Ali Baba Reveals Rising Trend of Nigerians Liquidating Investments to Leave the Country

 Veteran Nigerian comedian Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome, widely known as Ali Baba, has highlighted a concerning trend: many Nigerians are now liquidating their investments to emigrate.

During an appearance on Channels TV’s Sunrise programme, Ali Baba noted that numerous individuals in the entertainment industry have left Nigeria in recent years. He pointed out that many of those leaving could have adapted to Nigeria’s current economic challenges given their talents and opportunities.

“When I said unpredictable, I meant that some events are catching people off guard,” he explained. “People are now dipping into their savings, if they have any, and trying to manage their resources.”

Ali Baba recounted how, from January until now, out of ten people he believed would not leave the country, many have surprised him by moving abroad. “Between January and now, out of ten people that I thought would not leave, you hear later that they have relocated. They just call and say, ‘I’ve not been around,’ and when you ask when they’re coming back, they say they’re not.”

He specifically mentioned that four comedians and many others in the entertainment sector have emigrated. “It’s disheartening because these individuals had the potential and opportunities to thrive in Nigeria’s economy,” he added.

Ali Baba shared a personal story about a friend who left the country to provide a better life for his children. “A friend of mine left two days after Valentine’s Day. We had a party, everything seemed fine, and then in May, he called me saying he left on February 16.”

His friend explained that the high cost of raising his three children in Nigeria prompted the move. He believed that relocating would alleviate educational expenses and offer his children a better future. “If you raise your children to 21 or 22 and still have to support them, it’s better to move to a society where they can start taking care of themselves by 18 or 20. Additionally, after a few years, they can gain dual citizenship, opening up more opportunities for them.”

Ali Baba’s insights shed light on the difficult choices many Nigerians face as they navigate economic uncertainty and seek better prospects for their families.