Popular YouTuber and filmmaker Tayo Aina has spoken candidly about the emotional and practical challenges of relocating from Nigeria to Portugal, offering a rare, unfiltered look at what life abroad can feel like beyond the surface appeal.
Reflecting on his decision to leave Nigeria, Tayo described the experience as far more difficult than many people anticipate. According to him, the hardest part of “japa” is not the relocation itself, but the emotional weight of leaving behind everything familiar. He explained that moving to Portugal presented an even steeper challenge because it is not a common destination for Nigerians. The language barrier and the limited Nigerian population have made settling in especially isolating. He noted that the Nigerian community in Portugal is relatively small, estimated at about 5,000 people, and widely dispersed across the country.
This lack of a close-knit community, Tayo said, has made integration significantly harder. Building new relationships as an adult comes with its own difficulties, as most people are already deeply engaged with their routines and responsibilities. Without a strong support system, the process of forming new connections becomes slow and emotionally demanding. He admitted that this sense of isolation often fuels his desire to return to Nigeria, even if briefly, simply to be around people who look like him, speak the same language, and share similar cultural references. For him, that sense of belonging is not a luxury but a necessity.
Despite these challenges, Tayo acknowledged that life in Portugal does offer certain advantages. He pointed to improved internet reliability, easier access to travel within Europe, and a generally calmer social environment as positive aspects of his new life. These benefits, he suggested, contribute to a more relaxed pace of living compared to what he was accustomed to in Nigeria.
However, he was equally clear about the limitations he has encountered. Tayo described Portugal as one of the Western European countries with fewer economic and creative opportunities, particularly for newcomers trying to integrate into the local ecosystem. As a result, his lifestyle there feels somewhat disconnected. He explained that his engagement with Portugal is largely confined to his personal living space, while most of his professional interactions and opportunities take place elsewhere through travel.
Tayo Aina’s reflections shed light on the layered reality of relocating abroad. His experience highlights that while migration can offer stability, comfort, and access to better infrastructure, it often comes with loneliness, cultural distance, and reduced opportunities, especially in less diverse environments. His story serves as a reminder that “japa” is not a single narrative of success or struggle, but a complex journey shaped by personal circumstances, community, and the ability to adapt in unfamiliar spaces.
