LAGOS — Reality TV star and influencer, Tacha Akide, has stirred widespread debate on social media following her remarks about the perceived financial hardship faced by many Nigerians living in the United Kingdom.
In a video shared online, the former Big Brother Naija housemate, who now resides in the UK, challenged the popular belief that Nigerians abroad are financially better off than those in Nigeria. She said many Nigerians in the UK are barely surviving due to the high cost of living, and in some cases, live less comfortably than their counterparts at home.
Tacha stated that most people in Nigeria wrongly assume that life abroad is easier or wealthier. She noted that from her experience, this is not the case.
“You see those of you always having inferiority complex in Nigeria, thinking everyone here is rich, most people here are broke. The most broke people I have met are actually the people I met in the UK. Everyone is holding themselves. It is expensive,” she said.
She cautioned those planning to relocate not to do so with the assumption that life abroad is automatically better. According to her, expenses in the UK are often overwhelming, citing transportation costs and basic living needs as major challenges.
“Trust me when I tell you that the living situation here is not rosy. In fact, most people in Nigeria are living better off than people actually living here. So if you want to move, go ahead, but not with the mentality of ‘oh, it’s all rosy.’ You see yourself spending 300k on a freaking taxi in a freaking day, 1 million on a car in a week unless you want to use the train. Think about your decision,” she warned.
Her remarks sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, with many users weighing in on the realities of living abroad versus the expectations held by those back home.
@oluchiafundu wrote, “She is saying the truth 100%.”
@okunenyeife commented, “Anyone you see in UK walking and doing content as a track nation first is a JJC, body still dey sweet them, secondly they have not found a real purpose.”
@iammaryam_raz said, “We never hear word since Tacha come UK.”
@e.f.e.m.e.n.a_kylian wrote, “They are broke but they have basic amenities. Do not compare it to us that still shout UP NEPA.”
@godwinrealest commented, “No wonder my uncle lived there for 25 years with nothing to write home about.”
@joyaustin4743 said, “You all care so much about money without quality of life. How and what is the quality of life of those in Naija with all the money?”
Tacha’s comments have added to the ongoing conversation about the realities of migration and the economic pressures many Nigerians face abroad.
