NewStats: 3,261,766 , 8,175,072 topics. Date: Friday, 30 May 2025 at 12:59 PM 6u2e3l

The debate around relocating abroad (“Japa”) has intensified after media personality Dele Momodu claimed that anyone who spends ₦30 million to leave Nigeria is a fool. His statement sparked mixed reactions online, with some agreeing while others says that that 30 million is nothing compared to the financial reward that comes with japa

Having lived in the UK for some time now, I’ll share an honest perspective on the financial reality of life here, especially for those considering selling anything just for relocation.

Breaking Down Earnings in the UK

For context, I work an average of 36 hours per week (9 hours daily for 4 days), meaning in a month, I clock 144 hours of work.

Minimum wage in the UK is £11.44 per hour, and most employers are required to pay this, except in cases like apprenticeships.
144 hours × £11.44 = £1,647.36 per month
After tax deductions, which depend on factors like number of jobs and tax codes, my take-home pay is around £1,479.55.


Monthly Expenses in the UK
Here’s a breakdown of my fixed monthly costs:

House rent – £700
Gas & electricity – £120
Council tax – £110
Water bill – £43.46
Food – £200
Transport – £140
Phone bill – £52 (for two people

Total expenses: £1,365.46
Remaining balance: £114.09
Although i could have chosen to work up to 5 days which would have given me total income of 2059 and 1775 after tax but to give my partner a chance while i take turn to look after the kids

Note: food is extremely cheap and affordable unlike in Nigeria. That's why most that relocated after few months they look revived and fresh

Now, factor in additional responsibilities. We send £150 monthly to family back home in Nigeria. My wife, who works part-time (two days per week because of our baby as leaving the children will risk losing them to the governmen), earns about £732 per month, which we try to save, though unforeseen expenses (baby food, transport, etc.) often reduce our savings to around £500 per month.
Aside this we spent over 4000 pounds this year alone for health insurance. Yes its a must you pay it and funny enough i have not visited the hospital once since i arrived.

More worrisome is the endless billing from home , the billing from friends and extended family is out of this world, from your pastor who want tithe in pounds and thinks it's because of his or her prayer u went out, to your siblings, to your inlaws, to secondary schools friends, university's friends to even your street guys to Facebook friends. Those who will quickly open Opay for their 3 years old child and forward you school fees or birthday bill. What about those who forwarded us their house rent bill to help clear their rent of over 500k abeg na

A lot of Nigeria said if they are offered 50 million and japa, they will prefer japa as they will earn more over when i read this comment on Facebook i just laugh hard as this is not the case as a research said that over 39% of UK residents have a minimum of 1000 pounds as savings this means that Despite earning in pounds, many struggle with high living costs, taxes, and bills but on the other hand In Nigeria, ₦50M can fund investments that generate steady income.
In the UK, unless you’re in a high-paying field, you will mostly live paycheck to paycheck


Comparing Life as a Single vs. Married Individual Abroad


Single individuals have a higher chance of saving since they have fewer responsibilities.

Married couples without kids can maximize their earnings by both working full-time while covering expenses from one salary and saving entirely the other salary.

Families with children face higher expenses, including childcare, health insurance, visa fees.

This is why adequate preparation is crucial before relocating, especially for families


Is Dele Momodu Right? Should You Japa with ₦30M?
We should understand that Dele Momodu is an elder and vastly traveled and he knows what is obtainable in Europe and America.
His point is valid if you look at finances alone because at the ene of the day almost all you make goes back to the system. But If insecurity concerns and food inflation in Nigeria didn’t exist, staying back with ₦30M would be a better financial decision as you could expand your business.

Another thought is the issue of owning a house. An average 3 bedroom house cost over 300k pounds and i have worked with colleagues who are in their late 50s struggling to work and pay off their mortgage so as to be free while me in my 30s own over 3 house back in Nigeria . Some pays mortgage for over 35 to 40 years but shockingly most they end up selling it at old age hand over this money to care homes to take care of them till death. Note children dont have any responsibility of taking care of their age parents they leave their lives while the parents uses proceed from their house to offset this bill

Final Thoughts: Should You Japa?

Japa is not a one-size-fits-all decision. If you have ₦30M and solid income streams in Nigeria, it might be wiser to invest and build wealth at home. But if safety and quality of life matter more, than wealth accumulation then relocating might still be the best option but must be done tactically especially when coming on student visa as one academic error could throw u off.

Bottom line: Japa is not a magic solution—it requires careful planning, a realistic mindset, and financial discipline.

