The “JAPA syndrome” was a phrase that began in year 2020 and has now become a common term in the nooks and crannies of Lagos and beyond. While young Nigerians have been in the forefront of moving out of the country, this has not precluded persons aged 40 above to explore greener pastures. What has made the exits even more alluring is the continued opportunities that have sprung up in Canada, United Kingdom and across Europe and how these countries make the process quite easy.
The allure for Nigerians is either one or a mix of the reasons highlighted below:
Economic empowerment: Nigeria has a high poverty rate (Nigeria: share of global poverty 2016-2023 | Statista) and the downward trends in the economy arising from high and growing inflation rate and devalued currency. A significant number of people in the middle-class work so hard but do not have much to show for it. For instance, the value of goods and services that a salary of N500,000 purchased in the month of January 2023, would not be sufficient to buy same goods and services in the month of February 2023. Many people migrate to seek better economic opportunities in other countries. This includes seeking better-paying jobs, higher standards of living, and better working conditions.
Political instability: Nigeria has experienced political instability in the past, including military coups, political unrest, and religious conflicts. The Rule of Law is still not the norm and continues to cast a sunset on the trust the people placed in the hand of its leaders. The ‘EndSARS’ incident in 2020 which culminated into the massacre of young Nigerians literarily became straw that broke the camel’s back. Hope in the future of the country and its leaders was at its lowest.
Security concerns: Nigeria has also experienced security challenges such as terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of violent crimes. This has made many people feel unsafe and prompted them to migrate to other countries.
Education: Many Nigerians also migrate to other countries to pursue educational opportunities, including higher education and vocational training. However, some have chosen this pathway as it ultimately leads to the fulfilment of their economic goals.
Worthy of mention are the persons who have simply sought for and moved to other countries without clear and achievable plans. These persons may have been influenced by “peer pressure” or the need to show their new status. Unfortunately, we have read and heard of how hard it could be living and working abroad and how some fall into the hand of unscrupulous elements who fret away their hard-earned savings.
Relocating abroad should be a well thought out decision. It requires taking a step back and ensuring that objectives and alternatives are put in place to ensure that whatever the odds, the migrant comes out successful. I have read so many success stories of how resilient Nigerians go out there and make Nigeria proud. I am hopeful for a better tomorrow, where Nigerians abroad get the opportunity to return home to make things better.
htuR #EMBA28
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