I published and sent a newsletter on the Japa concept recently, and the feedback I got was intriguing.
It is interesting to know that one of the things that binds many Nigerians across the country is the desire to leave Nigeria and settle for a country with better living conditions. You can call it the new Nigerian dream. If you still don’t get it, perhaps this will register:
“I believe in Nigeria o, but if I get an opportunity to Japa and it pays up to 40% higher than my basic salary here, rest assured I'll contribute my quota to the growth of Nigeria from abroad”.
Those are words from Sade, who shares the same plan of leaving the country with many other young Nigerians. The conversation is heavy within the country, and each day, citizens are reminded of the wisdom and safety of relocating. While patriotism has not died down, many Nigerians admit that things may not get better anytime soon, and the best thing is to move.
Sade continues:
“I also used to be an advocate of "Do not Japa", but recently, I made up my mind to give it a try.
There are so many things, systems that don't work, and more that drove me to that conclusion.
Recently, a colleague of mine had her not-so-fair share of "System that doesn't work and security issues". Her phone got stolen in Lagos, in a popular place on the mainland, she didn't know she could block her account using USSD on any phone, before she could rush to the bank the next day which was a Monday, everything in her account has been wiped out, she cried so much and I felt for her, this is a youth corper still trying to figure things out.
As if that wasn't all, she went to MTN Office to block her sim and get a new one, the system was down for three days and she didn't know so it wasn't effective, within that three days, the fraudsters used her sim to open a new bank account with the first bank and took a loan!
I can go on but I'll pause here. Why should I be scared to go out, to move around with a phone, to take the public transport system? I guess it is what it is!”
According to this report by Dataphyte,12,595 Nigerians emigrated to Canada in 2019, and about 73% have plans to relocate. Sade’s story summarizes the plights of the larger population who want to leave.
Getting a better career system and economic comfortability is the ultimate, but insecurity and sub-standard systems are also factors that keep people on their toes, giving it all it takes and taking every chance possible to move.
Interestingly, there are two sides to the conversation; not everyone wants to leave. Everyone has their arguments, and they’re all as valid as they can be.
I'm still here because Japa money for my family of five is not complete - Adanna
"I know not everyone who Japa gets to make it big and all but at least the system works. Honestly, I don't see Naija getting any better. The rich are getting richer while the poor are getting poorer!
The same vicious cycle plays out in the workplace also. I've been on a role for fifteen years now, not that I've not applied for other roles, but I get comments after an interview that my current role is an entry role, and recruiters want to know why I have been on that role for a long time.
Meanwhile, I've trained a lot of newbies who have moved on to other roles both within and outside the organization.
Anyways, I'm still here because Japa money for my family of five never complete. Once it is I won't look back. I love my country, the people, the diverse culture but it's as if it is meant to serve just a few”
Living in Nigeria should be added to the numerous ways to die early - Sonia
“Living in Nigeria should be added to the numerous ways to die early.
After battling with an outdated academic syllabus and numerous ASUU strikes, you then graduate and battle with gaining entrance into the workforce.
There are location disadvantages and most available jobs are housemaid jobs in disguise. If I decide to write about my experiences, this blog will not contain them.
I personally do not believe in running away from Nigeria. The goal has always been to remain here but earn in dollars but the decadence in our dear Nigeria is alarming. Nothing is working, absolutely nothing!
I'm a month away from turning 26 and it makes me apprehensive every time I think about it. After 26, you're automatically canceled from entry level (that's what the requirements from most jobs make me assume). This has been my only reason to give Japa a thought because "I can't come and kill myself".
I believe if we get more organizations targeted towards creating a pathway for Nigerians to work remotely and earn in dollars, we'll have fewer individuals at the airport saying bye to Nigeria”
I need to give my children a better life and citizenship - Adeboyin
"I'm still in Nigeria, but it's just for a few months by the Grace of God. (Yes, I had to add by the Grace of God)
To be honest, I have a great job here as an in-house lawyer in a tech company, but I just have to relocate with my family for so many reasons. The top of these reasons is the need to give my children a better life and citizenship. Also, I want to have more degrees and even re-qualify as a lawyer in a foreign country. The truth is whether you travel out or remain in Nigeria depends on what you want and the plans you have for your life".
Enough of living on vibes and Insha Allah - Stephen
“We have an interesting subject here and to think that an average Nigerian employee is working from the trenches is enough reason to look for greener pastures.
Working in Nigeria is like working against the tides of time. It's like taking one step forward and three backward. Left for me, I strongly believe Naija will be great but the need for Japa at this time is crucial. Enough of living on vibes and Insha Allah. Perhaps you find a clear-cut plan on how to Japa, please remember me in your kingdom. Till then, I wish us well”
The truth is at this point a part of me just wants to join the bandwagon of Japa. But Japa is not cheap too these days, especially when it doesn't come through academic scholarship. You must have a solid plan. I have always been an ardent advocate of staying in Naija and making it big time here, then breeze in and out of Yankee.
But the truth is things are getting crazier and scarier by the day. Working with SMEs is frustrating because the odds are against everyone. The inflation by the day will make one think village witches are against one's finances
Getting jobs with multinational companies is a "thug of war" to be honest. At this point, I am "jejely" seeking to transition into a fully remote Virtual Assistant role. I have kick-started my learning journey with Udemy, Alx Africa, VA Networking, and the Techie Mentor. I am hopeful something great will come out of it such that by the month's end I will hand over my resignation letter. I no dey do again period!
At least if I can land great VA jobs and earn Dollars, that can compensate for my tired body. But if my Master’s application gets approved, I go " muoveee oo", abi if I see someone who is ready to adopt me. Nigeria is a dark jungle".
Read Also: 5 Nigerians Share Their Job Loss Stories
I believe people should leave for a while to get stability - Gloria
“I really do not think it's black or white.
