INTRODUCTION:
Man as a social being emigrate or immigrate from time to time for different purposes. Emigration and Immigration are part of the means through which a country acquires more human power, accumulate wealth, develop in science and technology, acquire values and further secrets for economic sustainability of her nation as well as maintaining cordial international relations for assistance and in solidifying her national sovereignty. However, any tilt to the extreme of either can be disastrous or catastrophic for a nation.[1]
In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed a surge in a phenomenon colloquially known as the “Japa Syndrome.” The term “Japa” derives from a Nigerian slang, meaning “to escape, flee, or often time to seek a better life abroad.” or aNigerian slang term used to describe “the act of escaping, fleeing, or disappearing quickly from a situation, often in a hasty and urgent manner”.
Japa syndrome which is the current high rate of emigration of Nigerian citizens to foreign countries across the globe in search of greener pastures has become a cause for serious deliberation. It is evident that this syndrome affects the country since the youths, professionals, and the skilled workers in Nigeria are predominantly involved in this mass exodus.
It has been discovered that owing to bad governance, unemployment, unfavourable working conditions, insecurity in Nigeria amongst other factors; the youths, professionals, and the skilled workers in Nigeria resort to seeking greener pastures in foreign countries. This poses grave threats to Nigeria’s labour force, economy, societal and family life as the country is left “drained” with few prospective skilled workers and professionals to fill the vacuum left in various governmental parastatals and other fields of endeavour.
- DEFINITION OF TERMS
- SYNDROME:
A syndrome according to Calvo, F., Karras, B.T., Phillips, R., Kimball, A. M. & Wolf, F. is defined as “a recognizable complex of symptoms and physical findings, which indicate a specific condition for which a direct cause is not necessarily understood”[2]. A Syndrome in this sense is a set of actions, behaviours/attitudes or even events and conditions that occur together and suggest the presence of abnormalities. It represents problems and difficulties that create anomalies.
- JAPA:
Iremeka[3]referred to the term as “The mass exit from Nigeria”. However, according to Dayo[4], “Japa” is a Yoruba language meaning “to run, flee, or escape”. The word according to him takes firm root in the aspiration that young Nigerians dream of leaving the country for good. To run, flee, escape, or travel out to foreign countries in search of greener pastures is colloquially known in Nigeria as “Japa”.
1.2 THE NIGERIAN “JAPA SYNDROME” :
In the relatively recent past, it was projected that the rate of unemployment in Nigeria had increase to 37 % in 2023 while the foreign countries are offering a decent yearly compensation to Nigerians able to relocate and work as educators, health care professionals and others. The immediate consequence is the significant depletion of skilled and semi-skilled labour from various sectors in Nigeria. Industries in healthcare, engineering, information technology, and education are the hardest hit, with the mass exodus of some of the best skilled professionals. Such critical industries have been left to grapple with personnel shortages, hindering progress and development in the quantity and quality of productivity, due to the brain drain impacts.
The prevalence of the Japa Syndrome fosters an “exodus mentality” among Nigerian youths, whose newfound value is finding greener pastures in other foreign countries in the globe. Many grow up with dreams of escaping the perceived limitations of their homeland, seeking better opportunities elsewhere. [5]
The significant issue of concern in this mass exodus is the profile of those relocating overseas. They are primarily skilled youths, including doctors, nurses, IT engineers, university lecturers and technicians. They also include young people that completed their studies in Nigeria but relocating overseas for further studies or those that studied abroad and opted to stay back because they perceive that Nigeria has nothing to offer them with regards to jobs, opportunities, or even basic safety.[6]
2.1 THE NEGATIVE IMPACTS OF THE “JAPA” EXODUS[7]
- BRAIN DRAIN AND LOSS OF TALENT:
The “Japa” exodus is leading to a brain drain of valuable tech talent, inventors and brilliant mind depriving the Nigerian tech industry of the skills and expertise needed for innovation and growth. This could hinder the development of new technologies, slow down the sector’s expansion, and render it difficult for Nigerian tech companies to compete internationally.
- SKILL SHORTAGES AND INCREASED LABOR COSTS:
The departure of skilled tech professionals will result in the shortage of qualified workers in Nigeria’s tech, health care, agriculture, and education sector, leading to increased labor costs. This, in turn, will make operations more expensive for companies, potentially stifling innovation and growth. A 2022 survey by TechCabal revealed that 47% of Nigerian tech professionals are contemplating relocating from the country within the next two years.
- IMPACT ON INVESTOR CONFIDENCE:
The “Japa” exodus could undermine investor confidence in Nigeria’s tech industry, as the emigration of talent may be perceived by investors as a signal of instability or a lack of commitment to building a sustainable tech ecosystem. This perception may pose challenges for Nigerian tech companies in raising capital and attracting foreign investment. According to an analysis by PwC, the “Japa” trend is projected to result in a potential loss of $4.7 billion in productivity and tax revenue for the Nigerian economy by 2027.
