The Japa Pandemic: To leave or Not To Leave

We all know at least one person who has recently emigrated from Nigeria. Nowadays, everyone seeks stability and a better future, sadly we don’t see it happening in our country. We are all willing to risk everything and give up all we have just to go to the other side where the grass seems greener. Yet, no matter how far you go, you will always be known as a Nigerian and all the international scrutiny that comes with being a Nigerian will still affect you. 

Emigration from Nigeria by Nigerians has become a pandemic. According to the Nigerian Immigration Statistics, in 2021, the emigration rate in Nigeria stood at 0.29 per 1,000 population. However, even with this large amount of people leaving, there is still a lot of expatriates and investors coming into the country. The question is why? With all the challenges that we seem to face, what makes Nigeria attractive to foreigners? What are they seeing that we are not?

Firstly, Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, which means there is a large market for businesses to tap into. With a population of over 200 million people, there is a diverse and rapidly growing consumer base, which can be an attractive prospect for investors looking to expand their business.  Another reason is that Nigeria is rich in natural resources, including oil, gas, coal, and agriculture. This presents an opportunity for investors in industries such as energy, mining, and agriculture to benefit from Nigeria’s abundant resources.

Let’s also look at one of our most significant selling points, the affordable cost of living. From reduced taxes to cheaper products, this is generally lower than in many Western countries, which can be a big advantage for those looking to save money. Finally, Nigeria is home to over 250 ethnic groups, each with its unique language, traditions, and customs and more than 1000 tourist landmarks, there is so much to explore and take in while living in Nigeria. It is simply a matter of being willing to leave your comfort zone and take in the sights around you. 

Leaving the country may seem like the only option, but in reality, there are so many opportunities here. If foreigners are able to see these perks that come with running their businesses over here, we can also tap into it. Instead of running away, we should look at the positives and build on these for our business and career. People often say that if you can succeed here, you can make it anywhere else, and there is money to be made here if you are willing to be a part of the change we all want to see in Nigeria.