A Nigerian man has stirred widespread conversation on social media after issuing a passionate warning to Nigerians living abroad about the dangers of investing heavily in houses back home rather than focusing on their lives in their new countries.
In a viral post shared by @joebrendan on X (formerly Twitter), the man reflected on his father’s personal experience to highlight how building expensive homes in Nigeria can turn into a financial and emotional regret over time.
He explained that many Nigerians abroad make the same mistake — striving tirelessly, working multiple jobs, and saving every penny just to build houses in Nigeria that they hardly ever occupy.
“Please if you’ve relocated to the UK, US, or Canada and you plan to raise your family there, stop the habit of buying houses in Abuja and Lagos unless it’s purely for investment purposes,” he wrote. “Focus instead on securing your comfort where you actually live.”
The man went further to say that many in the diaspora are unknowingly sacrificing their quality of life abroad just to impress people back home, investing huge sums in buildings that will eventually be abandoned.
“Most of you are putting all your money into houses you will only sleep in for two weeks out of 52. Your children will most likely never live there. By the time they grow up, they will see no reason to return permanently to Nigeria,” he cautioned.
Sharing his family’s own experience, the man recalled that his late father had spent years building a large house in their hometown, but after his passing, it now stands empty and unused.
“My dad built a massive home in the village. Today, the house is empty. None of us lives there. He himself eventually preferred to stay somewhere else. That entire project became a waste of time, energy, and millions of naira,” he wrote.
He urged Nigerians abroad to rethink their priorities, advising them to channel their hard-earned income into building stability and comfort in the countries where they currently reside.
“Invest in properties where you live, not where you left. A house you’ll visit for two weeks a year isn’t worth your sweat. Your life should be about growth, comfort, and purpose — not trying to please traditions or people who barely care,” he concluded.
His message has since gone viral, with many Nigerians in the diaspora expressing mixed reactions — while some agreed with his perspective on prioritising financial security abroad, others insisted that owning property in Nigeria remains an important legacy and cultural pride.
The debate continues to trend across platforms, sparking deeper discussions on financial literacy, generational change, and how Nigerians abroad define “home” in today’s world.