Canada, a top destination for many Nigerian migrants, is the second-largest country in the world after Russia with its cities renowned for their warm hospitality and breathtaking natural beauty.
While it is not only the second-largest country in the world, it also has welcoming immigration policies, diverse cities, and strong Nigerian communities.
From job prospects to lifestyle preferences, Canada is a place most Nigerian migrants move to because of established Nigerian communities that provide a sense of belonging and cultural connection.
Here are the five top Canadian cities preferred by Nigerians and the reasons behind the preference:
Toronto: Toronto is known for its large number of Nigerian healthcare professionals and high expense of living, particularly in terms of housing, but the city rewards its residents with an outstanding public transportation system, top-tier healthcare, and high-quality educational facilities.
Ethnic minorities make up half of the population of Toronto. Due to its multiculturalism and variety, the city is a great place for Nigerians to assimilate because it has many Nigerian eateries, cultural events, and organizations.
Calgary: In addition to being the Canadian city with the most sunlight hours, Calgary is well-known for its booming oil and gas industry. These attributes draw many Nigerian professionals in engineering, energy, and related fields.
Calgary has a lower cost of living than Toronto and is more family-friendly, with great public services and a rising Nigerian community. This is an ideal location for Nigerian expats seeking a blend of career development and a vibrant community life.
Edmonton: Edmonton is known for its warm and connected Nigerian community, and its affordability, along with outstanding public facilities and schools, attracts both families and talented workers. The city has a job market that appeals to Nigerian professionals, especially those in engineering, healthcare, and information technology. Edmonton has more than thirty festivals a year.
Ottawa: Nigerians prefer Ottawa, the capital of Canada, over Toronto because it has excellent job opportunities in public services, technology, and government and offers a more laid-back atmosphere. The community plays a vital role in helping newcomers from Nigeria to adapt to their new surroundings through a sense of familiarity and friendliness.
Ottawa has a friendly Nigerian community, a wide range of cultural experiences, and a great balance of employment opportunities.
Vancouver: Vancouver’s distinctive business opportunities, especially in the commerce, film, and technology industries, are a major appeal for Nigerians. The city is attractive despite its high cost of living because of its vibrant, multinational culture and convenient access to outdoor activities.
Credit: Vanguard News.