“Many competent hands are leaving the country for greener pastures abroad. In the course of this year alone, over 2,000 have left and many are still going to leave. We have to do something; the government has to do something in this regard to encourage Nigerians to stay”. – Akinola Olude, 2022.
In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed a significant phenomenon known as ‘Japa’ migration syndrome, where a growing number of its workforce, particularly young professionals, are choosing to migrate abroad in search of better opportunities. This trend has raised concerns regarding its impact on the country’s economy, workforce stability and future demographic implications.
The term ‘Japa’ originates from Nigerian slang, meaning to escape or leave abruptly. ‘Ja’ is a Yoruba slang meaning to run or sprint from danger, ‘Pa’ acts like an adverb indicating to do something completely or permanently.
It has become emblematic of the increasing desire among Nigerians, especially the youth, to seek greener pastures overseas. Factors such as limited job opportunities, unstable economic conditions, and aspirations for higher living standards have fueled this migration trend.
As at 2022, according to the Executive Secretary of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Mr. Akinola Olude, he disclosed that so far, over 2,000 telecom experts left the country with many still making plans to leave.
While speaking at the NITRA ICT Growth Conference 2.0 held in Lagos, Mr. Olude stated the sector could begin to face negative impact the quality service, if there are fewer competent hands to handle network issues.
In his words: “While we have been talking about the problems of multiple taxations and the high cost of Right of Way in the telecoms sector, a new challenge is coming up and that is the issue of brain drain in telecoms. 
“Many competent hands are leaving the country for greener pastures abroad. In the course of this year alone, over 2,000 have left and many are still going to leave. We have to do something; the government has to do something in this regard to encourage Nigerians to stay.
“It’s human capital because it sounds like a joke but this is a serious issue that is leaving because the government has failed to provide the social infrastructure they need to survive.
“If Nigeria had built telecommunications knowledge Parks and put thousands of youths there, many of them can be working for foreign companies from there; that is outsourcing.
“They don’t have to run out of the country to work for foreigners. They will be doing that here and earning in foreign currencies. We need the government to build these Parks to encourage our young ones to stay.”
The ‘Japa’ migration syndrome has had a notable impact on Nigeria’s workforce composition and dynamics. Key areas of impact include:
Brain Drain
Nigeria is experiencing a brain drain as skilled professionals, including doctors, engineers, IT specialists, and academics, opt to migrate to countries with better infrastructure, higher wages, and more conducive work environments. This loss of talent poses challenges for sectors critical to national development.
Skills Shortages
The migration of skilled workers exacerbates existing skills shortages within key industries, leading to gaps in expertise and productivity slowdowns. This, in turn, hampers the country’s ability to innovate, compete globally, and attract foreign investment.
Youth Unemployment
The ‘Japa’ phenomenon contributes to youth unemployment as educated and talented young Nigerians seek opportunities abroad due to perceived limited prospects at home. This trend hinders the harnessing of the demographic dividend and youth potential for economic growth.
Economic Implications
The ‘Japa’ migration syndrome carries significant economic implications for Nigeria, including:
Remittance Dependency
Nigeria relies heavily on remittances from its diaspora population. The outflow of skilled workers due to ‘Japa’ reduces the pool of potential remitters, impacting the country’s foreign exchange reserves and balance of payments.
Reduced Productivity
With a loss of skilled professionals, sectors such as healthcare, technology, education, and infrastructure development face challenges in maintaining optimal productivity levels and delivering quality services to the population.
Innovation and Development
The exodus of talent hinders domestic innovation and research capabilities, hindering progress in key sectors crucial for economic diversification and sustainable development.
Government Response and Challenges
The Nigerian government faces the challenge of addressing ‘Japa’ migration while creating an enabling environment to retain skilled workers and attract investment. Strategies may include:
Investing in Education and Skills Development
Enhancing educational systems and vocational training programs to equip young Nigerians with relevant skills and competencies for the workforce.
Improving Work Conditions
Implementing policies that improve working conditions, promote job creation, and incentivize skilled professionals to stay and contribute to national development.
Promoting Diaspora Engagement
Encouraging diaspora engagement through initiatives that leverage the expertise and resources of Nigerians abroad for economic growth and knowledge transfer.
The ‘Japa’ phenomenon presents a complex challenge with far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s workforce and economy. Addressing this phenomenon requires a multi-faceted approach that focuses on retaining talent, fostering economic opportunities, and enhancing the country’s competitiveness in the global labor market.