Picture below is my phone bill

There other bills i chose to ignore like the tv bill. I didn't buy tv because i know that one will end in another billing

Note: for those attacking me. Please this post is not meant for everyone

Pictures.

Note that primary n secondary schools owned by government are free u only pay for private schools.
Health is not free as a migrant as we pay 1030 pounds per annum.

The second picture is water bill
The third is health insurance. Its a must as a migrant
The last is council tax different from income tax

Skill issue bros. This one is only peculiar to you o😂😂

tensazangetsu20:
Skill issue bros. This one is only peculiar to you o😂😂

What does it mean bro

Thanks for this.

fullclub:

What does it mean bro

Those with the right skills will get higher paying jobs. Just be prepared for the fierce competition.

.

Many people will not agree oo, they want to go and test it themselves

tensazangetsu20:
Skill issue bros. This one is only peculiar to you o😂😂

He referenced that as well when he talked about the kind of field you work.... Then sum it up by saying japa isn't one size fit all (not universal solution).. even with that skill you need to be very strategic unless you're sought out for or recommended it's not that easy getting high paying jobs over there

FBIBOT:


He referenced that as well when he talked about the kind of field you work.... Then sum it up by saying japa isn't one size fit all (not universal solution).. even with that skill you need to be very strategic unless you're sought out for or recommended it's not that easy getting high paying jobs over there

Honestly if a Nigerian can’t make it in the uk where English is spoken and black man has levels then they are better off returning to Nigeria and staying forever.

tensazangetsu20:



😂😂😂😛😛 loser

You easily insult people. Opp made his submission backed it with receipt.
Did he says he is jobless? At least he is working n footing his bill. Does it mean he will be there forever. Its a progress.

Please learn to talk in public space.

For your information qualified nurses earn 2k in uk that's before taxes. Care workers earn a anywhere from 12 pounds to 14 pounds per hour.

004gist:


You easily insult people. Opp made his submission backed it with receipt.
Did he says he is jobless? At least he is working n footing his bill. Does it mean he will be there forever. Its a progress.

Please learn to talk in public space.

For your information qualified nurses earn 2k in uk that's before taxes. Care workers earn a anywhere from 12 pounds to 14 pounds per hour.

I am not insulting the Op. I am insulting the fool that quoted me.

tensazangetsu20:


I am not insulting the Op. I am insulting the fool that quoted me.

Its well i came across this

.

Pennyseo2:

Dont allow that Chile guy derailed ur thread. He has his attack bingo Gerald his second etc
He will tell u how he entered chile 6 months and got a job in Central bank of chili and earning over 100k dollars because he is the over qualified

The guy is just giving Chili sauce lies from Chile!

How did he get a job in a Chile bank with no background check as he has not been in Chile for up to five years and this is a financial regulatory requirement in developed countries and how is he driving in Chile without driving lessons, driving test and a driving license?

tensazangetsu20:
I never learned how to drive until I came to Chile. I was a mechanic for a while in Nigeria and even took some driving lessons, but I never took it seriously because I never expected to own a car in my life. Back then, I could have bought a car with my tech job, but I didn’t want to. All I could think about was how to escape Nigeria.

Life is funny. I going to the gym in Nigeria where the guys with 2009 Lexus and co. were the ones women flocked around. Meanwhile, those of us without a car? Nobody even looked our way.

004gist:



Its well i came across this

To be honest, if they are complaining so much about the uk they won’t last six months in other European countries. The USA is richer but the competition in the USA is fiercer and the immigration laws are much more strict

guysbewise:


The guy is just giving Chili sauce lies from Chile!

How did he get a job in a Chile bank with no background check as he has not been in Chile for up to five years as this is a financial regulatory requirement in developed countries and how is he driving in Chile without driving lessons, driving test and a driving license?

I miss you on my thread. Please come back 😘😘

UK na rubbish



I rather stay in nigeria and keep doing HK business

tensazangetsu20:

I miss you on my thread. Please come back

As you have not answered these questions on your thread and you have come to this thread to continue your Chile sauce lies from Chile is the reason I have posted it here again.

How did you get a job in a Chile bank with no background check as you have not been in Chile for up to five years and this is a financial regulatory requirement in developed countries and how are you driving in Chile without driving lessons, driving test and a driving license in Chile? As you are an international student in Chile.

tensazangetsu20:
I never learned how to drive until I came to Chile. I was a mechanic for a while in Nigeria and even took some driving lessons, but I never took it seriously because I never expected to own a car in my life. Back then, I could have bought a car with my tech job, but I didn’t want to. All I could think about was how to escape Nigeria.