I used to be that girl that didn't see the reason people were so obsessed with emigrating. In my perspective, Nigeria was manageable. I was team stay, and make it in your own country...Lol
My family isn't the richest, but we were doing so well. Each time I read about any bad news, I'll feel bad, but I knew it could never be my family. It didn't take long before I believed that my reality was everyone's. Much recently, I realized that my ideology is rather a myopic one.
I was thinking from a point of privilege and ignorance. I've never worked a day in my life, but I still get all that I "need" without hassle. Of course, when everything is handed to you, or when you're spending someone's money, Nigeria will be blissful to you.
The recent economy is no respecter of any man or whatever class he belongs to. I saw my family move from putting on bulbs during the day to contemplating what fridge stays on for the day, just so the prepaid can last longer. We moved from buying bottled water to buying pure water. We now eat fried rice on very special occasions. Lol
Am I still in Nigeria? Yes, I am. Do I believe I can make it in this country? Honestly, I'm not so sure. So many sectors are messed up in this country. If not for anything, I believe people should leave for a while to get stability. Look at the Health sector; I recently got diagnosed with PCOS, and it took me 6 long years of misdiagnosis from different doctors before I got the correct diagnosis. I know what I went through in those 6 years, heck! I could have died. Headlines would probably read Another Youth that Nigeria happened to. We deserve better Honestly!
Will I leave Nigeria? I'm not so sure too lol. Nigeria is home for me but, if the need arises, I definitely would not hesitate. The goal is to earn in Dollars sha, pounds no go bad too”.
We are not leaving, come hell or high water!
While many are bent on leaving, there are a few who insists on staying or leaving for a while to study and return to build the nation. Like Pelumi, Sam, Mary, Johana, and Chioma, who are not crazy about the migration drive and are determined to stay back and thrive.
I'm of the opinion that I can still make it here without going anywhere - Pelumi
“About this 'japaing' thing, It takes a lot of strength; physically, emotionally especially mentally and yes, It's like if you're young and you're not making plans on traveling out, you're not serious.
In fact, I belong to a Whatsapp group where great tips are being shared on how to Japa successfully but I'm not even moved.
Anyway, I'm of the opinion that I can still make it here without going anywhere. It's not easy, but some are still making it and until God changes that opinion and says otherwise, I don't think I'm going anywhere".
It's not an achievement but the thing is other countries' systems work - Sam
“No one has to leave. If they do and it works out for them great, but we're not going to congratulate them. It's not an achievement but the thing is other countries' systems work. Our work as citizens is to make sure our systems work too and live a life even better than abroad.
As you mentioned, a lot of folks these days believe there is no success until you leave this country, but I happen to have a counter opinion about that which I rarely talk about in conversations that involve Japa so I don’t sound like the odd one out.
I’ll like to leave the country also but I’ll like to do that only because I want to experience the outside world I see on the screen, not because I want to escape the country or because I think I cannot make a good career by staying in Nigeria, so I’m not under any pressure from myself to chase Japa so much that I miss the opportunities around here.
One good thing with remote roles is that I can work for anyone from anywhere, so when I finally land myself a good international opportunity I will settle down and get myself the best facility like 24hrs electricity, a secure place, and so on. But for now, I’ll focus on what I have and try to make the best out of it”
I don't think I can cope in such an atmosphere since I was not born there - Mary
"As much as Nigeria isn't working now, we still can't all leave. My own goal is to secure an MBA scholarship and come back after 1 year or 2. My career prospects are more robust, my network wider, my future secured, and even that of my children.
Right from my young days, I have wanted an opportunity to just go chill abroad and come back, get my kids dual citizenship and other comforts, but still live in a place where I can be accepted and cared for. I heard how hostile and lonely it can be there where no one gives a f**k about what goes on with you. I don't think I can cope in such an atmosphere since I am not born there.
But you know what they say, different strokes for different folks”.
If we do the work here, we will enjoy the system without being there - Johana
"The truth is you can Japa and still not thrive. Thriving is a mind thing and then putting those visions, imaginations, and thoughts into action. The Bible says faith without work is dead!
I have had the privilege of talking to all age groups in this career world and one thing is paramount, we are comfortable. I’ve seen professionals earn 150,000 Naira even with a masters degree and someone who has a google certification earning more than and in foreign currency.
We are not in the age where you brag about your BSC and MSC / MBA, I’m not negating the fact that they act as door openers but the truth is something has to keep you in the room and that is your skill. If we are to do a poll, how many people have done any form of self-development - relevant to their field of study or just for versatility purpose just to be relevant?
There is a system that works there, but if we do the work here, we will enjoy the system without being there”.
I know the country is hard and totally insecure but I have hope, hope that things will change for the better - Chioma
“About Japa-ing, the way everybody is just going, the FOMO is catching up with me but I can't afford it sha.
But on a general note, I don't see myself upping and leaving Nigeria. Living in another country has never been part of the plan. I just feel like other countries are vacations and education. I mean where will I find roasted plantain and beans? Certainly not on the streets of Canada.
The food (extremely important), the crazy people, the fact that my crazy is very much accepted here without judgment, the comfortability of being me, I don't think I can find that anywhere else, not even in Ghana our neighbors.
I know the country is hard and totally insecure but I have hope, hope that things will change for the better. Moreover, who is going to make the country better if we are all running away? That's why we keep having recycled garbage leading us at all angles. Nobody fit change this country if no be we we”.
As we come to the end of our journey through "Japa Blues," it's clear that migration is more than just moving from one place to another. These stories we've heard from our fellow Nigerians reflects the hustle, hope, and dreams behind every person talking about "Japa".
They remind us that in this life, it's resilience and faith that push us to pursue our dreams in distant lands. You know how it is!