Scenes from Nigeria’s holiday periods could easily be the script of a film: emotional reunions at airport terminals, champagne flowing in luxury clubs, and A-list Afrobeats artists lighting up stages to packed crowds across the country.

This is when the diaspora—nicknamed I Just Got Back (IJGB)—returns to their homeland. But these visitors bring more than just souvenirs—they bring a sharp reminder of Nigeria's deepening class divide.

The Rise of the 'IJGB' Culture

When the IJGBs return, they often switch between Western accents and local Pidgin, their wallets bolstered by favourable exchange rates, and their presence fuels the economy. However, this surge in wealth and consumer activity only highlights a painful truth for many locals.

Nigerians who earn in the local naira currency find themselves increasingly shut out of their own cities, particularly in economic hubs like Lagos and the capital, Abuja, where costs soar during festive periods.

In Lagos, especially during Detty December—the festive season around Christmas and New Year—locals feel the pinch the hardest. “It’s almost unliveable,” says a radio presenter based in Lagos.

Traffic becomes unbearable, businesses cater more to those with foreign influence, and prices inflate across the board. The influx of IJGBs exacerbates the city's already expensive living conditions, leaving many questioning whether the presence of the diaspora is helping bridge the growing class divide or deepening it further.

The Economic Divide in Nigeria

Nigeria’s wealth gap is vast, despite the country being one of Africa's largest economies and an oil-rich nation. Recent statistics are striking: the top 10% of the population own over 60% of the country’s wealth, and a similar percentage takes home 42% of the income.

Meanwhile, 87 million Nigerians live below the poverty line—making it the world’s second-largest poor population after India, according to the World Bank.

Sociologist Martins Ifeanacho notes that this class divide has worsened since Nigeria’s independence in 1960. He believes the political elite, driven by greed, has kept ordinary Nigerians trapped in a cycle of economic hardship.

“We have a political system that prioritizes wealth accumulation to capture power, leaving the masses to struggle,” he tells the BBC.

Social Mobility and Perceptions of Wealth

In Nigeria, wealth isn’t just about money—it’s about access, status, and perception. The presence of IJGBs often serves as a symbol of success that highlights the country's class structure.

A Lagos radio presenter recalls how diners at local restaurants are treated differently depending on the car they arrive in—those driving luxury vehicles are quickly attended to, while those in more modest cars, like a Kia, might be ignored.

Social mobility in Nigeria is challenging, especially for those from working-class backgrounds. For many young Nigerians, the only viable option for a better life is to leave the country. The World Bank highlights that weak job creation and limited entrepreneurial opportunities are forcing millions of Nigerians, especially the youth, to emigrate.

The 'Japa' Phenomenon

This exodus has given rise to the term Japa, a Yoruba word meaning "to escape." A 2022 survey found that at least 70% of young Nigerians would relocate if given the chance. Studying abroad remains the most common route, though it’s costly—requiring tens of thousands of dollars for tuition, travel, and accommodation.

Lulu Okwara, a 28-year-old recruitment officer who moved to the UK to study finance, shares her experience of returning home as one of the #IJGBs. “There’s immense pressure to succeed,” she says. “It’s success or nothing. There’s no room for failure.” She adds that returning home during the holidays often feels like a triumph, as many people from her hometown treat her as a hero for having "made it" abroad.

The Role of Perceived Wealth in Nigeria’s Class System

For many IJGBs, there’s also the pressure to maintain a certain image of success. Whether it’s adopting a Western accent or flashing expensive brands, showing off can be a form of social currency. Sociologist Ifeanacho recalls how even pastors have been known to fake American accents, surprising people who learn they’ve never left Nigeria.

In some cases, however, the facade of success may be just that—a facade. Bizzle Osikoya, the owner of The Plug Entertainment, a company that hosts live music events, recounts how some IJGBs attended his events only to dispute their payments after returning to countries like the US and Canada. This trend reflects the desperation to maintain a facade of wealth in a society where outward appearances often dictate one's social standing.

The Future of Nigeria’s Class Divide

As #DettyDecember and other holiday periods highlight Nigeria’s economic disparities, many Nigerians are left to wonder whether the presence of IJGBs will bridge the wealth gap or further entrench it. With so much of the country’s wealth concentrated among a small elite, opportunities for upward mobility remain out of reach for many. For now, the allure of the IJGB lifestyle—filled with luxury, success, and glamour—continues to fuel a complex social narrative about wealth, status, and opportunity in Nigeria.

#IJGB #DettyDecember #Japa