In a world stitched closer by technology, you might think the pain of being away from home is easier to bear. Thanks to Zoom calls, WhatsApp chats, and endless video calls, Nigerians and Africans in the diaspora can see and speak to loved ones whenever they want. Yet, homesickness remains a stubborn shadow—deeper and more complex than just missing family or craving the familiar taste of jollof rice.
For many abroad, the struggle goes beyond sending money back home or achieving financial success. While the naira sent monthly to parents, siblings, or friends brings relief and hope, it cannot replace the warmth of a shared laugh around a dinner table or the comfort of the village’s evening breeze. Zoom meetings can’t replicate the spontaneous hugs, the vibrant street chatter, or the communal celebrations that define home.
The pandemic showed us just how much technology helps, but it also highlighted what it can never replace. Those frozen screens and pixelated faces remind us of the invisible distance—time zones apart, lost cultural cues, and the ache of missing milestones like weddings, funerals, and birthdays in person. Many diaspora Nigerians speak openly about a “Zoom fatigue” — the emotional toll of countless virtual meetings that offer connection but leave them feeling hollow.
Psychologists say homesickness is more than nostalgia. It is a deep longing for identity, belonging, and physical space tied to personal history. Diaspora communities wrestle with this while adapting to new cultures, facing racism, and often working multiple jobs to survive. The emotional labour involved is immense and rarely spoken about outside intimate circles.
What’s more, the mental health support for immigrants and expatriates is often inadequate. Many suffer in silence, fearing stigma or misunderstanding. Conversations about homesickness are sometimes brushed off as weakness or a lack of resilience. But these feelings are very real and deserve attention—not just from families and friends but from governments and support organisations.
There is no perfect solution. But recognising that homesickness is not just about missing home food or people, but about the entire fabric of identity and belonging, is a step forward. Community groups, cultural associations, and online platforms can offer spaces for shared stories and emotional support beyond money transfers and Skype calls.
As we navigate the digital age, we must remember: no screen can fully capture the warmth of home. For the millions who live far from their roots, it’s time we look beyond the economic narratives and address the heart of diaspora struggles — the human need to belong.
