The concept of “Japa” has always been regarded positively by Nigerians as an escape from the country’s problems. Over time, Nigeria has witnessed a significant brain drain, losing numerous intellectuals, particularly in the field of healthcare. While the government strongly condemns such actions, some individuals believe that this phenomenon might actually benefit the country.
Peter Obi, the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has expressed agreement with American Business Mogul, Bill Gates, who stated that the increasing number of young Nigerians and professionals seeking better opportunities abroad is advantageous for the nation. Gates, during an interactive session with innovators in Lagos, addressed the “Japa” trend in a program titled ‘Advancing Africa: Unleashing the Power of Youth in Science and Innovation.’
According to Gates, the recent surge of Nigerians and professionals leaving the country in pursuit of “greener pastures” overseas can contribute positively to the nation. Aligning with Gates’ viewpoint, Peter Obi took to his personal Twitter account to affirm his agreement and highlight the value of knowledge and expertise acquired by Nigerians in the diaspora in rebuilding a new Nigeria.
Obi’s tweet read, “I read and agree with Bill Gates’s recent comment on the ‘Japa’ syndrome, where, according to reports, he stated that the recent surge of Nigerian professionals leaving the country for greener pastures is good and healthy for our country.” He further emphasized that although the current exodus may seem like a loss, it will eventually become a benefit once the nation rectifies its course.
Obi maintained that he has consistently advocated for this stance on the “Japa” wave, even during his presidential campaign and tours to various countries such as Canada, the USA, Germany, the UK, and others. Drawing parallels to countries like China, India, and Ireland, he highlighted how Nigeria can benefit from the knowledge and resources brought back by its citizens abroad.
The LP candidate cited India as an example of a country that leveraged the expertise and resources of its diaspora to foster national growth, particularly in the technology industry. India’s success in producing top engineers and computer scientists, as well as its influential presence in global tech companies, can be attributed to this approach.
Furthermore, Obi asserted that when Nigeria focuses on rebuilding and prioritizing investments in education, healthcare, and support for small businesses, Nigerians in the diaspora will return with their internationally acquired training, skills, and resources to make significant contributions to the country’s development.
However, it is important to note that in Obi’s statement, he reiterated that the “Japa” phenomenon can only benefit Nigeria if the country begins to address its issues. The question arises: is anything being done right in Nigeria? The current state of security is abysmal, making it unlikely for individuals to leave a more secure country and return to Nigeria, where the security of lives is not guaranteed. Moreover, the overall functionality of the country is severely impaired, including the healthcare sector, justice system, and accountability. Without significant improvements in these areas, the “Japa” trend will never work in Nigeria’s favor.
