A significant number of Nigerians have been leaving the country in search of better opportunities abroad. This wave of migration, commonly referred to as “Japa”, a slang term derived from Yoruba, meaning “to flee” or “to escape”, has become a growing phenomenon. From young graduates and skilled professionals to entire families, people are making the difficult decision to relocate to countries like Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and other developed nations. The reasons behind this mass exodus are deeply rooted in Nigeria’s socio-economic and political landscape, making migration an attractive option despite the challenges of starting over in a foreign land.
For many, the dream of leaving Nigeria is fueled by economic struggles, rising inflation, unemployment, and the search for a more stable and prosperous future. Others are motivated by insecurity, poor infrastructure, and an educational system that frequently faces disruptions. Some simply want a better quality of life, access to efficient healthcare, and the ability to build a future where hard work and talent are rewarded fairly.
But what exactly is driving this increasing rate of migration? Is Nigeria losing its best minds to other nations, and if so, what does this mean for the country’s future?
Contents
Why Are People Running Away from Nigeria?
Educational Decline
Nigeria’s education sector faces significant challenges that contribute to the emigration of its citizens. One of the most pressing issues is the frequent industrial actions by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). These strikes, often resulting from disputes over funding, salaries, and university autonomy, have led to prolonged closures of public universities. For instance, in 2022, ASUU embarked on an eight-month strike, disrupting the academic calendar and delaying graduations.
In addition to strikes, the educational infrastructure in Nigeria is in a state of disrepair. Overcrowded classrooms are a pervasive issue, with many schools struggling to accommodate the increasing number of students due to a rapidly growing population. This situation leads to a high teacher-student ratio, which hampers personalized learning and results in a lack of individual attention for students.
Furthermore, inadequate funding has led to a decline in the quality of education. Many institutions lack essential facilities, such as well-equipped laboratories, libraries, and conducive learning environments. This inadequacy hampers the learning experience and leaves graduates ill-prepared for the demands of the global job market.
These challenges have led many Nigerians to seek educational opportunities abroad, where they can access stable academic calendars, better facilities, and higher-quality instruction. The allure of international degrees, which are often more recognized and valued in the global job market, further fuels this trend.
Economic Hardships
One of the biggest reasons Nigerians are leaving the country is the harsh economic conditions that make daily life increasingly difficult. Over the years, the cost of living has skyrocketed, while wages have remained stagnant, leaving many people struggling to afford basic necessities. The rising inflation rate has pushed the prices of food, transportation, housing, and healthcare to unprecedented levels, making survival a daily challenge for many citizens.
Unemployment and underemployment are also major issues. Despite Nigeria being one of Africa’s largest economies, job opportunities remain scarce, especially for young graduates. Many highly skilled individuals, including doctors, engineers, and IT professionals, find themselves either unemployed or stuck in low-paying jobs that do not match their qualifications. The private sector is overwhelmed, while the public sector is plagued by bureaucracy, corruption, and delayed salaries, pushing many people to seek better opportunities abroad.
Furthermore, the lack of support for entrepreneurs and small businesses has worsened the economic situation. Many young Nigerians who attempt to start their own businesses struggle with poor access to funding, high taxation, and an unpredictable business environment. With little hope for financial stability in Nigeria, many see relocating to developed nations as the only viable path to securing a better future.
Insecurity and Safety Concerns
Insecurity is a significant factor driving Nigerians to seek refuge abroad. The country has witnessed a surge in various forms of violence, including terrorism, banditry, kidnappings, and communal clashes, which have created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among the populace.
The Boko Haram insurgency, which began in 2009, has led to over 35,000 deaths and displaced more than 2 million people, primarily in the northeastern region. Despite efforts by the Nigerian government to resettle displaced individuals, many still fear returning to their homes due to ongoing militant activities.
In the northwest, banditry has escalated, with armed groups conducting raids on villages, looting, and abducting residents for ransom. Between 2011 and 2020, Nigerians paid at least 18 billion naira to free kidnapped individuals. These criminal activities have not only resulted in loss of lives and property but have also driven away foreign investment, further exacerbating economic challenges.
Additionally, the proliferation of small arms and light weapons has intensified violent crimes across the country. The porous nature of Nigeria’s borders facilitates the smuggling of these weapons, contributing to the rising insecurity.
The inability of security agencies to effectively address these challenges has eroded public trust in the government’s capacity to protect its citizens. Consequently, many Nigerians feel compelled to emigrate in search of safer environments for themselves and their families.
Healthcare Crisis
Nigeria’s healthcare system faces significant challenges that have led many citizens to seek better medical services abroad. A major issue is the inadequate allocation of financial resources. In 2021, the federal government allocated only 5% of its budget to health, falling short of the 15% commitment made in the 2001 Abuja Declaration.
