Easiest Ways To Travel Out Of Nigeria (Expert Guide)

With each passing day, thousands of Nigerians are actively looking for ways to leave the country. While some follow legitimate channels, others turn to less conventional means.

There are numerous reasons why Nigerians are seeking to leave the country, including inadequate education quality and infrastructure, poverty, insecurity, and limited opportunities.

In this post, we will outline the most effective legal ways to travel out of Nigeria, providing you with essential information to help you make the necessary preparations.

1. Study Abroad

Studying abroad has emerged as one of the most convenient ways to leave Nigeria. For years, it has been a popular route for many young Nigerians seeking to escape the challenges of their homeland. Pursuing higher education overseas not only provides access to top-quality education but also allows for a swift and temporary departure from Nigeria while you secure your residency in a foreign country.

To study abroad, you have the option of self-sponsorship (if you have the means) or applying for scholarships in your country of choice. Once you are admitted into a foreign institution, the paperwork for obtaining legal residency becomes more straightforward as you have a legitimate reason for traveling to your destination.

2. Apply for Jobs Abroad

While it may seem daunting, securing a job overseas is another promising avenue for leaving Nigeria. Countries such as Japan and Canada, which are in dire need of skilled labor, have made employment opportunities a viable path to migration.

The key requirement is possessing a relevant skill set supported by internationally recognized certifications. If you have expertise in healthcare or technical fields, for instance, you are in a good position to find a job abroad. Several job websites are available to aid your search.

Once you have secured a job that requires relocation, your employer will assist you in obtaining the necessary work documentation that will expedite your transition, enabling you to leave Nigeria and begin your new career abroad.

3. Visa Lottery

Participating in visa lottery schemes is another means of leaving Nigeria. Although the odds of being selected may be slim, visa lotteries remain an affordable and streamlined option for overseas migration.

Each year, countries such as the United States of America and Canada offer a designated number of immigrant slots through lottery systems. If you are fortunate enough to be chosen, it will be an all-expenses-paid journey to a new land of opportunity.

4. Apply for Volunteer Programs Abroad

Volunteering with international organizations, especially NGOs, offers an excellent path to leaving Nigeria. Entities such as Solidarity International, Amnesty International, Doctors Without Borders, and numerous United Nations agencies offer young Nigerians the chance to gain valuable international exposure through both paid and unpaid volunteer programs.

To apply, all you need to do is seek out volunteer positions that match your skill set and submit your application to the organization in question.

Although volunteer positions have a set duration, they can provide valuable experience that can help you secure better opportunities in the future once you are abroad. Furthermore, you can apply for other volunteer positions as your current program draws to a close.

5. Stay With a Relative

If you have a family member living abroad who is willing to take responsibility for your relocation, you have a high chance of leaving Nigeria using this avenue. The host country is more likely to grant you entry if you have a relative living there who can vouch for your well-being and provide support.

Having family members abroad provides an added layer of assurance that you will be taken care of upon arrival, increasing the chances of a successful relocation.