Are You Ready to Japa? A Self‑Assessment Guide for Nigerians Considering Relocation

By Jefferson Ellams · Updated July 2026 · 7 min read

The "Japa" conversation has never been louder. From WhatsApp groups to family dinner tables, more Nigerians than ever are asking the same question: Should I stay or should I go? But before you book that flight, apply for that visa, or resign from your job, there is one question you must answer honestly: Are you truly ready to japa? As part of my ongoing Japa blueprint Nigeria series, and as your trusted immigration guide for Nigeria, I have created this self‑assessment to help you evaluate your readiness—emotionally, financially, and practically.

This guide is not about convincing you to leave or stay. It is about giving you the tools to assess your situation with clarity and honesty. By the end of this post, you will have a clear picture of your starting point—and a clear direction for your next steps. The specific blueprints for each country, the detailed financial calculators, and the step‑by‑step application guides are not included here—they are available in the ebooks for each destination.

1. The "Why" – What Is Driving Your Decision?

Before you evaluate your readiness, you must evaluate your motivation. Your "why" will sustain you through the tough times. Take a moment to reflect and be honest with yourself.

Is it economic opportunity? Are you seeking higher earnings, better savings, or a stronger currency to secure your family's future?
Is it educational advancement? Do you want world‑class degrees, international exposure, or specialised training that Nigeria cannot offer?
Is it quality of life? Are you looking for better healthcare, safer streets, or a more predictable infrastructure?
Is it family reunification? Do you have loved ones abroad who you want to join?
Is it simply "FOMO" (Fear Of Missing Out)? Are you feeling pressure from friends and social media to join the exodus?

    ✅ Pro tip: Write down your "why" and keep it somewhere visible. When the journey gets hard—and it will—this will remind you why you started. The ebooks for each destination include a "Motivation Journal" section to help you clarify your goals.
  

2. The Financial Readiness Quiz

Money is the single biggest barrier to relocation for most Nigerians. Use this checklist to assess your financial preparedness:

Do you have a dedicated savings account for relocation? Separate from your daily expenses, this should be growing consistently.
Can you cover the visa application fees? Visa fees range from CAD 150 (Canada) to £490 (UK) to $185 (US).
Can you show the required proof of funds? This is the biggest hurdle—Germany requires €11,904, Norway requires NOK 137,907, and Canada requires CAD 14,690+.
Do you have a buffer for hidden costs? Flights, medical exams, document translations, and first‑month accommodation can add ₦1M–₦3M to your budget.
Have you accounted for forex fluctuations? The Naira is volatile. Your budget must include a 15–20% buffer for currency changes.

💡 Remember: If your savings are not yet where they need to be, that doesn't mean you should give up. It means you need a realistic timeline. The ebooks for each country include detailed budget planners to help you calculate exactly how much you need to save and how long it will take.

3. The Family and Social Readiness Check

Relocating is rarely a solo journey. Whether you are moving with your family or leaving them behind, the emotional and social impact is significant.

Have you discussed this with your family? Is your spouse on board? Have you talked to your children about what to expect?
Are you prepared to leave your support network? Friends, extended family, and church/mosque communities are your emotional anchors. Are you ready to rebuild from scratch?
What is your family's timeline? Are you moving alone first and bringing them later? Or are you all moving together?
Have you considered the impact on elderly parents? If you leave Nigeria, who will care for them? Have you made a plan?

    ✅ Pro tip: The most successful relocators are those who involve their families in the planning process from the beginning. The Family Relocation Blueprints (UK, Canada, USA, Australia, Ireland) cover family sponsorship, dependant visas, and family‑friendly settlement checklists.
  

4. The Career and Skill Readiness Check

Your ability to secure a job abroad will determine your success. Ask yourself these questions:

Is your profession in demand in your target country? Check the shortage occupation lists for the UK, Canada, Australia, and Ireland.
Do you meet the language requirements? Most English‑speaking countries require IELTS or PTE. Are you prepared to take the test and score at least CLB 7 (Canada) or B1 (UK)?
Is your Nigerian qualification recognised abroad? Do you need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) or a skills assessment?
Are you ready for a career reset? Many Nigerians take "survival jobs" (retail, care work, hospitality) while they build their career abroad. Are you prepared for that?

💡 Remember: The job market in your destination country will be different from Nigeria. Be prepared to adapt your CV and your expectations. The ebooks include sample CVs and cover letters tailored to each country's job market.

5. The Personal and Mental Readiness Check

This is the most overlooked aspect of relocation. Your mental and emotional resilience will determine how quickly you settle.

Are you prepared for culture shock? The first 3 months are often the hardest. Small things—weather, food, social norms—will feel alien.
Do you have a support system abroad? Are there Nigerian communities, churches, or mosques in your destination city?
Are you comfortable with loneliness? It takes time to build new friendships. Are you okay with being alone for the first few months?
Are you ready to learn a new system? Banking, healthcare, transport, and even how to rent an apartment will be different. Can you adapt quickly?

    ✅ Pro tip: The first 90 days are the hardest. Having a clear plan and a support network can make all the difference. The "Settling Abroad" section of each ebook includes a 90‑day checklist to help you navigate the transition.
  

6. Your Self‑Assessment Scorecard

Based on your answers, reflect on where you stand:

Strong Ready (8–10 points): You are financially, emotionally, and practically prepared. You should begin your visa application process immediately. The country‑specific blueprints will give you the exact documents and steps you need.
Moderately Ready (5–7 points): You have a foundation, but you need to strengthen certain areas. Focus on your weakest scores—whether it's savings, language proficiency, or family planning.
Not Yet Ready (0–4 points): Do not rush. Use the next 6–12 months to build your savings, improve your skills, and have honest conversations with your family. The ebooks will help you create a realistic roadmap.

💡 Remember: There is no perfect time to japa. But there is a right time for you. Take this assessment as a starting point, not a final verdict.

You Can Do This!

The decision to relocate is not an easy one. It requires courage, preparation, and a willingness to embrace the unknown. But for those who take the time to prepare—financially, emotionally, and practically—the rewards can be life‑changing.

Whether your ultimate goal is a work visa UK Canada USA Australia or simply a fresh start in a new country, the journey begins with honest self‑assessment. Millions of Nigerians have successfully relocated using reliable blueprints—and you can be next.

Ready to Turn Your Self‑Assessment Into Action?

This guide helped you evaluate your readiness. Now take the next step with the detailed blueprints. Each ebook provides:

✅ Step‑by‑step visa application guides
✅ Financial calculators and budget planners
✅ Sample SOPs, CVs, and cover letters
✅ Country‑specific cultural and settlement checklists
✅ 90‑day action plans for your first months abroad

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Disclaimer: This is a general guide. Always check the official embassy and immigration websites for the latest regulations. I am not an immigration lawyer – this content is for informational purposes only.