Nigerians in Canada: Episode 1
T has been living in Canada for the past three years. He moved in 2021 with his family and settled in Ontario. According to him, “Ontario is like the 'Lagos' of Canada, with Toronto as the business capital.” I had a chat with T about his journey as a Nigerian navigating life in Canada, and here’s what he had to say.
What culture shocks did you experience in Canada?
Ah, Canadians are too polite. They have this thing about being nice all the time. It’s like a whole culture of politeness. For example, when you get to a stop sign or intersection, people are so polite that they will insist, “No, you go first!” Then you’re like, “No, you go!” It becomes this back-and-forth game of who gets to move first, and it can be a bit frustrating because no one wants to go.
And don’t get me started on their meetings. If a meeting is scheduled from 12 to 1, even if all the agenda items are done by 12:30, they will find a way to stretch that thing until 1 pm. I’m used to meetings back home where once we are done, we are out. But here, no o, they will just keep the conversation going until time’s up.
Oh, and sports? If you don’t know at least a little bit about hockey or basketball, small talk can be awkward. People here love their sports, so you kind of have to keep up, even if it’s just for school runs or random gist with colleagues.
What’s your favorite thing about living in Canada?
I’d say things are just easier to do here. If you need something or want to apply for anything, you can just go online or to the relevant office, and you will get it, no unnecessary hassle. It’s that straightforward.
Do you miss anything about Nigeria?
Honestly, no. Nigeria is stressful, abeg. The fuel wahala, no steady light, all that headache. I don’t miss any of that at all.
If you could bring one thing from Nigeria to Canada, what would it be?
Ah, that’s easy, wara! The fresh cheese the Fulani make. I haven’t found anything close to it here. If I could, I’d have that sent to me regularly.
