How Nigerians are saving for Japa without going broke at home

Many Nigerians face rent, utility bills and family obligations while aiming to cover visa fees, travel costs and initial living expenses abroad. To build a japa fund without draining daily finances, individuals use a mix of automated saving tools, extra income streams and disciplined budgeting. They also leverage community savings groups and low-risk investments to grow their funds steadily. The following strategies help savers accumulate necessary capital for emigration without falling into debt or sacrificing essential needs at home. ALSO READ: 5 signs your friend is about to japa and won’t tell you 1. Automated savings apps PiggyVest and Cowrywise allow users to schedule transfers into a dedicated savings account. After linking a bank or mobile money account and choosing a frequency daily, weekly or monthly, the app moves money automatically. This prevents impulsive spending and ensures consistent contributions toward japa goals. Higher interest rates on locked savings plans boost the fund over time. 2. Supplementary income from side hustles Taking on evening or weekend work helps grow the japa fund without cutting into the primary salary. Popular options include freelance writing, online tutoring and ride-hailing services. Earnings from these activities go directly into a separate account reserved for japa expenses. 3. Rotating savings circles (ajo or esusu) Traditional ajo or esusu groups involve a trusted circle of friends, family or colleagues contributing a fixed sum at regular intervals. Each member takes turns receiving the pooled amount to cover visa fees, tuition deposits or flight tickets. Members continue contributions until every participant has accessed the lump sum.  RECOMMENDED: Thinking of moving back to Nigeria? Here’s how to reverse-japa 4. Trimming discretionary spending Reviewing monthly expenses helps identify areas for cuts, such as frequent dining out, streaming subscriptions or impulse purchases. Redirecting money saved from these adjustments into a dedicated japa account accelerates progress. For example, preparing meals at home twice a week instead of ordering takeout can free up significant funds over several months. Small cutbacks add up, avoiding the need to compromise essential living standards. 5. Short term low risk investments Parking japa savings in treasury bills or money market funds earns interest instead of leaving funds idle. Instruments with three to six month tenors provide modest returns and keep money accessible when needed. Many fintech platforms offer high yield savings accounts that combine safety with liquidity.  6. Strategic currency conversion Because japa costs often require foreign currency, many convert small amounts of naira into dollars or euros when exchange rates are favorable. Platforms like Flutterwave and Chipper simplify currency purchases at competitive rates. Building a foreign exchange reserve gradually protects savers from sudden naira depreciation.  By combining automated savings, supplementary income, communal funding structures, careful budgeting, low risk investments and strategic currency management, Nigerians can steadily grow a japa fund while maintaining financial stability at home. Consistency, discipline and the willingness to make temporary sacrifices are key to achieving emigration goals without going broke. EXPLORE: 5 high paying jobs that will make you forget about your Japa dream