Things Nigerians Abroad Forget Before Travelling Home

There is a particular confidence that comes with booking a flight back to Nigeria when you live abroad. You’ve mastered public transport, survived winter, learnt how to queue properly, and figured out how not to convert everything to naira in your head anymore. 

At this point, going home should be easy. And to be fair, it usually starts that way. Passport? Checked. Ticket? Booked. Out-of-office email? Activated.

But somewhere between landing at the airport and your third “Welcome back!” hug, reality begins to set in. It’s not that Nigeria is a harsh place. It’s not because life at home is stressful. 

But because there are things no one really prepares you for, the small, unglamorous details that quietly shape the entire experience.

This is not an article about remembering your charger or packing slippers. This column is about the things Nigerians abroad only remember when it’s already too late. The things that make you pause, sigh, laugh at yourself, and say, “I forgot how this place works.”

 

Things Nigerians Abroad Forget Before Travelling Home

1. Adjusting to Internet and Connectivity Differences

Living abroad quietly spoils you. The Internet just works. You don’t think about signal strength, network providers, or whether your data will suddenly disappear. It’s just there, like oxygen.

Then you land in Nigeria.

Your phone connects. Disconnects. Reconnects. Apps take their time loading. Maps freeze just when you need to turn. Suddenly, things that felt small become big. Directions matter. Addresses matter. Contacts matter.

What many Nigerians abroad forget is to prepare their phones for moments of silence. Download offline maps. Save important locations. Screenshot addresses and confirmations. 

It sounds minor, but when you’re stuck in traffic, trying to explain directions to someone who’s already worn out, you’ll understand why this preparation matters.

2. Rebuilding Important Local Contacts

This one always surprises people.

Over time, phones change. SIM cards expire. WhatsApp numbers disappear. You may not even notice until you arrive home and need to call someone urgently. It could be a cousin who has pledged to assist you. 

A family friend who is well-versed in the area is also a valuable resource. That’s the driver everyone trusts.

Nigeria runs on connections, not in a shady way, but in a practical one. Knowing who to call can turn a stressful situation into a smooth one in minutes.

Before travelling, it helps to rebuild your Nigerian contact list intentionally. Save numbers. Confirm they still work. It’s a small effort that saves you a lot of frustration later.

3. Document Readiness and Paper Requirements

Abroad, life is digital. Documents live in your phone. Apps replace folders. Emails replace printouts.

Nigeria hasn’t fully let go of paper.

You may be asked for copies when you least expect it. Occasionally, it’s for something simple. Occasionally, it’s for something that shouldn’t even require paper. But arguing about it usually takes more energy than just being prepared.

Keeping digital copies of your important documents is a good idea. Having a few printed ones is even better. And those passport photos you haven’t taken in years? You’ll be surprised how useful they suddenly become.

4. Managing Social Expectations at Home

This is one of the biggest shocks, especially for people who haven’t been home in years. You imagine rest. Sleep. Quiet mornings. But home has other plans.

People want to see you. Everyone wants your time. Some people just want to sit with you. Others want to talk. Some want help. Some just want to feel included. All of it is desirable, but it can be overwhelming.

Many Nigerians abroad forget to prepare themselves mentally for this. You don’t need to attend everything. You don’t need to be everywhere. You are allowed to say, “Not today.”

The trip becomes much more enjoyable when you accept that you can’t do everything, and that’s okay.

5. Thoughtful Planning for Gifts and Courtesy Items

There’s a difference between trying to impress people and simply making life easier for yourself.

When you come home, visits happen unexpectedly. Someone stops by. Someone brings a friend. Someone remembers that you exist.

Having small, simple items, nothing fancy, can make these moments smoother. It removes awkwardness. It removes pressure. It allows you to focus on enjoying the visit rather than feeling uncomfortable.

It’s not about spending money. It’s about preparation.

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6. Understanding Power and Electricity Realities

Power abroad is invisible because it’s constant.

In Nigeria, power shapes everything: when you sleep, when you charge your phone, when you work, and even your mood. Many Nigerians abroad forget how much their routines depend on electricity until they’re suddenly negotiating with it again.

Preparation doesn’t mean complaining. It means adapting. You should plan and bring items that will aid your quiet adjustment. Once you accept this reality early, it becomes easier to handle.

7. Preparing Banking and Financial Access

This issue often catches individuals unprepared.

Apps that work perfectly abroad may suddenly become slow or unresponsive. Transfers might be delayed. Cards might fail. Customer service might take time.

Before travelling, it helps to test everything. Log in. Update apps. Resolve issues while you still have stable internet and access to support. It’s much easier to fix things from abroad than while you’re already on the ground and stressed.

8. Emotional and Cultural Readjustment

Nigeria is not emotionally quiet.

It’s laughter and noise and stories and opinions and questions, all at once. For Nigerians who have lived abroad for a while, this intensity can feel overwhelming at first.

The chaos isn’t something to fear. It just requires adjustment. Preparing yourself mentally helps you respond with patience instead of irritation. You remember that this energy is part of home.

9. Personal Safety and Situational Awareness

Most Nigerians abroad don’t feel unsafe when they return home. But familiarity can breed carelessness.

Oversharing plans. It’s essential to avoid being too open. Moving without awareness is a common practice. Preparation here is simple: stay observant. Move wisely. Trust your instincts. Home is welcoming, but awareness keeps things smooth.

10. Planning for the Post-Arrival Period

Everyone prepares for the flight. Few people prepare for the days that follow.

Jet lag. Visits. Logistics. Adjustments. Expectations. All of it happens at once. Planning lighter days immediately after arrival helps you settle before the full experience begins.

 

Going Home Is Beautiful – Just Not Simple

Travelling home as a Nigerian abroad is emotionally grounding, joyful, and tiring— sometimes all in one day.

The more you prepare for the things people don’t talk about, the easier the experience becomes. Not perfect. Just easier.

And honestly, that’s enough.

 

FAQs: Things Nigerians Abroad Forget to Prepare Before Travelling Home

1. Is it normal to feel overwhelmed when travelling home?

Very normal. You’re adjusting to a different pace, environment, and set of expectations. Give yourself grace.

2. Could you please let me know how long it typically takes to readjust after arriving?

It depends on the person, but most people settle in after the first few days. The key is not overloading yourself immediately.

3. Do I need to plan gifts for everyone?

No. But having small, simple items helps reduce pressure and awkward moments.

4. Should I work remotely while visiting Nigeria?

You can, but prepare for power and internet challenges. Flexibility helps a lot.

5. Is it okay to set boundaries with family and friends?

Absolutely. Boundaries help you enjoy your trip without burning out.

6. What’s the biggest mistake Nigerians abroad make when going home?

The biggest mistake Nigerians abroad make is assuming everything will work the same way it does abroad and not preparing for the differences.