“Japa,” a Nigerian slang term for traveling abroad in search of a better life, has remained a hot-button topic.
The recent deportation of 103 Nigerians from Turkey, allegedly due to expired visas and irregular migration, highlights the potential dangers of this desperate journey.
JAPA often stems from economic hardship and a desire for greater opportunities. However, many migrants face unforeseen challenges.
The Senate President’s plea to Germany earlier in the year regarding potential mass deportations and the struggles of Nigerian students facing deportation from the UK due to financial difficulties illustrate these hardships.
In February 2024, Senate President Godswill Akpabio appealed to the government of Germany to exercise patience in its decision to deport about 12,000 Nigerians.
“We need to investigate the security implications of Germany’s recent decision to deport 12,000 illegal Nigerians,” Akpabio told Germany’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Annette Gunter, during a meeting in Abuja.
He added that the dumping of 12,000 illegal immigrants in Nigeria could escalate the country’s insecurity, and he urged the German government to identify genuine Nigerians among the potential deportees.
A similar harrowing experience occurred to some Nigerian students in a UK university who risked deportation after the naira crash led to fee defaults. Esther Obigwe, a Nigerian student, was quoted by the BBC as saying, “I am now on antidepressants and being here alone,” adding, “I have nobody to talk to.” I haven’t eaten or slept for more than two months, and I don’t understand why we’re receiving this treatment when we’ve done nothing wrong.
While some japa journeys lead to success stories, the risks are undeniable. Catherine Udida, Director of Migration Affairs at the NCFRMI, emphasizes the need to investigate the circumstances surrounding the Turkish deportations.
“Some of them (deportees, all male) have been in deportation camp for some months, and now that they are here, we are hoping to follow up on all the allegations gathered in their profiling,” she disclosed during the deportees’ profiling in Abuja.
‘A dangerous journey’
On February 4, 2024, a Belgian official, Mr. Freddy Roosemont, opened a can of worms by exposing European countries to the danger and risk associated with ‘JAPA.’ ”Nigerians need to know that the dream of going to Europe, especially Belgium, is unrealistic. It is a difficult journey,” the official asserted. He added that most dreams of a better life in Europe are just fakes, as it is not easy to survive there, positing that the economic meltdown is a global phenomenon.
‘Brain Drain to Brain Waste’
On May 11, 2024, the coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, disclosed that Nigeria lost 16,000 doctors in five years to Japa syndrome, noting that the brain drain syndrome has robbed the health sector of its best hands.However, analysts also highlight the phenomenon of “brain waste,” where skilled migrants struggle to find suitable jobs due to overqualification
Tope Alade, a public affairs analyst, argued that the addition of desperation to migration has rendered it vulnerable to danger and exploitation. He added that the rise of far-right populists, who often label immigrants as dangerous hordes of murderers in Europe and America, continued to fuel resentment against migrants from third world countries.
Seeking Solutions
JAPA is a complex issue. While the allure of a better life abroad is understandable, the risks are real.
Analysts say addressing the root causes of this phenomenon, such as economic hardship and lack of opportunity in Nigeria, should be a priority.
Additionally, they contend promoting safe and legal migration channels can help protect Nigerians from exploitation
“By acknowledging both the dangers and potential of JAPA, we can encourage safe and responsible migration, while working towards a stronger Nigerian economy that offers opportunities for its citizens at home.” Bayo Arole an immigration lawyer submitted.