Life is funny. I going to the gym in Nigeria where the guys with 2009 Lexus and co. were the ones women flocked around. Meanwhile, those of us without a car? Nobody even looked our way.

guysbewise:


As you have not answered this question on your thread and you have come to this thread to continue your Chile sauce lies from Chile is the reason I have posted it here again.

How did you get a job in a Chile bank with no background check as you have not been in Chile for up to five years and this is a financial regulatory requirement in developed countries and how is he driving in Chile without driving lessons, driving test and a driving license? As you are an international student in Chile.

Oya dance with me. As e Dey sweet us e Dey pain them, as e Dey pain them e Dey sweet us.

It's not easy anywhere

tensazangetsu20:

Oya dance with me. As e Dey sweet us e Dey pain them, as e Dey pain them e Dey sweet us.

It is peppering you that not everyone here is gullible to fall for your Chili sauce lies from Chile of how things are so easy in Chile for international students whose close relatives are not very rich to be sending money to them in Chile.

There are many of us that have japa and have good jobs in developed countries so you can not come here with your Chili sauce lies from Chile to deceive us.

How did you get a job in a Chile bank with no background check as you have not been in Chile for up to five years and this is a financial regulatory requirement in developed countries and how are you driving in Chile without driving lessons, driving test and a driving license in Chile? As you are an international student in Chile.

He said his is an international student in Chile meaning he is a full-time student, plus he claims to have a full-time job in the biggest bank in Chile, but he is always on nairaland day and night so how does he get the time for university assignments, projects and exams and a full-time job in the biggest bank in Chile and also on nairaland day and night posting and replying to posts? Well maybe his Chile is here on nairaland.

tensazangetsu20:
I never learned how to drive until I came to Chile. I was a mechanic for a while in Nigeria and even took some driving lessons, but I never took it seriously because I never expected to own a car in my life. Back then, I could have bought a car with my tech job, but I didn’t want to. All I could think about was how to escape Nigeria.

Life is funny. I going to the gym in Nigeria where the guys with 2009 Lexus and co. were the ones women flocked around. Meanwhile, those of us without a car? Nobody even looked our way.

guysbewise:


It is peppering you that not everyone here is gullible to fall for your Chili sauce lies from Chile of how things are so easy in Chile for international students whose close relatives are not very rich to be sending money to them in Chile.

There are many of us that have japa and have good jobs in developed countries so you can not come here with your Chili sauce lies from Chile to deceive us.

How did you get a job in a Chile bank with no background check as you have not been in Chile for up to five years and this is a financial regulatory requirement in developed countries and how how are you driving in Chile without driving lessons, driving test and a driving license in Chile? As you are an international student in Chile.

Abeg come back to my thread. I miss you 😘

fullclub:
The debate around relocating abroad (“Japa”) has intensified after media personality Dele Momodu claimed that anyone who spends ₦30 million to leave Nigeria is a fool. His statement sparked mixed reactions online, with some agreeing while others says that that 30 million is nothing compared to the financial reward that comes with japa

Having lived in the UK for some time now, I’ll share an honest perspective on the financial reality of life here, especially for those considering selling anything just for relocation.

Breaking Down Earnings in the UK

For context, I work an average of 36 hours per week (9 hours daily for 4 days), meaning in a month, I clock 144 hours of work.

Minimum wage in the UK is £11.44 per hour, and most employers are required to pay this, except in cases like apprenticeships.
144 hours × £11.44 = £1,647.36 per month
After tax deductions, which depend on factors like number of jobs and tax codes, my take-home pay is around £1,479.55.


Monthly Expenses in the UK
Here’s a breakdown of my fixed monthly costs:

House rent – £700
Gas & electricity – £120
Council tax – £110
Water bill – £43.46
Food – £200
Transport – £140
Phone bill – £52 (for two people

Total expenses: £1,365.46
Remaining balance: £114.09

Note: food is extremely cheap and affordable unlike in Nigeria. That's why most that relocated after few months they look revived and fresh

Now, factor in additional responsibilities. We send £150 monthly to family back home in Nigeria. My wife, who works part-time (two days per week because of our baby as leaving the children will risk losing them to the governmen), earns about £732 per month, which we try to save, though unforeseen expenses (baby food, transport, etc.) often reduce our savings to around £500 per month.
Aside this we spent over 4000 pounds this year alone for health insurance. Yes its a must you pay it and funny enough i have not visited the hospital once since i arrived.

