Houston has solidified its reputation as the "baby Lagos," serving as home to more than 60,000 Nigerians who have transformed the Texas city into the most Nigerian-populated hub in the United States. This demographic evolution began during the late 1960s as a result of the Biafran War, which led many families to seek a better life in an environment that felt geographically and economically familiar. Through his investigative lens, Kemoy Martin explores how the city’s tropical weather and booming oil and tech sectors mirrored the industrial heart of Nigeria, attracting professionals in medicine, engineering, and business. The success of this diaspora is anchored by local leadership and institutions like Unity National Bank, which stands as the only Black-owned bank in Texas. Managed by a team including Executive Vice President Kwami Encrimain and chaired by Nigerian entrepreneur Dr. K Law, the bank oversees $250 million in assets and focuses on building wealth and ownership within the local African and African American communities.
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The entrepreneurial spirit of the community is further highlighted through Kemoy Martin’s visits to cultural staples that prioritize authenticity over convenience. At Famous Princess African Kitchen, Chef Olu Johnson maintains her Ondo State roots by serving "real" pounded yam made without the use of flour, emphasizing a rigorous work ethic as the prerequisite for enjoying the fruits of American life. This dedication to quality is shared by Jamai Gaji, the CEO of Suya on the Spot, who imports approximately 400 kilograms of suya spice every week from his factory in Abuja to ensure his customers experience the true flavor of Northern Nigerian Street food. Both business owners stress to those abroad that Houston is a welcoming "entrepreneurial community" where success is possible for those willing to work relentlessly.
Retail giants like Wazobia Market also play a pivotal role in maintaining the cultural fabric of the city by providing a high-end shopping experience for West African goods. Founder Tunde Fashion, who established the market in 2013, explains that Nigerians naturally gravitate to Houston because it is the "oil capital of the world," a perfect match for the "oil giant of Africa". Fashion suggests that the presence of familiar faces and the availability of authentic food make Houston a true "home away from home". Through his documentation of these diverse sectors—from finance to grocery retail—Kemoy Martin illustrates that Nigerians have moved beyond simple residency to actively constructing the very infrastructure that defines modern Houston. This community-led control of capital and culture ensures that the city remains a sanctuary for both newcomers and established families alike.
