Nigerians living in Canada often discuss this topic among ourselves: where would we like to retire in our old age — Nigeria or Canada?
I decided to write about this after reading someone else’s piece on the subject. In it, the writer carefully outlined the advantages and disadvantages of retiring in both countries. He eventually concluded that he would spend part of the year in Canada and part in Nigeria — perhaps summer in Canada and winter in Nigeria. Many people would probably choose this option. After all, it offers the best of both worlds.
However, I think that conclusion does not fully take into account the travel limitations that come with old age.
Some years ago, I met a U.S. Green Card holder in Nigeria who was in his 80s. He told me that his body could no longer cope with the long-distance travel between the United States and Nigeria. He said he was planning one final trip to America to say goodbye to his children and grandchildren. After that, if they wanted to see him, they would have to come to Nigeria.
He went on to describe how many of his friends in the U.S. were struggling with various medical conditions. Some had even been advised to stop driving because of their health challenges. In contrast, he was still active in Nigeria. He had a driver, attended social events, and was busy chairing weddings and community functions.
Last week here in Canada, I met a 76-year-old immigrant who shared a similar perspective. He told me that he no longer felt physically capable of making the trip back to his country of birth. At a certain age, traveling simply takes a heavier toll on the body.
I guess my point is this: eventually, the idea of traveling back and forth between both countries will come to an end. Reality will set in, and many of us will be forced to make a final choice.
Do we remain in Canada and enjoy world-class healthcare, good infrastructure, security, the rule of law, and proximity to our children and grandchildren? Do we continue to endure the long winters, high taxes, high living costs, increasing loneliness, and perhaps one day, the possibility of moving into a nursing home?
Or do we return to Nigeria, where we can be surrounded by extended family, childhood friends, familiar culture, healthier and fresher foods, religious and community activities, weddings, age-grade meetings, and the vibrant social interactions that many of us grew up with? At the same time, we must contend with challenges such as insecurity, weaker infrastructure, healthcare concerns, and a less predictable legal and governance environment.
Please do not get me wrong. There are many retirees in both Canada and Nigeria who are genuinely happy with their choices. In fact, I know of families where spouses hold completely different views on the matter. Some couples even end up living separately because one prefers Nigeria while the other prefers Canada. Ultimately, it is a deeply personal decision.
There is also a third option that is becoming increasingly attractive to some people. Rather than choosing between Canada and Nigeria, some retirees are relocating to — or seriously considering — third countries that offer a blend of the advantages of both. Certain Caribbean countries, for example, provide warm weather, a slower pace of life, lower living costs than Canada, and relative proximity to North America. For some, these destinations offer a compromise between access to modern amenities and the relaxed lifestyle often associated with retirement. Whether this option will gain wider popularity among Nigerians remains to be seen, but it is certainly becoming part of the conversation.
The choice is not an easy one.
Sometimes, I feel that we belong to a sandwiched generation — caught between two worlds, two homes, and two sets of people we love.
Our parents, siblings, extended family members, childhood friends, and many of our fondest memories are in Nigeria. Yet our children, grandchildren, healthcare systems, pensions, investments, and much of our future are increasingly tied to Canada.
Many of us left Nigeria in search of opportunities and a better future for our families. In many respects, we achieved that goal. Our children have built their lives here, and our grandchildren may know Canada as the only home they have ever known. Yet a significant part of us remains emotionally connected to Nigeria — the place where our stories began.
The difficult reality is that there may come a day when age, health, or circumstance forces a final decision. The annual trips will become less frequent. The long flights will become more exhausting. What is today an interesting discussion among friends may one day become one of the most important decisions of our retirement years.
Perhaps there is no universally correct answer.
The best place to retire ultimately depends on what each person values most: family, healthcare, community, security, cost of living, familiarity, independence, or peace of mind.
For now, many of us are fortunate enough to enjoy the luxury of having one foot in both countries. Others are exploring entirely different destinations that may offer the balance they seek. But eventually, most of us will have to decide where we want to spend the chapter of life when comfort, companionship, care, and dignity matter most.
And the older I get, the less certain I become about what the right answer is.
As for me, I am still thinking about it.
*Johnson Babalola* is a Canadian lawyer
