Japa Syndrome And Its Effect On The Nigerian Economy.

In recent years, there has been a growing trend of young Nigerians leaving the country in search of greener pastures abroad. This trend, which is often referred to as "japa syndrome," has become a major concern for many Nigerians, especially as it relates to the country's economy.

Japa syndrome, as we've mentioned, is the act of leaving Nigeria to seek a better life elsewhere. Many young people who have grown frustrated with the lack of opportunities in the country, the poor state of infrastructure, and the general sense of insecurity have been leaving in droves. In fact, a recent report by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimated that over 1.5 million Nigerians have migrated to other countries in search of a better life.

So, what does this mass exodus mean for the Nigerian economy? The truth is, it's not good news. When so many of the country's best and brightest are leaving, it means that Nigeria is losing out on valuable human capital. The IOM report estimated that the cost of emigration from Nigeria could be as high as $15 billion annually, as the country loses out on the contributions of those who have left.

The economic impact of japa syndrome is not limited to the loss of human capital. It also has implications for the country's remittance income. This money is an important source of income for many families and contributes significantly to the country's economy. However, with so many young people leaving the country, it's likely that remittance income will decrease.

The impact of japa syndrome on the Nigerian economy is also reflected in the brain drain that the country is experiencing. The term "brain drain" refers to the loss of highly skilled professionals, such as doctors, engineers, and scientists, to other countries. This is a major concern for Nigeria, as it means that the country is losing the people who are best equipped to help address its many challenges. For instance, in the medical field, Nigeria has one of the lowest doctor-to-patient ratios in the world. This is largely due to the fact that many Nigerian doctors have left the country to work abroad.

Another impact of japa syndrome is the loss of entrepreneurship talent. Many young Nigerians have started businesses in the country, but a lack of infrastructure and a difficult business environment have made it challenging for them to succeed. This has led many entrepreneurs to leave the country in search of better opportunities. The loss of entrepreneurship talent not only means that the country is losing out on the contributions of these young people but also on the potential economic growth that their businesses could have generated.

The impact of japa syndrome is also felt in the Nigerian labor market. When highly skilled professionals leave the country, it creates a shortage of workers in critical fields such as medicine, engineering, and technology. This shortage can lead to higher wages for those who remain in the country, as there are fewer qualified workers to fill these positions. This can have a negative impact on the overall economy, as companies may be hesitant to invest in the country due to the high cost of labor.

So, what can be done to address the impact of japa syndrome on the Nigerian economy? 

One solution is for the government to invest in infrastructure, create more job opportunities, and improve security. By doing so, the government can help to create an environment that is conducive to business growth and investment. Additionally, the government can work to improve the quality of education in the country, so that young people have the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the workforce. This can help to reduce the brain drain and keep more highly skilled professionals in the country.

Another solution is for the government to work with other countries to create opportunities for Nigerian professionals abroad. This can include agreements that allow for temporary work visas or the recognition of Nigerian professional qualifications in other countries. By creating these opportunities, the government can help to reduce the number of young Nigerians who are leaving the country permanently.

The private sector also has a role to play in addressing the impact of japa syndrome. By investing in the country's infrastructure and creating job opportunities, businesses can help to create an environment that is conducive to growth and development. Additionally, businesses can work to provide opportunities for young people, such as internships and training programs, that help to build skills and experience.

Finally, it's important to recognize that japa syndrome is not solely driven by economic factors. Many young Nigerians leave the country due to a lack of opportunities, but also due to political instability and the threat of violence. Addressing these issues will require a concerted effort by the government and civil society to create a more stable and secure environment.

Japa syndrome is a major concern for the Nigerian economy. The loss of human capital, remittance income, and entrepreneurship talent, as well as the brain drain and labor market shortages, are all factors that contribute to this problem. Addressing the impact of japa syndrome will require a concerted effort by the government, the private sector, and civil society. By creating an environment that is conducive to business growth and investment, improving education and training opportunities, and addressing political instability and the threat of violence, it's possible to reduce the number of young Nigerians who are leaving the country in search of a better life.