Nigeria's Economy Sees Boost as Expats Increasingly Import Traditional Attire from Their Homeland

A Yoruba adage, 'oun a ni l'angbe l'aruge', translates to 'what one owns, he values', and this saying has taken on a new meaning in recent years as Nigerians' attitudes towards home-made products have shifted dramatically. This change is evident in the fact that Nigerians at home and abroad are now embracing locally made goods.

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In the past, Nigerians, both at home and in the diaspora, had a strong preference for foreign-made clothing and accessories, leading to a decline in the value of domestic products. However, a significant reversal has occurred, with Nigerians in the diaspora now actively seeking out clothes, shoes, bags, and other accessories from Nigeria to be shipped to their locations abroad.

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The primary driver behind this shift is the high cost of living abroad, including the exorbitant prices of clothing and accessories, which has led Nigerians in the diaspora to search for more affordable options. As a result, they are now looking to Nigeria as a source of cheaper, yet quality, goods to export to their stations abroad.

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It may seem counterintuitive that individuals earning in strong currencies such as dollars, euros, and pounds would be seeking out affordable options, but this trend is not unique to the diaspora, as people in Nigeria are also on the lookout for cheaper alternatives. Mrs. Chiwendu Osarodion, a Nigerian living abroad, explained that she purchases food items, clothing, bags, shoes, and accessories from Nigeria because it is significantly cheaper than in her resident country.

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According to Mrs. Osarodion, the price difference is substantial, with a single jean trouser costing £150, or over N150,000, in her resident country, whereas she can acquire three to four quality jeans for the same price in Nigeria. This has led her to order goods from merchants in Nigeria, which proves to be a more cost-effective option.

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Mrs. Helen Tudunola, a boutique owner, has also observed this trend, noting that she has customers in the United Kingdom and the United States who purchase clothes, shoes, bags, and jewelry from her and have them shipped to their destinations. She assists these customers by waybilling their purchases to their desired locations.

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Initially, Mrs. Tudunola was surprised to receive orders from the diaspora, as she had assumed that Nigerians living abroad would prefer to purchase foreign-made goods. However, she has come to realize that the cost savings and convenience of shopping from Nigeria have made it an attractive option for many.

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Mr. Goodnews Lawrence, a Nigerian in the diaspora, echoed this sentiment, stating that shopping from Nigeria is less expensive compared to abroad, and that the days of reckless spending are behind him. He now orders shoes, clothes, perfumes, and other items from Nigeria, reserving his local purchases for essential items such as food, jackets, and boots.

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Furthermore, Mr. Lawrence noted that many of his Nigerian female friends also order African foodstuffs from Nigeria, although this can depend on the specific country they are in, as some countries have restrictions on certain types of imports. This trend highlights the growing demand for Nigerian goods among the diaspora community.

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Mrs. Shade Okunloye, another Nigerian in the diaspora, has found a reliable solution for acquiring goods from Nigeria by employing the services of a trusted individual who runs errands for her, purchasing foodstuff, clothes, shoes, bags, hair extensions, and other items on her behalf. She pays this person for their services and has them shipped to her location using a reliable logistic company.

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Although Mrs. Okunloye has encountered issues with some logistic companies, whose staff have been known to steal items and fabricate stories to cover their tracks, she has found that using a trusted and responsible company makes the process of shopping from Nigeria cheaper and more convenient than shopping in the diaspora.