A fresh debate has erupted within the Nigerian diaspora after UK-based professional Folowosere Adeboye shared contrasting quotations he received for the same service from two contractors — one British and one Nigerian.

According to Adeboye, the British contractor quoted £2,800, while the Nigerian contractor’s quotation came in at £4,950, despite covering the same scope of work, materials and responsibilities.
Sharing the experience on X, Adeboye questioned the popular expectation that Nigerians abroad should always prioritise patronising fellow Nigerians, asking pointedly: “If you were in my shoes, what would you do?”

The post quickly drew widespread reactions, reopening a long-running conversation within diaspora communities about pricing, value, professionalism and emotional pressure around “supporting your own”.
Mixed reactions from the diaspora

Several respondents argued that nationality should not override fairness or competence. One user, Awelewa, said support should never mean overpaying, stressing that “same job, same materials, fair pricing matters more than nationality”.

Others shared personal experiences of what they described as overpricing or poor service from Nigerian-owned businesses abroad. Comments ranged from high food prices at Nigerian restaurants to unfavourable encounters with Nigerian artisans, drivers and service providers in the UK.

Some contributors went further, describing what they saw as entitlement or poor customer service, with one commenter stating that certain Nigerian service providers often behave “like they are doing you a favour”.

However, not all responses blamed individuals. A number of commenters urged a more nuanced view, noting that Nigerian artisans abroad often face unique financial pressures, including extended family responsibilities and lack of access to cheaper credit or business support systems.

One respondent suggested that pricing differences could also reflect hidden variables such as insurance, logistics, overheads, experience or stress levels, advising clients to compare profiles carefully and negotiate rather than generalise.

A broader issue beyond pricing
The discussion highlights a deeper tension within diaspora communities: the balance between solidarity and sustainability.

While many Nigerians abroad express a desire to uplift one another economically, others argue that true support must be mutual — built on transparency, professionalism and competitive pricing — rather than emotional obligation.

Some participants pointed out that the UK market operates largely on cost-efficiency rather than sentiment, warning that emotional purchasing decisions can lead to resentment and financial strain.
Others emphasised personal choice, with one commenter stating bluntly that individuals owe no one an explanation for how they spend their money in an open market.

An unresolved conversation
As reactions continue, the debate remains unresolved. What is clear, however, is that the question goes beyond a single quotation. It reflects ongoing concerns about trust, value, cultural expectations and economic realities among Nigerians navigating life and business abroad.

For many, the consensus appears to be shifting towards a simple principle: support should be earned through fairness and competence, not demanded through shared identity.