희망을 본다| The One with Afolabi - The Nigerian-American Returnee: Episode 37 (2018)

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The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: The One with Afolabi

Now, even more than before, many Nigerians are leaving the country to seek better opportunities in developed countries. This is unsurprising if you consider the prolonged political and economic instability that have rendered the country hard and reductive for its inhabitants. For those who have moved abroad, fewer are even willing to relocate to Nigeria voluntarily. That’s why I find today’s guest intriguing.

Meet Afolabi, who holds dual citizenship as a Nigerian and an American. He spent a chunk of his formative years in the US but made the decision to move back to Nigeria after college. In this episode, we explored the reason behind this decision, returnee issues, and how small businesses can thrive in a parasitic environment like Nigeria. Finally, what Nigeria, despite its extractive economic and political institutions, where a culture of monopoly, corruption, and lack of political rights are the norm, does relatively better to help businesses grow compared to Western countries.

PS: As a Nigerian living in the US, I have been asked several times by several people if I plan on moving back home and my answers have varied throughout the years. These days, I say an emphatic ‘no’ with poignant reasons. However, my discussion with Afolabi has given me a lot to think about, so let’s see and never say never.

Takeaway Points:

Tip #1 for returnees: Be flexible.
Surviving as an entrepreneur in Nigeria takes a lot of effort and consistency.
Nigeria offers a greater foundation for transformation and creation than the United States and other countries in the West.
Not everyone who is living abroad is doing well as most live mediocre lives.
Nigeria needs our help; the more hands on deck, the better the country will be.