This underfunding has resulted in deteriorating medical infrastructure, with many healthcare facilities lacking essential equipment and supplies. The shortage of skilled healthcare professionals further exacerbates the situation. Poor compensation and working conditions have led to a significant emigration of healthcare workers, seeking better opportunities abroad.
The combination of these factors has eroded public confidence in the Nigerian healthcare system, prompting those who can afford it to pursue medical treatment in countries with more robust healthcare services.
Lack of Basic Infrastructure
Nigeria’s inadequate infrastructure significantly contributes to the emigration of its citizens. Despite being Africa’s largest economy, the country struggles with persistent infrastructure deficits that hinder economic growth and diminish the quality of life.
Electricity Supply: Frequent power outages are a common occurrence in Nigeria. The national grid is prone to collapses, leading to blackouts in major cities such as Abuja, Lagos, and Kano. In 2024 alone, the grid collapsed multiple times, underscoring the fragility of the power infrastructure. Despite an installed capacity of 13,000 megawatts, only about 4,000 megawatts are transmitted due to weak infrastructure, which is insufficient for a population exceeding 200 million. This unreliable power supply hampers businesses, increases operational costs, and affects daily living.
Transportation: The transportation network in Nigeria is underdeveloped and poorly maintained. Many roads are in disrepair, leading to increased travel times and higher vehicle maintenance costs. Public transportation is often unreliable and unsafe, further complicating mobility for citizens. This inadequate transportation infrastructure impedes trade, limits access to markets, and discourages investment.
Water and Sanitation: Access to clean water and adequate sanitation facilities remains a challenge in many parts of Nigeria. Urban areas often experience water shortages, while rural communities may lack basic sanitation infrastructure. This situation poses significant health risks and contributes to the spread of waterborne diseases.
Digital Infrastructure: The digital divide is evident in Nigeria, with limited access to reliable internet services, especially in rural areas. This lack of digital infrastructure hampers educational opportunities, restricts access to information, and limits participation in the global digital economy.
The cumulative effect of these infrastructure deficiencies is a diminished quality of life and limited economic opportunities, prompting many Nigerians to seek better living conditions abroad.
Political Instability and Corruption
Political instability and pervasive corruption are significant factors driving Nigerians to seek better opportunities abroad. The country’s political landscape is often characterized by governance challenges, policy inconsistencies, and a lack of accountability, which have collectively hindered national development and eroded public trust in governmental institutions.
Corruption permeates various sectors of the Nigerian economy, leading to the mismanagement of public funds and the deterioration of essential services. This systemic corruption has been linked to political instability, as it undermines the effectiveness of government institutions and breeds public discontent.
The failure of governance in Nigeria is evident in the declining capacity of political leaders to address systemic risks such as election fraud, terrorist attacks, and armed banditry. This inability to implement necessary measures to navigate these challenges has further eroded public confidence in the political system.
The cumulative effect of political instability and corruption has led to economic challenges, insecurity, and a decline in the quality of life, prompting many Nigerians to emigrate in search of more stable and transparent environments.
Desire for Better Opportunities Abroad
The aspiration for improved living standards and professional growth drives many Nigerians to seek opportunities beyond their homeland. Developed countries often present more stable economies, advanced infrastructure, and robust social systems, making them attractive destinations for those pursuing a better quality of life.
Educational Pursuits: Nigeria’s educational challenges, including frequent strikes and inadequate facilities, prompt students to look abroad for uninterrupted and quality education. In 2017, UNESCO reported that approximately 95,600 Nigerian students were studying overseas, reflecting a significant trend towards international education.
Professional Advancement: Skilled Nigerian professionals often migrate to countries with better career prospects and work environments. For instance, over half of the 72,000 doctors registered with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria practice abroad, highlighting a substantial “brain drain” in the healthcare sector.
Economic Migration: The pursuit of economic stability leads many Nigerians to explore employment opportunities in countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. In 2019, the Nigerian diaspora in the U.S. numbered over 300,000, indicating a strong presence driven by the search for better livelihoods.
While the quest for better opportunities is a natural human inclination, it also underscores the need for systemic improvements within Nigeria to retain its talent and provide conducive conditions for personal and professional growth.
Conclusion
The emigration of Nigerians is driven by a complex interplay of factors, including economic challenges, security concerns, educational aspirations, and the pursuit of better opportunities abroad. Economic instability and high unemployment rates compel many to seek livelihoods elsewhere. Security issues, such as terrorism and communal conflicts, further push citizens to safer environments. Educationally, the desire for uninterrupted and quality learning experiences leads students to foreign institutions. Additionally, the allure of improved living standards and professional growth motivates many to migrate.
Addressing these multifaceted issues requires comprehensive policy interventions aimed at economic revitalization, strengthening security, enhancing educational infrastructure, and creating opportunities that encourage citizens to contribute to national development. By tackling these challenges, Nigeria can work towards reducing the emigration trend and fostering a more prosperous and stable society.
