A Nigerian-Canadian technology professional and entrepreneur, Babatunde Yusuf, has outlined how he built a successful vehicle export business between Canada and Nigeria, whilst offering a reality check to those planning to move abroad….
A Nigerian-Canadian technology professional and entrepreneur, Babatunde Yusuf, has outlined how he built a successful vehicle export business between Canada and Nigeria, whilst offering a reality check to those planning to move abroad.
Speaking on his business venture, Mr Yusuf explained that his involvement in the motor trade began during his youth working in his father’s car dealership in Nigeria. Within six months of relocating to Canada 11 years ago, he established a cross-border car shipping enterprise. His business has since expanded from single orders to importing nearly 500 pre-ordered vehicles to Nigeria this year alone.
Addressing current vehicle prices in Nigeria, Mr Yusuf noted a modest reduction in costs compared to previous years, attributing the shift to a more stable exchange rate and recent reductions in import duties by Nigerian Customs.
Offering advice to prospective migrants considering leaving Nigeria—a trend locally termed Japa—Mr Yusuf urged individuals to prepare for significant personal and professional adjustments.
“You must be ready to start again,” Mr Yusuf warned, emphasizing that professionals such as doctors and engineers often face re-certification hurdles and financial pressures upon arrival. He noted that mandatory living costs abroad—such as rent, insurance, and utilities—require immediate employment, but stressed that resilience and consistency eventually allow migrants to rebuild their careers.
