JAPA: Addressing the issue of Mass Migration of Nigerians

Tough times never last, only tough people do.

I went to bed with great thoughts in my heart on whether to write on the topic or never to share my views in regard. The fears were arising based on the 'Woke and cancel culture now exhibited by the Nigerian youths, which is becoming a menace. Though these times like every other time will pass, are we going to be silent because of the fear of being canceled, or we are going to remain steadfast in our approach to begetting solutions to the mirage of problems facing the nation? I do not like a Presidential candidate in the ongoing presidential election who talks only about the problem with no concrete solution. I say, talk about the problems, and provide lasting solutions. I hope Nigerians will vote wisely.

We have a problem of talking pages on the problem of the country but giving a paragraph solution to the same problem, it might not be business as usual. I am so glad to have read from African No filter on a recent survey they conducted on Who is influencing African youths their findings will surprise you.

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How did we get here

Mass Migration (Japa) of people moving from one location to another in quest of greater economic prospects is referred to as economic migration. Economic migration has emerged as a crucial issue in the fast-globalizing world of today, having an impact on millions of people as well as communities, nations, and the entire planet. Economic migration is prompted by a variety of circumstances, such as the hope of better pay, higher living standards, and greater economic security in the host nation, as to poverty, unemployment, a lack of opportunities, and political instability in the country of origin.

 

Economic migration can have both positive and bad impacts, such as strain on social and economic systems and the exploitation of migrant workers. Positive effects include the stimulation of the economy and a "brain gain" for the host nation. Because of this, the subject of economic migration is complicated and has many facets, necessitating the careful analysis and attention of decision-makers, governments, and the global community.

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The Causes of the Japa Syndrome

Economic migration has many different root reasons, many of which are interrelated. In the Nigerian context,  the promise of higher pay, higher living standards, and greater economic security in the host nation are some of the most common causes, as well as poverty, unemployment, and a lack of prospects in the country of origin. Political unrest, hostilities, persecution, natural disasters, and environmental degradation are additional variables that can cause economic migration.

Additionally, technological advancements have made it feasible for people to stay linked to their home nations even when they are living and working abroad. Globalization has made it simpler for people to relocate from one region to another in quest of greater economic possibilities. In the end, the factors that influence people's decision to move are numerous, complicated, and interconnected, necessitating a sophisticated knowledge of the reasons for economic migration.

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Advantages and disadvantages of economic migration of people

Economic migration, or the movement of people from one place to another in search of better economic opportunities, can have both advantages and disadvantages. And in as much as the article is written to throttle down the issues of mass migration, it is important to forgo the advantage.

No one opens his eyes and allows a fly to perch in. - Yoruba proverb

Disadvantages:

One of the disadvantages of Japa is strained social and economic systems: Economic migration put a strain on the social and economic systems of the host country. This can result in increased competition for jobs, housing, and social services, and can lead to tension between migrants and the local population. A case study of the United state where a large number of far rights are calling for closed borders because really, their social benefits are yet to be enough and another man is coming to tap from the same river. It does not go down well with many. 

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Nigerians need to be tutored as per race imbalance in so many countries in Europe, Canada, and the United State, and how this issue can cause public uproar which may lead to unfulfilled living. A perfect example is that of Black lives matter, a protest which erupted in the United State.

Apart from the strained social economic system, another disadvantage of mass migration is that educated and competent people leave Nigeria in quest of greater opportunities, economic migration largely causes a "brain drain" for us as a nation. The growth and competitiveness of the country will suffer as a result.

Another angle to this is the exploitation of migrant workers, as migrants, you will be paid lower wages and may be subjected to poor working conditions, and may not have access to the same legal protections as local workers. When in Nigeria, you see a cleaning job as a No job for a Masters holder like you, but on arriving in the country you migrate to you go ahead doing those menial jobs you regard as No job in your country, the question is what changed? 

Like Fela sang in his song, 

If they call am African woman, African woman no go gree, she go say I be lady o. 

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Addressing the issue of Mass migration of Nigerians

Addressing the issue of Mass migration of Nigerians is an effort that both the policymakers, parents and religious leaders, in short, all major player's hands must be on deck. Ranging from changing the way we think, our approach to governance, and over-dependency on politics to thrive, to encouraging farming and skills learning and discouraging fraudulent acts by parents - case of Edo, Delta, Ondo, and many others even to Government agencies clamping down on the get-rich-quick syndrome, etc.

If you want freedom, take pride in your country. If you want democracy, hold onto your sovereignty. And if you want peace, love your nation. Wise leaders always put the good of their people and their own country first...The future belongs to Patriots. - Donald Trump

Ultimately, the most effective way to address the issue of economic migration is to address the root causes of migration. Governments and policymakers can do this by promoting economic development and stability in countries of origin, and by working to create the conditions that will allow people to live and work in their home countries. This may involve investing in education, infrastructure, and other critical areas that can help to create jobs and reduce poverty.