“Japa: Nigerians are selling properties to afford travel expenses to the US and Europe.”

  • Post category:Travel

David Ademola had never anticipated selling his poultry farm to fund his family’s relocation to the United Kingdom for better opportunities. He had spent seven years building the business, and three years ago, he began saving up to make the move, known as “japa” in local terms, after learning about prospects in Manchester from a friend. Ademola budgeted N1.5 million for the airfare, N300,000 per ticket, covering himself, his wife, and their three children. He also saved for visas, accommodation, food, and miscellaneous expenses.

However, his plans were shattered when the ticket costs increased drastically. Instead of the projected N1.5 million, he had to come up with N7.5 million for the tickets. In a desperate bid to ensure he could start his new job on time in Manchester, he had no choice but to sell his poultry, which he considered his backup plan if things didn’t work out abroad.

Unfortunately, Ademola’s story is not unique. Many others like Kelechi Ifediorah are facing similar challenges. Kelechi had to sell his three vehicles to afford airfares for his family’s move to Canada. The rise in airfare costs has been attributed to the fluctuating exchange rates, with airlines trapped funds adding to the problem.

Nigeria owes a significant amount of money in trapped funds, contributing to the unreasonably high ticket prices. As a result, some travelers have had to postpone or cancel their plans, and others are forced to sell their properties to finance their journeys.

Philip Onuh, for instance, had to suspend his travel plans due to the exorbitant ticket prices. He considered visiting his family in the United States but found the tickets too expensive. Others, like the unnamed individual who sold his inherited house, are left with no option but to seek funds for their travel abroad.

Overall, the rising airfare costs have become a significant barrier for many Nigerian travelers, impacting their plans to relocate or visit family and friends overseas.

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