Today, earning in dollars is the best way to sustain yourself financially in Nigeria. For instance, earning $1000 a month is much better than earning #300,000 a month. In fact, very few Nigerian companies pay that high. Earning in dollars is the best way to support the family, escape the harsh economy and finally live a comfortable life without worrying about inflation. One thing is clear, Nigerians are done settling for less, thanks to the breakthrough of international work and remote skills.
This, however, comes with a major dilemma: choosing between remote work and relocation. Both options offer the chance to work for foreign companies and earn good money, but the paths and benefits are very different. If you’re trying to figure out which one is right for you, this article is exactly what you need to guide you through the process, advantages and disadvantages of both sides.
What is Remote Work?
Remote work simply means working for a foreign company (in the US, Canada, etc.) from your home here in Nigeria and getting paid in a foreign currency. You don’t need to leave the country, go through immigration stress and uproot your life. Everything happens online: interviews, onboarding, the actual job and payment. There are a lot of online payment platforms that make it easy for a Nigerian to receive dollars from another country without needing to open a domicile account.
The Pros of Remote Work
1. No Need to Relocate: Landing a remote job is the easiest way to earn in dollars. You can stay in Nigeria and still earn abroad-level income. That means no visa wahala, flight costs or culture shock.
2. Lower Expenses: You’re not paying for rent or buying food in Canadian dollars. You’re earning in dollars but spending in naira. This gives you a complete financial advantage.
3. Easier Entry: Some remote jobs don’t need degrees or heavy certifications. At best you just need to take some online courses and training to acquire the skills. If you can do the job well (especially in tech, writing, customer service), you’re in.
4. Time Freedom: Remote jobs often come with flexible schedules. If you’re good at time management, you can even do two roles or freelance on the side. You can even juggle your remote work with your current employment without having to quit your job.
The Cons of Remote Work
1. Power and Internet Problems: NEPA and inconsistent data can frustrate your productivity. You will need to invest in generators, solar panels, power banks, modems and backup networks.
2. No Visa Status or Relocation Support: Many remote jobs don’t offer visa sponsorships or immigration pathways. You’ll be earning in dollars but staying put here. You will still be dealing with Nigerian problems while cashing in dollars.
3. Isolation and Burnout: Working alone from your room daily can get lonely and some employers expect you to always be online. The flexible work hours of remote work can make you work round the clock to earn more and cause serious burnout, making it hard to enjoy the dollars you are making.
4. Currency Instability: If you’re paid in dollars but spend in naira, exchange rate changes can affect how much you actually have. What $100 can buy today may buy less tomorrow if the naira falls again and causes inflation. Earning in dollars is not 100% protection from inflation if you are still living in Nigeria.
What About Relocation?
Relocation means physically moving to countries like Canada, the US, etc. Relocation is usually done through a work visa, study route or migration program. You live and work there full-time. Relocation can be temporary or permanent depending on the nature of the job and visa.
The Pros of Relocation
1. Stable Environment: Better infrastructure, healthcare, job systems, and rule of law. You are living in a system where things work better, the government is functioning and everything doesn’t seem to be against you.
2. Permanent Residency Opportunities: Many countries (especially Canada through PNPs) allow you to transition from a worker to a permanent resident or even a citizen. Basically, job relocation is a good japa route for Nigerians.
3. Family Benefits: Schooling for your kids, quality healthcare and the ability to reunite with family. Access to better amenities gives both you and your family a better quality of life.
4. Career Growth: You can build an international career, earn high salaries and expand your network globally. You earn well, live comfortably, skill up and climb higher when you are no longer just working to survive.
The Cons of Relocation
1. High Cost of Entry: Visa fees, flight tickets, accommodation deposits and settlement funds can cost millions of naira. Not everyone can afford this. The cost of living is also high abroad, giving you less net income after expenses.
2. Long Process: You might spend 6–12 months just processing your visa or waiting for job offers. Which can cost you a lot of potential earnings you can make from just working from home. Getting a job remotely is easier.
3. Emotional Stress: Homesickness, cultural adjustments, discrimination and even harsh weather can make it hard to adapt. On the surface, japaing is exciting but as a Nigerian, you may face some adjustment issues that can lead to depression.
4. Gatekeeping & Skill Gaps: Some roles require local certifications or language exams and not every Nigerian certificate is recognised. You may have to take another degree or spend a lot of money taking TOEFL or IELTS to prove your proficiency in English.
Remote Work vs Relocation: The Key Differences
While both options can help you earn dollars, remote work and relocation come with very different realities.
With remote work, you get to stay in Nigeria while working for foreign companies. There’s no need for a visa, and the startup cost is low, usually just a laptop, stable Internet and a quiet workspace. You earn in dollars but spend in naira, which can give you a major financial advantage if you manage your income well. However, you will still be subject to Nigeria’s inconsistent infrastructure and won’t have access to the immigration benefits or long-term residency options that come with physically living abroad.
On the other hand, relocation means you’ll move permanently or semi-permanently to another country like Canada or the U.S. You’ll need a visa, pass eligibility checks and cover higher initial costs like flight tickets and settlement funds. But once you’re there, you’ll live a soft life, benefit from stable infrastructure, gain global career exposure, receive good healthcare and have the possibility of getting permanent residency or even citizenship. It’s a longer, more expensive path with higher long-term rewards.
The decision really comes down to your current financial situation, goals and readiness to take on either path.
Choose Remote Work If…
- You want to start earning in dollars quickly without going through a visa process.
- You can’t afford relocation costs right now like proof of funds, flight tickets or visa application fees.
- You’re still testing the waters and want to gain international experience before making a permanent move.
- You have strong digital or remote-friendly skills (like writing, design, marketing, programming, customer support, etc.).
- You prefer the flexibility of working from home and avoiding the cultural shock adjustment issues that can come with relocation.
- You want to build a portfolio or remote work experience that can boost your chances of getting sponsored for relocation in the future.
Choose Relocation If…
- You’re looking for long-term stability, permanent residency or even citizenship abroad.
- You want to escape the harsh Nigerian reality like constant power outages, inflation, or insecurity.
- You’re in a profession that requires physical presence (like healthcare, construction or factory jobs).
- You want your children or family members to access better education and healthcare.
- You have enough funds or a job offer with relocation support and you’re ready to settle abroad.
- You feel that relocation is the clean break you need to restart your life and career.
Both Paths Lead to Dollars, The Best Path Depends on You
Whether it’s working from your room in Lagos or walking into an office in Toronto, earning in dollars is now within reach for Nigerians. The path may be confusing but don’t let doubt hold you back.
At TIMSE Consulting Agency, we’ve helped Nigerians land remote jobs and relocate through legit work visa routes. We have the resources, guides and expert support to make the right decision and help you get there.
Visit WorkAbroad.com.ng today to start your journey.
Your path to earning dollars is here.
References
1. Remocate. “Remote vs. Relocation: Which Path is Right for You?” https://www.remocate.app/blog/remote-vs-relocation-which-path-is-right-for-you
2. AAB Group. “Navigating Relocation versus Remote Working: A Comprehensive Comparison.”
https://ipm.global/2024/05/01/navigating-relocation-versus-remote-working-a-comprehensive-comparison