More worrisome is the endless billing from home , the billing from friends and extended family is out of this world, from your pastor who want tithe in pounds and thinks it's because of his or her prayer u went out, to your siblings, to your inlaws, to secondary schools friends, university's friends to even your street guys to Facebook friends. Those who will quickly open Opay for their 3 years old child and forward you school fees or birthday bill. What about those who forwarded us their house rent bill to help clear their rent of over 500k abeg na

A lot of Nigeria said if they are offered 50 million and japa, they will prefer japa as they will earn more over when i read this comment on Facebook i just laugh hard as this is not the case as a research said that over 39% of UK residents have a minimum of 1000 pounds as savings this means that Despite earning in pounds, many struggle with high living costs, taxes, and bills but on the other hand In Nigeria, ₦50M can fund investments that generate steady income.
In the UK, unless you’re in a high-paying field, you will mostly live paycheck to paycheck


Comparing Life as a Single vs. Married Individual Abroad


Single individuals have a higher chance of saving since they have fewer responsibilities.

Married couples without kids can maximize their earnings by both working full-time while covering expenses from one salary and saving entirely the other salary.

Families with children face higher expenses, including childcare, health insurance, visa fees.

This is why adequate preparation is crucial before relocating, especially for families


Is Dele Momodu Right? Should You Japa with ₦30M?

His point is valid if you look at finances alone because at the ene of the day almost all you make goes back to the system. But If insecurity concerns and food inflation in Nigeria didn’t exist, staying back with ₦30M would be a better financial decision as you could expand your business.


Final Thoughts: Should You Japa?

Japa is not a one-size-fits-all decision. If you have ₦30M and solid income streams in Nigeria, it might be wiser to invest and build wealth at home. But if safety and quality of life matter more, than wealth accumulation then relocating might still be the best option but must be done tactically especially when coming on student visa as one academic error could throw u off.

Bottom line: Japa is not a magic solution—it requires careful planning, a realistic mindset, and financial discipline.

Picture below is my phone bill

fullclub!

I you very well..I engaging with your earlier thread, and wishing you the best through your ordeal at the time.

But I can't understand why you are yet again creating a thread like this one, that achieves nothing, ultimately.

I'm sure if we could turn back time, to go back to where you were mentally when you began your journey to Japa, 10001 of these kain threads would not have deterred you. So I just wonder what you hope to achieve with it now. Even Dele Momodu wey dey cap, prolly spends more than half of the year overseas.

These kain decisions should be left to each person to make and deal with. No need for convincing or explaining. It is pointless! I don taya to dey read this kain threads for here aswear


Those that think it best to stay in Naija should be left alone, as they have the conviction that they know what they are doing. Those that think is best to Japa should be left alone, as they also have the conviction that they know what they are doing...

All this shalaye is not necessary

Treadway:
fullclub!

I you very well..I engaging with your earlier thread, and wishing you the best through your ordeal at the time.

But I can't understand why you are yet again creating a thread like this one, that achieves nothing, ultimately.

I'm sure if we could turn back time, to go back to where you were mentally when you began your journey to Japa, 10001 of these kain threads would not have deterred you. So I just wonder what you hope to achieve with it now. Even Dele Momodu wey dey cap, prolly spends more than half of the year overseas.

These kain decisions should be left to each person to make and deal with. No need for convincing or explaining. It is pointless! I don taya to dey read this kain threads for here aswear


Those that think it best to stay in Naija should be left alone, as they have the conviction that they know what they are doing. Those that think is best to Japa should be left alone, as they also have the conviction that they know what they are doing...

All this shalaye is not necessary

Thanks but all the same i like sharing my experience as i navigate and travel. Its part of experience and its nothing bad sharing what you have encountered be it positive or negative as it will be of help . But all the same happy Sunday and thanks for stopping by

UK is not the only destination when people japa, there are other countries and people have different skill sets and can also learn new skills.

What makes UK japa costly is the exorbitant school fees when going through the school routes.

There are a number of countries on mainland Europe where you spend like 8M naira that will cover all costs including one way flight ticket, accommodation for about 4 months, School Fees ( highly subsidized) and miscellaneous expenses. Within 4 months you will surely have settled in, this still makes economic sense.

OkanlawonB:
What makes UK japa costly is the exorbitant school fees when going through the school routes.

There are a number of countries on mainland Europe where you spend like 8M naira that will cover all costs including one way flight ticket, accommodation for about 4 months, School Fees ( highly subsidized) and miscellaneous expenses. Within 4 months you will surely have settled in, this still makes economic sense.

Insightful. Can u list a few of those countries