the shores of this country. Afterall there’s no place like home…. there never will be.
Believe me I know that feeling… *sadface*
Manny the long lost MDB’er
You are right sis but d one l missed more was not mentioned, okada or maruwa cos l stayed in a place where buses was not available.
Moji concerning the go that use to happen in central London,London bridge area etc.The African dish during my stay I didn’t for a moment other for white foods it was Yoruba food I always care for aside eating burger,doughnuts etc at 1pound store whenever we strolled out.all through it was Yam flour,Pounded yam,Nutrient rice,Vegetables soup,Draw soup,Normal Youruba soups it’s just aside from eating home before going out African kitchens are bit far some are where you will need to take underground tube or bus,though it depends on your location to the food kitchens.On wedding people don’t usually attend wedding because like we do here they only go to club or show especially when the likes of King of Fuji music Wasiu AyiNDE,Ijoba Alabi Pasuma,Oba Orin King dr Saheed Osupa,KS1 de pride Sule Alao Malaika hop in for music show Omo 9ija do troupe in ehnn also those pop stars.
I concur with you on the cheap labour you will do the home work for yourself but it’s all very easy some people sweep there house every 3 or 4days after due to no dust that will dirty your apartment.
Lastly no place to get the mallam for where you wan see am,Moji that kiosk look like the Aboki man in your area..lol