‘Japa’ is a Nigerian slang word that literally means to run away or leave the country in search of a better life and a better future.
It is referred to as a “trend” because a large number of people, especially Nigerian youths are relocating to other countries in search of a safe environment and better life or job opportunities.
Currently, there is an abduction or rather kidnapping of 43 students with teachers and principal in Oya state where Fulani bandits are requesting for the release of their people. The government are paying deaf ears to this situation but when the sister of the governor of that state got kidnapped she got released under the space of four days.
This is literally one of the reason Nigerians are leaving the country. No jobs, (even the ones available are very small pay) no safety guaranteed.
A public figure (Tunde Ednut) also said that “if you are a Nigerian, you have means or you’re financially stable enough, Japa now because this country is no longer safe for you”.
One major reason for this japa trend is the poor economic situation in Nigeria. Many graduates struggle to find jobs after school, and even when they are employed, the salaries are often not enough to meet up their basic needs, because of this young people feel or rather believe that moving abroad will give them better financial stability and better opportunities for a better life.
The country is no longer convenient for many Nigerians and even older people are relocating with their families to secure safety over their head.
Another thing that’s also contributing to this japa trend is the influence of social media and global exposure.Today, young Nigerians constantly see videos and posts of people living good life abroad,enjoying good governance system and infrastructure, quality education, and stable systems.
This creates a strong desire and pressure to also leave the country in search of similar opportunities. Many people begin to compare their lives with those abroad, which increases dissatisfaction with local conditions, coupled with scholarship opportunities and student visa programs also encourage relocation, especially among students who wish to study in better-equipped institutions. However, this exposure has made migration seem more like a normal life path rather than an extraordinary decision.
As a result, more youths are motivated to “japa” as soon as they get the chance, believing that success and stability are more achievable outside the country than within it.
Another reason for this “japa” trend is insecurity and poor social services in the country. Issues such as kidnapping, unstable electricity, and inadequate healthcare make life difficult for many citizens. As a result, people prefer to live in countries where there is safety, stability, and better access to basic amenities. Imagine a citizen not being able to walk freely without the fear of being attacked or kidnapped. Families can no longer live peacefully or carry out their daily activities comfortably due to insecurity and frequent cases of kidnapping.
In my opinion, the japa trend is more of survival than escape because many Nigerians are no longer comfortable with the harsh conditions of the country. They only want reassurance, safety guaranteed support to enable smooth living, but since the president and government are paying deaf ears to the people’s plea, they have no choice than to protect their selves from being a victim.
The high rate of unemployment, insecurity, poor healthcare system, unstable electricity, and rising cost of living have made life very difficult for many citizens. As a result, many people see relocation as an opportunity to secure a better future, safety, and stability for themselves and their families.
Also, from my perspective, the japa trend cannot simply be labeled as a personal choice because in many cases, it is driven by necessity rather than preference. When basic needs such as security, employment, and healthcare are not guaranteed, migration becomes a form of forced survival.
Maybe if the government could hear the voices of the people and make the country much better and convenient for citizens to stay, then maybe people won’t consider leaving the country as a means of escape.
However, some people argue that the japa trend is simply an escape from responsibility.
They believe that instead of staying back to develop the country, many young Nigerians leave because they are not willing to face the challenges within the system.
The japa trend also reflects the frustration and hopelessness many Nigerians feel about the current state of the country. For many citizens, relocating abroad is no longer a luxury or a mere desire, but a necessary step toward achieving security, financial stability, quality education, and a better future. The increasing rate of unemployment, insecurity, poor governance, and lack of opportunities has made many people lose confidence in the system. As a result, many Nigerians now see relocation as the only realistic path to personal growth and survival.
Also contributing to the stated facts, if only the government can provide betterment and job opportunities for citizens, people won’t see relocating as a means of survival.
Oluchi is a 200 level student in the department of journalism and media studies at Delta State University,Abraka.
