Thousands of these Nigerians indeed found a better life in Nigeria.
In the 1970's the Nigeria Naira was stronger than the British pound and the
American dollar. So, it made more economic sense to migrate to Nigeria than to relocate to the US or Britain. And neighbouring African countries
took advantage of this and trooped to Nigeria in huge numbers.
Nigeria had recently discovered crude oil and crude oil revenue hit the country like a heavy uncontrollable flood of water. The revenue from
crude oil shocked us out of our senses. Nigerians got so carried away that they paid attention to nothing else . . . not even to technological
advancement and industrial growth.
Today, some forty years later, Nigeria seemed to have moved several steps backward. The average Nigerian who could afford a good life and three
square meals plus a little luxury is now unable to meet the needs of his family.
Relocating to Nigeria soon became less and less attractive. In fact, many Nigerians are relocating to Europe in search of the golden fleece. Sorry,
that is an understatement. Nigerians are searching for ticket to Europe like crazy. The American embassy in Nigeria is teeming with Nigerians
desperate to éscape to America'. The braindrain is crippling.
Many Africans who sought solace in Nigeria, the giant of the black race, have been forced to look elsewhere. For example, Ghanaians who sought refuge in Nigeria enmass back in the
70's and 80's, started relocating to their country as things got better and better there. And so did many other African nationals.