Julius OkorieAre you’re fed up with the hardship in Nigeria and have decided to join the japa train?
Are you like Andrew in the age long TV commercial played by late veteran actor, Enebeli Elebuwa, checking out of the country because of unbearable economic challenges? Or just in search of better life? Why not?
Join our WhatsApp ChannelRelocation Is Your Right:
You are free to do that, if you can afford it and sure of your source of livelihood while in the North American country that has remained one of biggest destination for Nigerians over the years.
At least you will not be the only one, neither will you lack company in the world’s second-largest country by total area, as reports indicate steady rise in the number of Nigerians migrating to Canada.
Canada Is Major Destination Point For Nigerians:
According to recent data, the number of Nigerians migrating to Canada has steadily risen in recent years. The number of new Nigerian permanent residents (PRs) in Canada rose from 5,445 in 2015 to 17,460 in 2023. It is recorded that in the first 4 months of 2024, the number of Nigerians arriving in Canada as new permanent residents reached 6,600, according to the country’s latest immigration data, exceeding the total annual admission of new Nigerian PRs in 2015, 2016, and 2017, and a little over the admissions in 2020 when Covid-19 halted mobility.
The figures from January to April indicate that Nigerians are fourth-largest international population with PRs in Canada in 2024 after India, Philippines, and China, who accommodate more than five times the population of the West African country.
Increase In Resident Fees Not Deterrent:
Even with the increase in resident fees on April 30, 2024 from $515 to $575 about N960,250 it has not discouraged those desirous of relocating to Canada.
READ ALSO:Canada Summer Jobs 2025: How Nigerian Students, Graduates Can Apply
So if you have decided to make that move, you will not be the first and will not be the last either. The ultimate will be to live and stay where suits you and offers you the best value in life.
However while you prepare for that relocation to your dream land, it will be wise to check with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) website before travelling, as regulations can change at any time. The desire to carry along with you foods that you are used to is always there but of course you cannot force it against the country’s prohibition list. Besides you don’t want to battle authorities over their well-intended regulations.
Ignorance Is No Excuse:
If you get caught not declaring food items, you’ll lose them and could face fines up to $1,300 and criminal prosecution. With the increasing exchange rate of the dollar to the naira, I doubt you want to sacrifice about N2.1million on preventable fine.
There have been instances some Nigerians apparently ignorant of this fact have packed some food items in their luggage only to end up giving then out to relatives who have accompanied them to the airport because those items are not allowed.
To be on the safe side, here are Nigerian foods items you are not allowed to carry with you to Canada:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
Fresh fruits like apples, oranges, and agbalumo, local pear along with leafy greens and herbs, are banned. Authorities believe these items can carry pests and plant diseases.
- Nuts and seeds
Raw peanuts, cashews, and sunflower seeds are banned to prevent pest infestations. However, roasted, salted, or processed nuts are generally permitted
- Eggs and egg products
Raw eggs and egg-based products such as custards and mayonnaise are not allowed due to the risk of salmonella and bird flu transmission.
- Honey and bee products
Raw honey, bee pollen, and royal jelly are restricted because they can carry bacteria and diseases harmful to local bee populations. Processed honey from approved sources may be allowed in limited quantities.
- Meat and Its derivatives
Canada strictly prohibits most meat products, including fresh, dried, smoked, or cured meats like kilishi, ponmo, sausages, and bacon. Even meat-based seasonings and broths are not allowed. These rules authorities insist, help prevent the spread of diseases.
6 Fish and seafood
Fresh or frozen seafood without proper certification is banned. The restriction helps prevent contamination from bacteria and marine toxins.Dried catfish, crayfish, and herring are however permitted.
- Homemade or unlabelled foods:
Homemade meals, unlabelled snacks, and repackaged food items are not allowed. Only factory-sealed, clearly labelled food products from recognised brands can pass through checks.
- Dairy products:
Powdered milk, fresh milk, cheese, butter, and yoghurt are not allowed without special permits. The restrictions are aimed at protecting the country against diseases.
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
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