- POSITIVE IMPACTS OF THE “JAPA” EXODUS
- TRANSFER OF KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
The increased exposure of Nigerian tech professionals to international markets and best practices will lead to the transfer of knowledge and skills back to Nigeria. This could potentially enhance the overall quality of the tech workforce and contribute to innovation in the sector.
2. POTENTIAL ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF REMITTANCES:
The remittances sent back by tech professionals who have emigrated could potentially boost the Nigerian economy. This could increase domestic consumption, stimulate economic activity, and create new investment opportunities. In 2022, the total value of remittances to Nigeria, as reported by the World Bank, approximated $18.9 billion.
3. GLOBAL EXPOSURE AND NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES:
The “Japa” exodus could open and foster new global connections and networking opportunities for Nigerian tech professionals. This could facilitate collaboration with international partners, access to new markets, and potential opportunities for knowledge exchange.
- THE SOCIAL IMPACT OF JAPA IN NIGERIA
The social and cultural impacts of Japa Syndrome have brought about shifts in societal norms and values. An instance is in respect of marital relationships. A spouse relocating to a foreign country most often place a strain on their relationship due to distance, cultural adjustments, and diverging life paths, leading to divorce or marital breakdown due to communication challenges, emotional distance, and unmet expectations.
Traditional family structures may be strained, with an increasing number of households headed by single parents or extended family members. Additionally, the loss of skilled professionals can hinder the transmission of cultural practices and indigenous knowledge, potentially eroding the rich tapestry of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
- THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF JAPA IN NIGERIA
One of the primary effects of Japa is the loss of human capital which affects the productivity of a State and thereby crippling the economy of such a nation. Nigeria invests in educating and training its citizens, but when these individuals emigrate, it leads to a drain of talent from key sectors such as healthcare, education, technology, and engineering. This brain drain exacerbates existing skill shortages and hampers the country’s ability to develop and innovate domestically.
Furthermore, the departure of skilled workers diminishes the productivity of various industries, ultimately impacting economic output and growth. With fewer skilled professionals remaining in the country, businesses may struggle to find qualified personnel, leading to decreased efficiency and competitiveness in both domestic and international markets.
In addition to the loss of human capital, Japa can also have significant implications for government revenue. Skilled professionals often contribute a substantial portion of tax revenue through income taxes, property taxes, and other levies. When they leave, the government not only loses their direct tax contributions but also the potential economic activity they would have generated through spending and investment.
Moreover, Japa can undermine efforts to attract foreign investment and stimulate economic development. The exodus of skilled professionals sends a negative signal to investors about the country’s business environment and its ability to retain talent. This can deter foreign companies from establishing operations in Nigeria, further limiting job opportunities and economic growth.
CONCLUSION
The Japa Syndrome is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that has far-reaching consequences on work environments and family relationships in Nigeria. As the nation grapples with this modern exodus, it is imperative to implement comprehensive strategies that address the root causes and provide viable alternatives for the Nigerian youth. By fostering an environment of opportunity and growth, Nigeria can not only retain its valuable talent but also pave the way for a brighter, more prosperous future for all its citizens.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] Bello, I.E. (1989). Social effects of group migration between developing countries. National library of Medicine, National center for Biotechnology Information, Int Mgr, 272,2,2023-311 https://doi.10.1111/j.1468-2435.1989.tb00253.x. pmID:12315895.
[2] Calvo, F., Karras, B.T., Phillips, R., Kimball, A. M. & Wolf, F. ((2003). Diagnoses, syndromes, and Diseases: A knowledge representation problem. National Library of Medicine, 802. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/article/pmc1480257/
[3] Iremeka, C. (2022). Japa…Mass emigration of citizens that may hurt Nigeria further. The Guardian. https://guardian.ng/saturday-magazine/ (p.1)
[4] Dayo, B. (2022). How “Japa” became the Nigerian Buzzword for Emigration. Okayafrica. https://www.okayafrica.com/emigration-in-nigeria-japa/
[5] https://www.google.com/amp/s/businessday.ng/opinion/article/the-impact-of-japa-syndrome-on-work-and-family-relationships-in-nigeria-today/%3famp=1
[6] Dakuku, P. (2022, October 3). Exodus of the next generation; time for real concern. PREMIUM TIMES.
https://www.premiumtimesng.com/opinion/557517
[7] https://www.google.com/amp/s/businessday.ng/opinion/article/the-impact-of-japa-syndrome-on-work-and-family-relationships-in-nigeria-today/%3famp=1
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