Why I Moved Back to Nigeria—and Why I Stay

I am often asked this question, and I can certainly say that what brought me back is not what keeps me in Nigeria today.

I decided to move to Nigeria in 2012, at a time when the country was thriving. The economy was stable, and businesses were flourishing with abundant opportunities. My friends in Nigeria were enjoying significant profits from their ventures while also achieving a work-life balance—something that seemed elusive to me as a business owner in the U.S. My father, who had relocated back to Nigeria after paying his “last child’s” school fees (which was me) in the U.S., strongly encouraged me to move back.

I saw relocating as a win-win opportunity: increasing my earning potential, achieving the work-life balance I couldn't find in the U.S., and reconnecting with my Yoruba culture.

However, by the time I finally made the move at the end of 2015—after spending two years wrapping up my affairs in the U.S.—the situation in Nigeria had changed drastically. The first year of the Buhari administration brought significant economic challenges, including a major decline in the value of the naira and a slowing economy. I remember arriving and feeling like everyone had misrepresented the reality of Nigeria to me.

Now, after nine years, I am still here—yet to see the stability I initially expected and yet to experience the profits I had hoped for. The unpredictability of the economy, inflation, and currency devaluation have all posed significant challenges.

However, what keeps me in Nigeria is my unwavering optimism. Despite the uncertainty, I believe that the struggles and efforts of the past years have been purposeful and meaningful. More than anything, it’s my mindset that keeps me here. I committed myself to running a business in Nigeria without fully understanding the challenges ahead, but each day, I grow more confident that I can achieve the goals I set for myself.

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Reach out to Seyi Oyenuga to learn more about his journey and his company, Atman Corp.