Veteran Nigerian comedian Ali Baba has offered a revealing financial breakdown of why many Nigerians are choosing to relocate abroad in the growing "Japa" phenomenon.

During a recent appearance on the Outside The Box podcast, the comedy icon detailed how crushing infrastructure costs and security concerns are driving professionals to seek opportunities overseas.

Ali Baba shared the eye-opening story of a friend—an assistant general manager at a bank—who faces staggering quarterly expenses of approximately ₦22-23 million simply to maintain a middle-class lifestyle in Nigeria.

"He spends about ₦130,000 monthly on fuel and ₦1 million on diesel for electricity," the comedian explained, before detailing additional costs for education, security, and housing that quickly accumulate.

According to Ali Baba, his friend posed a practical question: "If I convert this, can I be doing it as a mortgage to a house I have overseas?"

The comedian highlighted stark contrasts in living conditions, noting that abroad, families benefit from reliable public schools with transportation systems, significantly reducing educational expenses. He also emphasized the peace of mind that comes with improved security.

"What is the security for children? Will anybody kidnap two of his children and come and say bring money? No," he pointed out, adding that employment prospects for graduates are typically more promising in other countries.

These financial and quality-of-life calculations, Ali Baba suggests, make the decision to "Japa" a rational economic choice for many Nigerians seeking stability and opportunity.