“Nigeria is Big, Nigeria is Sweet” — Nigerian Man Laments the Tiny £50 Room He Rented in London, Sparks Online Frenzy

A viral video has taken the internet by storm as a Nigerian content creator known as Remote shared his utter disappointment and frustration over the size and quality of a room he rented in London for £50, roughly equivalent to ₦100,000. The short but emotional clip, which has circulated across platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter), shows Remote stepping into what he believed would be a decent room in the UK, only to be greeted by a claustrophobic, barely-livable space that left him visibly stunned and heartbroken.

With a voice thick with disappointment and disbelief, Remote uttered the now-viral phrase: “Nigeria is big, Nigeria is sweet,” a comment that immediately resonated with thousands of Nigerians both home and abroad. The phrase, though short, encapsulated the silent thoughts of many immigrants who have faced similar realities in their quest for a better life abroad. It didn’t take long before users across social media latched onto the clip, using it to spark debates, create memes, and reflect on the sacrifices Nigerians make in the name of “japa”—the popular slang for emigrating from Nigeria in search of greener pastures.

The room in question, which Remote claimed cost him £50 per night, appeared no larger than a storage closet. It had barely enough space for a single mattress, no wardrobe, poor lighting, and a general appearance that screamed “student hostel gone wrong.” The setting looked nothing like the glossy photos often used to advertise short lets or affordable accommodations in London. Instead, it served as a harsh reminder of the realities many immigrants face—tight spaces, high costs, and a rude awakening from the dream of a better life abroad.

Remote’s reaction, though humorous to many, shed light on a deeper issue that often goes ignored. The romanticization of life in Western countries continues to lead thousands of Africans, especially young Nigerians, to leave their homeland with the hope of achieving success, only to find themselves battling isolation, expensive living standards, and cultural shock. His lament—“See where I dey sleep for £50? This one no be room, na punishment”—was as real as it was relatable.

Social media users had mixed reactions. Some empathized with Remote’s disappointment, especially Nigerians living abroad who confessed to going through even worse situations when they first arrived. Others, however, used it as a moment to mock or question the decisions people make when moving to the UK without proper planning. But amidst the jokes and hot takes, one thing was clear—Remote had unintentionally ignited a nationwide conversation about migration, expectations, and the real definition of “making it.”

In his follow-up videos, Remote tried to lighten the mood by cracking jokes about the room, dubbing it “prison deluxe” and “London cubicle suite.” But his facial expression in the original video—a mix of shock, regret, and helplessness—had already said it all. It was a familiar expression to anyone who has had to exchange comfort for survival, luxury for struggle, or pride for adaptation in a foreign land.

One X user commented, “I’m crying! This is exactly what they don’t show you on YouTube. You see vlogs of people smiling in Primark and Tesco, but this is the real London experience. Room size of a coffin, cost of a car.” Another wrote, “He paid 100k to sleep inside a shoebox. Nigeria sweet pass. At least I fit stretch my leg.”

The phrase “Nigeria is big, Nigeria is sweet” has now become more than a viral quote—it’s become a slogan. A subtle but sharp commentary on how the challenges in Nigeria sometimes pale in comparison to the sacrifices made abroad. While Nigeria has its share of economic and political issues, the sheer size of living spaces, familial support systems, and cultural familiarity often provide a sense of comfort that many find lacking in foreign countries.

The housing crisis in cities like London has long been a topic of concern. With rising demand and limited space, landlords and letting agents often charge exorbitant prices for cramped rooms, poorly maintained flats, and shared accommodations with questionable hygiene. Students, new immigrants, and low-income earners are the ones who suffer the most, forced to pay hundreds of pounds for spaces that barely pass for livable.

Back in Nigeria, ₦100,000 can still get you a fairly decent room in most parts of the country. While the cost of living is also rising, especially in cities like Lagos and Abuja, the idea of paying that amount for a room the size of a suitcase is unthinkable to many. Remote’s experience serves as a brutal reminder of how relative comfort can be—and how sometimes, in the race to escape hardship, one can unknowingly run into another kind of discomfort.

This incident also raised questions about the lack of transparent information available to many first-time travelers and immigrants. The glamour associated with relocation often overshadows the realities, and content creators sometimes paint an overly positive picture of life abroad. But videos like Remote’s offer a raw, unfiltered look into the initial shock many experience, balancing the narrative.

Despite the disappointment, Remote’s video brought laughter to thousands. His ability to turn a frustrating moment into relatable content reminded viewers of the resilience and humor Nigerians are known for. And while he might have slept in a glorified closet that night, he woke up to unexpected fame and a digital standing ovation for his honesty.

In the end, his quote will likely linger in the minds of many—“Nigeria is big, Nigeria is sweet.” A bittersweet reminder that while life in Nigeria may not always be easy, it’s familiar. It’s wide. It’s home. And sometimes, just sometimes, it’s better than paying £50 to sleep in a room where you can’t even turn without bumping into yourself.

As for Remote, fans are now asking for an update on whether he has moved to a better place. But one thing is certain—he has unknowingly become the voice of many Nigerians abroad, and his experience will not be forgotten anytime soon.

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