Popular YouTuber Tayo Aina has opened up about the realities of relocating abroad, describing the japa experience as far more difficult than many people anticipate.
Speaking about his move to Portugal, the content creator explained that leaving behind familiarity and starting over in a new country has been emotionally and socially challenging.
According to him, the situation was even tougher because Portugal is not a common destination for Nigerians.
Tayo revealed that the Nigerian population in Portugal is relatively small, estimating that there are about 5,000 Nigerians spread across the country. This limited presence, he noted, has made it difficult to build a support system.
He added that returning to Nigeria occasionally helps him reconnect with his roots, saying being around people who look like him and speak the same language makes a significant difference.
Despite the challenges, Tayo acknowledged some positives of living in Portugal, including improved infrastructure and a calmer lifestyle.
“It’s very hard, this japa thing… because for you to leave behind everything you know and go into a new country… mine is even worse. I went to a country that most Nigerians don’t go to. They don’t speak the same language, so there are not a lot of Nigerians in Portugal. Not having a community and just trying to start to grow a new community, especially when you’re older, it’s more harder because everybody is busy. Not having internet is no more a problem, ease of travel is much better, it’s just a more calmer society,” he said
However, he also pointed out that Portugal offers fewer opportunities compared to other Western European countries, particularly for newcomers trying to integrate into the system.
