No doubt, the mass exodus of Nigerians caused by ‘Japa’ syndrome has not only led to a significant depletion of skilled and semi-skilled professionals, it is yet to wane. In this piece, KEHINDE OSASONA and dissect the scenario and get stakeholders to proffer solutions.
The shock
From education, health care, engineering, information technology, to mention a few, “Japa,” a coinage derived from Yoruba slang used when stitches together means to escape or flee, to seek a perceived better life abroad has become frightening and a source of concern for Nigerians and the government.
According to the United Nations, Nigeria, with an estimated 2.4 million people leaving the country during that period, had the highest number of international migrants from Africa between 2015 and 2020,
In another report by the World Economic Forum in 2018, Nigeria had the highest number of highly skilled emigrants leaving the country in Africa, with an estimated 20, 000 professionals leaving every year, this was coming about the same time the United Kingdom was willing to offer a good annual pay to Nigerians willing to migrate there and work as teachers.
Also, recall that the Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) of University Teaching Hospitals and Federal Medical Centres (FMCs) who raised new alarm recently, confirmed that tertiary health hospitals in the country for instance are currently facing threats of becoming empty as doctors, nurses and other skilled health workers leave in droves due to poor remuneration.
The Chief Medical Director (CMD), Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Professor Wasiu Adeyemo and the Chief Medical Director (CMD), University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Professor Jesse Abiodun and others raised the alarm a few days ago at the 2025 budget defence session before the House of Representatives Committee on Health Institutions.
According to them, despite the federal government’s investment in health infrastructure, the ‘Japa’ trend they regretted has continued unabated and is affecting healthcare delivery in the country.
LUTH CMD, Professor Adeyemo, informed the committee that the rate at which medical workers are leaving the country is alarming, hence the need to act fast to address the situation.
He said, “People resign, retire, almost every day. Yes. In the next one or two years, we are going to have all our hospitals empty. We need to do something about the remuneration of all the health care workers.”
How to curb the pandemic
As a way of combating the scourge, professionals, concerned Nigerians, stakeholders have proffered the way forward, just as the government of the day has rolled out a different programme to deter young persons from emigrating out of the country.
Taking a position over development recently, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) called for a minimum remuneration benchmark for medical doctors in order to curb the mass migration of health professionals seeking better conditions abroad.
Its president, Prof. Bala Audu, who spoke at the 3rd National Health Summit (NHS) and the group’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja, emphasised the urgent need for standardised pay, improved welfare packages, workplace security, and health insurance to retain doctors and improve health outcomes.
Highlighting disparities in doctors’ pay across states and institutions, the NMA further urged the government to ensure fair remuneration while raising concerns about the lack of motivation and mentorship for young professionals, they also advocated for an appropriate reward system to sustain the workforce.
“It is a strategy that will help Nigeria retain its critical health care workforce and prevent the ongoing ‘japa’ syndrome.”
In an exclusive interview, the Executive Director of the Nigerian Workforce Strategy and Enlightenment Centre (NIWOSEC), Dr. David Kayode Ehindero, described the ‘Japa’ syndrome as “a pressing concern for Nigeria,” expressing worries that the country “is losing its top talent to greener pastures abroad.”
He said, “This phenomenon is largely driven by the desire for better remuneration, as well as improved working conditions and opportunities
“To overcome this challenge, the government should increase the minimum wage to a living wage, to help reduce the financial motivation for Nigerians to seek employment abroad.
“The government can also focus on creating an enabling environment that encourages investment, innovation, job creation, and developing Skills and Training Programs. Provide opportunities for skill development and career advancement to help Nigerians compete in the global job market among others.”
By implementing these strategies, Ehindero assured, Nigeria can reduce the allure of foreign opportunities and create a more attractive environment for its top talent to thrive.
Fostering another way out, the Director General, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Kwara state chapter, Prince Yemi Adurotoye, who also spoke exclusively with Blueprint Weekend, noted that when the country is turned around for good, many will return back, arguing that all Nigeria need is good and quality governance, due process and respect for the law.
Going down memory lane, he said further, “In the past, during the federal government’s implementation of “austerity measures” things were hard, Nigerians tagged anyone relocating abroad as ‘Mr. Andrew.’ That’s was informed by an TV advertisement where we had a cast as Mr. Andrew, who intends travelling because he couldn’t get what he wanted in Nigeria.
“All I’m doing is to remind ourselves that it has happened in the past. Nothing is new under the sun. When Ghana had an economic crunch, most young men ran to Nigeria, as soon as the country was fixed, they returned.
“There is a need for greater investment on infrastructures across key sectors of the economy like building infrastructures in roads, electric power supply, hospital, water supply, education and so on.”
He continued: “Tinubu met the power supply problem on ground, he decentralised power generation, how many states had picked up the initiative of investing in power generation, which will create an enabling environment for industrial growth.
“Railway is a major transport system that can solve many other problems, such as how many of the state governors keyed into adopting the rail transport system in their state.
“The federal government wants local government councils across the country to be alive and more functional, some cliques are creating stumbling blocks, how do we facilitate growth, how do we attract investment by doing such unprogressive things?”
While also reeling out strategies for curbing the trend and retain the Nigeria’s Workforce, Abdulrahman Aliagan, the national president of Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists, (NGIJ) in another exclusive interview said given Nigeria’s current realities, addressing the phenomenon would require a multifaceted approach that tackles both the push and pull factors contributing to this exodus.
Aliagan said, “One of the primary drivers of emigration is the lack of economic opportunities. To counter this, the government must prioritise creating an environment conducive to business growth and job creation. Investments in infrastructure support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and policies that encourage foreign direct investment (FDI) are essential. A stable economy with ample job opportunities will reduce the incentive for professionals to seek opportunities abroad.
“Many Nigerian professionals leave due to poor working conditions, including inadequate pay, lack of professional development, and poor workplace infrastructure. Addressing these issues requires comprehensive labour reforms that ensure fair wages, promote career advancement, and improve workplace standards. Additionally, investment in modernising public services, particularly in healthcare and education, can help retain critical professionals in these sectors.
“The education sector also needs significant reform to align with global standards and market needs. By improving the quality of education and expanding vocational training programmes, Nigeria can ensure that its workforce is equipped with skills that are competitive globally. Partnerships between educational institutions and industries can also help in aligning curricula with current job market demands.”
For those who have already emigrated, he advocated for Policies that encourage knowledge transfer, investment, and partnerships between the Diaspora and local businesses, saying it would create a positive feedback loop that benefits the local economy. Incentivising returnees with opportunities to contribute to national development and can also help reverse the brain drain.
“Insecurity is a significant factor driving emigration. Ensuring safety and security through effective law enforcement, conflict resolution, and addressing the root causes of unrest will make the country more attractive for its citizens to remain and contribute.
“To cap it all, addressing the ‘Japa’ syndrome requires a holistic approach that tackles the root causes of emigration. By focusing on economic stability, improved working conditions, quality education, good governance, enhanced social services, Diaspora engagement, and security, Nigeria can create an environment where its citizen’s feel empowered to stay and contribute to national development. This approach not only retains the workforce, but also positions Nigeria as a competitive player in the global economy.”
Also speaking to this reporter, Dr. Bashir Muhammed of the department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Maiduguri cited social media as a big influence on youth.
He said, “Their thinking is that when they step out of their country they tend to be more productive and this is as a result of our inability to encourage talent, creativity and innovations of the youth.
“Workers are not appreciated enough and are underpaid for jobs they could earn in millions if they leave the country.
“Our country can be a better place for future generations to come if youth are empowered and rightly placed in a position that moves the country forward in a productive way.”