A Nigerian lawyer, Bolanle Cole, has advised Nigerians planning to relocate to the United Kingdom to be deliberate in choosing their destination, warning that not every part of the UK offers the same opportunities or cost of living.
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Cole said many Nigerians make the mistake of assuming that life in the UK is uniform, noting that experiences vary widely depending on location, job market and personal finances.
He explained that while Greater London remains attractive for careers in finance, technology, law, media and healthcare, the high cost of rent and living often puts intense pressure on new migrants, adding that survival in the city requires careful planning.
Cole described cities such as Manchester and Birmingham as more balanced options, pointing to relatively affordable housing and steady job opportunities in sectors including media, engineering, manufacturing and finance, while cautioning newcomers to prepare for cultural differences and regional accents.
According to him, Scotland, particularly Edinburgh and Glasgow, offers lower living costs, scenic environments and opportunities in finance, tourism and renewable energy, although adapting to the local accent may be challenging for newcomers.
He also highlighted cities such as Leeds, Bristol, Bath, Liverpool and Newcastle as viable alternatives, citing affordability, growing job markets and lifestyle advantages, while warning that colder weather in northern cities can be demanding.
Cole further drew attention to Wales and Northern Ireland, describing them as “hidden gems” with lower rent, peaceful environments and emerging opportunities in technology, finance and digital innovation.
The lawyer stressed that relocation decisions should be guided by career goals, budget and long-term survival plans, rather than the desire to simply leave Nigeria, popularly referred to as “japa”.
He urged intending migrants to weigh their options carefully before travelling, noting that relocation choices are difficult to reverse once made, especially in the early years abroad.
