How Nigeria Can Harness The “Japa” Syndrome for Shared Prosperity

By Adebayo Ogunnusi Posted/ June 18, 2025

The global economic downturn of many nations has resulted to human movements from less thriving countries to economically strong or stable nations, in search of better opportunities to live a comfortable life. Many citizens of some South American countries moved in controlled but illegal bands into the United States of America, in what became known as Caravans.

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It seems that is a new reality here in Nigeria, as thousands of youths and professionals are besieging our immigration offices to obtain the international passport that will enable them to travel out. Many are increasingly seeking to escape the challenging liquidity squeeze and gloomy economic scenario, to several European, Asian, North American and even smaller countries for better opportunities, a move that has become a national singsong aptly called ‘Japa’.

The term “Japa,” is a definitive derivation of the Yoruba language of Nigeria, which simply means to “to run” or “flee” or ‘vamoose’ or ‘escape’ depending on the circumstantial relative of usage. But generally, it has colloquially come to signify the growing trend of migration Nigerians to foreign lands but has now assumed a global application to mean migration from developing countries to developed nations.

The ‘Japa’ syndrome is not a new idea but has been at the core of the restless spirit and relentless quest of Nigerians, especially the youth demography to seek greener pastures abroad. The ascendancy or urgency to ‘Japa’ in recent years is born out of the intense desire to capture the essence of personal wellbeing. The accelerating factor is social media technology which has exposed people to conditions of life in other countries, which appear or appeal to their innate desires.

Hence, the emergent phenomenon is rooted primarily in the aspiration for better opportunities, education, improved quality of life, and escape from socio-economic hardships that has been accentuated by weak government structures and a lack of political seriousness prevalent in many developing countries. While migration itself is not a new thing among humans, the “Japa” movement reflects unique movement patterns with significant implications across sectors that has continued to engage the attention developmental planners and migration analysts from both sides, including the countries the migrants are escaping from and the countries receiving them.

Unarguably, many developing countries are challenged by high unemployment statistics coupled with inflation and low access to credit. The absence of or access to viable economic opportunities is a definitive factor pushing many individuals, including critically needed professionals and skilled workers, to seek greener pastures in developed countries. Together with multilevel access to quality education and advanced training opportunities, students and professionals seeking career advancement easily are attracted to the ‘Japa’ idea.

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Another driving force to the ‘Japa’ mass migration is political instability and insecurity issues that the government has not been able to contain effectively, resulting in the untimely deaths of individuals or whole communities. This gloomy scenario is making citizens seek refuge in countries where law enforcement and governance are perceived as stronger and more reliable.

Modern geo-political configurations have used technology to bring people together from different parts of the world into a global village. Such boost in connectivity through technology and global networks has made migration easier. Social media, for example, allows prospective migrants to gain insights into life abroad, while existing diasporas provide a support system for newcomers.

Notwithstanding the personal economic benefits, Nigeria, like other developing countries is suffering from the myriads of consequences that ‘Japa’ syndrome has brought upon her, though, the government are wont to attempt downplaying it. But one of the most significant impacts on developing countries, in particular in Nigeria, is the loss of skilled and creative manpower base, which experts and policy makers often refers to as ‘brain drain’. This unmitigated exodus is depleting the local talent pool, weakening sectors such as healthcare, education, technology and military.

Most worrisome is that, with the youth demography, which constitutes a significant percentage of the working-age population leaving, industries in developing countries like Nigeria, are now faced with labour shortages, especially in technical fields welding, carpentry, mechanics and other auxiliary workers who possess specialized skills. On a professional scale, the Nigerian Medical Association has sounded alarms at the increasing number of doctors and medical staff fleeing Nigeria with a consequent shortage of manpower.

Furthermore, there’s a relative decrease in domestic content investments. Because the country has been innocuously robbed by the migration of high-income earners who could have contributed to tax revenues or reinvested in local businesses further stifles economic growth of Nigeria.

Nonetheless, on the positive side, one commonly cited benefit from the ‘Japa’ folks is the steady flow remittances back home. Migrants often send remittances to relatives in their home countries. These funds are contributing significantly to local economies, helping families meet basic needs, invest in education, or start businesses. Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, recently disclosed that his government is exploring definite developmental programmes in the state leveraging diasporic remittances of Edo people abroad.

Minding an existential fact that culture plays a cohesive part in growing the moral fabric of any society, the loss of young and vibrant members of society can affect cultural continuity and the social fabric, especially in communities where collective effort is highly valued.

Well, the developed nations are benefitting somewhat from the influx of skilled workers to fill gaps in various sectors, including healthcare, technology, engineering, farming and other skilled jobs, thereby alleviating labour shortages while also creating a silent diversified platform for innovation. The integration of skilled migrants contributes to economic growth, as they pay taxes, spend within the economy, and, in some cases, start businesses that create jobs.

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Expectedly, the receiving developed countries which are welcoming the migrants are facing challenges associated with such unplanned-for influx. The strain on infrastructure and social services are palpable especially in the areas of housing, healthcare, education systems, waste management and associated multi-racial acclimatization initiatives. While cultural diversity can enrich the social fabric of developed countries, it can also lead to challenges such as integration difficulties, xenophobia, and cultural misunderstandings, often leading to internal political tensions.

‘Japa’, undoubtedly, has long-term implications causing serious demographic dislocation impacting several countries at the moment. Migration can lead to significant demographic changes for both sending and receiving countries. Developing nations may face aging populations and declining birth rates, while developed countries might experience increased youthful demographics due to the arrival of younger migrants together with the attendant lifestyle of the Gen-Z brigade.

Positively, while brain drain is a concern, the potential for knowledge transfer exists. When migrants return home or maintain ties with their countries of origin, they can bring back new skills, technologies, and perspectives.

However, the “Japa” syndrome is exacerbating global inequities, as it has further exposed structural imbalances among developed and developing nations. While individuals may gain personally, the disparity between developed and developing nations can widen without concerted efforts to address systemic imbalances.

In order contain the inherent challenges and balance the arithmetic benefits of ‘Japa’, developing countries need to create conditions that retain talent, such as improving governance, investing in education and fostering economic growth. Added, studied bilateral agreements between developing and developed countries can ensure that migration benefits both sides. For instance, programs that encourage temporary migration and skills transfer could be mutually beneficial and agreed upon.

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Home countries should encourage the diaspora to contribute in a kind of giving back initiative, either through investments or skills-sharing initiatives, in order to mitigate some of the negative impacts of brain drain. Then, the developed countries should be canvassed to adopt inclusive policies that facilitate the integration of migrants while addressing concerns about infrastructure and resource allocation.

No matter, the “Japa” phenomenon, is a modern-day reality that’s increasingly beckoning to more youths. It is a complex issue with far-reaching implications for both developing and developed nations and it deserves further studies that offers new insights and contextual point of resolution to migrants and connected nations, harnessing the potential for shared prosperity and communality.