It is no longer news that Nigeria is suffering the “japa” syndrome. “Japa” is a Nigerian slang for migration out of Nigeria. Since 2015, Nigerians have been leaving the country in droves, particularly after 2019.

And the United Kingdom is a top destination so much so that Nigerians have dubbed the country as Nigeria’s 37th state. In 2024 alone, about 52,000 Nigerians migrated to the UK mainly through work and study visas.

The UK granted 27,000 Nigerians work-related visas in 2024 alone since the country has a strong demand for skilled workers. It also granted 22,000 Nigerians study visas in the same year.

Many of these student visa holders bring dependents with them, adding to the migration numbers.

It seems as if there’s no end in sight to the “japa” syndrome, so a guide like this becomes necessary.

Because while the UK offers great opportunities, relocating goes beyond visas and plane tickets. It involves considering the new cost of living, health systems, and cultural dynamics.

The cost of living in the United Kingdom

The cost of living in the UK varies by location, with cities like London, Edinburgh, Oxford, and Manchester having a very high cost of living.

The cost of living in the UK can be categorized under the following rubrics: accommodation, feeding, transportation, healthcare, and utilities & internet. 

Accommodation

Rental prices vary across regions with the highest costs coming from cities like London, Edinburgh, and Oxford.

As of mid-2024, the average monthly rent in the UK averages £1,276, but in London it exceeds £2,100.

For smaller cities and towns like Sheffield, Leicester, or Glasgow, a person can get a one-bedroom flat for £700 to £1,000.

UK houses also come with Council Tax—a local levy on residential properties that hovers between £1,200 and £2,000 per year, depending on the council band and location. 

For Nigerians looking to cut costs, flat-sharing or living in outer boroughs/suburbs is a practical solution until financial stability is achieved.

Feeding

While accommodation expenses vary by location, food expenses vary by individual preferences—whether one prefers to cook or eat out.

An adult who spends cautiously on home-cooked meals can manage £200 to £300 monthly. For those who prefer to eat out, they can spend around £10 to £15 on casual meals, while mid-range restaurants can cost between £25 and £35 per person, per meal.

Transportation

Transportation costs depend on where a person resides and how often they move. A typical monthly Travelcard in London costs between £170 and £320, depending on zones.

Outside London, bus passes can cost between £60 to £100 per month. Methods for cutting transportation costs include cycling, ride-sharing, and using contactless cards. 

Owning a car may not be feasible for a new immigrant because of the expenses that come with insurance, fuel, and taxes.

Healthcare

The NHS is funded through taxation and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which immigrants must pay as part of their visa application. This has an annual cost of £1,035 for adults and must be paid for the duration of stay.

For example, the new immigrant from Nigeria will pay £3,105 for a 3-year stay. This can cover, without additional charges, a wide range of services such as doctors’ consultations, emergency care, maternity services, mental health services and prescriptions. 

Excluded services include eye tests and glasses, dental treatments, and private medical treatments.

It is also important to note that this NHS and healthcare system does not apply to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland as they have their own rules.

Utilities and Internet

A new immigrant living in a one-bedroom apartment should expect to spend around £150 to £200 per month on basic utilities such as electricity, heating, water, and garbage.

Internet packages cost around £25 to £50 per month; though, fibre-optic speeds cost way higher. 

Cultural adjustments and social integration dynamics 

Aside from the cost of living, a new immigrant from Nigeria needs to also consider the cultural adjustments and social integration dynamics of the United Kingdom.

These stem from differences in communication, social values, and workplace norms. 

Cultural adjustments

• UK’s individualism versus Nigeria’s collectivism: While the Nigerian culture is more communal and collective, British culture focuses on individualism, valuing personal independence, privacy, and self-reliance. So a new Nigerian immigrant may see this individualistic culture as being cold and distant. 
• Communication styles: Brits rely on a reserved, formal, and polite way of communication. This is in contrast to the warm, expressive, and explicitly conversational style employed by Nigerians. 

Social integration dynamics 

• Community Networks: Because the UK has been humorously described as Nigeria’s 37th state, it is not surprising that there are large Nigerian communities in cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham. Churches, student unions, and cultural associations also help with belonging and social integration. 

Dear Nigerian just coming into the UK, do you know that “Owambes” are still present in the UK? So, don't worry about losing a touch of home. You won’t!  

• Workplace culture: Punctuality is a core value of the UK’s professional culture as it is viewed as a sign of respect and professionalism. It prioritizes politeness and mutual respect alongside lighthearted banter and sarcastic humour.

The worry of sending/receiving money to/from Nigeria 

Moving to the UK from Nigeria is an exciting step towards new opportunities.

Whether settling in a new school or starting a new job, the new immigrant would definitely want to share this excitement with those back home, especially in monetary terms.

Parents back in Nigeria may want to send financial support to their wards in the UK, while workers in the UK may want to forward some pounds to their loved ones in Nigeria.

This is why it is important to have an efficient method for making cross-border transactions quickly and affordably. And that’s where OhentPay comes in. 

OhentPay: The smart way for making UK-Nigeria-based transactions 

Tailored for global citizens and immigrants, OhentPay offers a simple, transparent, and cost-effective way to send or receive money between the UK and Nigeria.

Whether sending money home or receiving funds from Nigeria, OhentPay helps new immigrants:

• Send and receive funds in over 40 currencies, including GBP and NGN. 
• Pay a flat fee of £1.50—no hidden charges or rate markups.
• Complete transfers within minutes, not days.
• Rely on FCA-regulated security standards and 24/7 customer support.

Final thoughts

There are many factors to consider as a Nigerian migrating to the UK. These include the cost of living, cultural dynamics, and money transfer methods.

While the cost of living and cultural dynamics vary according to different factors such as location, lifestyle and personal needs, international money transfer has a fixed and efficient path through OhentPay.

OhentPay provides a smart way to complete international transactions quickly and at competitive rates. It offers a seamless financial experience built for today’s global citizens.

So dear Nigerian, as you prepare for life in the UK, having an app like OhentPay can make all the difference in starting strong and staying ahead.