Everyone talks about japa like it’s a straight road to freedom. But what happens when that road leads you away from a business you’ve built from scratch? For many Nigerian entrepreneurs, the decision to relocate abroad comes with a silent heartbreak: leaving their hustle behind.
The Part No One Talks About
You started something. A salon. A bakery. A boutique. Maybe even a logistics service. You put in the hours, faced NEPA cuts, fought dollar fluctuations, grew your customer base, and finally became “your own boss.”
Now, you’ve got a visa. Maybe a job offer. Maybe an admission. But with that joy comes a serious question: What happens to your business?
Too many people leave without a plan. Months later, they find out their shop was closed, employees left, or their cousin diverted funds. The hustle dies silently.
The 3 Roads You Can Take
If you’re planning to japa and you own a business, you have three real options:
1. Shut It Down (Strategically)
This is painful but practical for certain businesses. If your model depends heavily on your physical presence, it might be wiser to sell off inventory, cancel your lease, and end well with your customers and vendors. Leave with dignity, not confusion.
2. Hand It Over (With Systems in Place)
You could appoint a trusted family member or staff to continue the business. But don’t just “hand over.” Train. Create structure. Introduce accountability. Use tools like WhatsApp Business, remote cameras, or inventory apps to stay connected.
3. Run It Remotely (If It’s Digital or Scalable)
If you sell online, offer services, or run a product-based business with delivery, relocation might not kill your hustle. In fact, it could take it global. Invest in automation, e-commerce platforms, and reliable staff. Consider a country where you can legally operate a foreign branch.
Think About Your Business Type
Not all businesses can travel with you. Hair salons, brick-and-mortar boutiques, or food outlets require local operations. But online fashion brands, consulting services, and logistics firms can scale internationally.
Do a SWOT analysis. Can your business survive your absence? Can it evolve abroad?
Legal and Financial Matters
Before you leave:
- Clear debts or renegotiate them
- Inform vendors and customers if you’re pausing or handing over
- Keep business bank accounts and CAC registration active if you’re not shutting down
- If you’re scaling abroad, understand tax laws and business registration in your destination country
Final Word: Don’t Ghost Your Hustle
Your business deserves closure or continuity. Don’t abandon it with the hope that “God will take control.”
With proper planning, your hustle can live on—even thrive—after you japa. And Loyalty Travels and Logistics Ltd is here to help you think beyond just flights and visas. We care about the whole journey.