The Chairman of the United Bank for Africa (UBA), Tony Elumelu has declared support for Nigerians seeking greener pastures in the United Kingdom and other countries, saying joblessness is the betrayal of a generation.

He said; “I support it, totally. “I don’t have a problem with people saying ‘I’m going to Canada, UK or US’
“Joblessness is the betrayal of a generation. You’ve gone to school and come back with your dreams and aspirations and you don’t have the opportunity .

“For people who decide to find solutions elsewhere, no one should stop them. But for those who decide to stay, they should try to create an impact and build a legacy.”

Since the 1980s, many middle-class Nigerians have sought economic opportunities abroad, but the scale and urgency now feel different and Japa is becoming increasingly popular with Gen Z and millennials.

‘Japa,’ is a Yoruba term meaning ‘escape,’ has recently become common in Nigeria to describe emigration.

An African Polling Institute survey from 2022 found that 69% of Nigerians aged 18-35 would relocate given the opportunity – despite a slight fall from 2021. In 2019 the figure was just 39%.

This desire has been aggravated by numerous challenges—social, political, and economic— experienced in Nigeria. These issues include high unemployment, widespread poverty, deteriorating education and healthcare systems, reduced agricultural output, and pervasive insecurity.

As a result, many Nigerians are fleeing the country in search of better opportunities for employment, education, and security.

This migration has significant economic impacts. The loss of skilled and unskilled workers has led to shortages in critical sectors like healthcare and education, increasing costs and reducing service quality.

For instance, Nigeria faces a severe shortage of doctors compared to WHO recommendations, and has lost notable professionals like Dr. Onyema Ogbuagu, who contributed to the Pfizer vaccine.

Mass migration also results in lost revenue for Nigeria, as the departure of working-age individuals decreases tax revenue and consumer spending, contributing to budget deficits. Since 2010, brain drain has cost Nigeria about $10 billion annually, and has negatively affected GDP growth.

The migration of youths exacerbates vulnerabilities, such as trafficking and exploitation, particularly for those without proper support or documentation. This trend threatens to leave a void in various sectors, including leadership and workforce roles, which could destabilize the country’s economy and political landscape.

Additionally, while remittances from abroad support many families, they can also create dependency, discourage local economic activities, and impact exchange rates and inflation.