“The grass Is greener when you water the ground”—a proverb that once resonated deeply with Nigerians—seems to have lost its meaning in the face of an overwhelming reality: the mass exodus from Nigeria, commonly referred to as the “Japa“ syndrome. Derived from Yoruba slang, “Japa” means to (Run away), especially in pursuit of better opportunities. It has become the clarion call of a generation disillusioned by the state of their nation. But as with every issue, there are two sides to this story: the perspective of the Nigerian government and that of its citizens.
The Government’s Perspective
President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, who took office on May 29, 2023, has witnessed an alarming rate of migration, with the Nigerian Immigration Service reporting that over 3.6 million Nigerians have left the country in just two years. This mass movement has sparked concern among the leadership, culminating in President Tinubu’s speech on National Diaspora Celebration Day, July 25, 2024. Addressing Nigerians abroad, he declared, “There is no place like home,” drawing from his own experience of living and working overseas before returning to contribute to Nigeria’s development.
But when the President speaks of “improving” and “contributing” to the nation, one must ask: what groundwork has been laid by the government that Nigerians abroad are expected to build upon? The unfortunate truth is that the current administration, like many before it, has been marred by corruption and inefficiency.
Corruption has deeply penetrated the fabric of Nigeria’s governance. Leaders like James Ibori, the former governor of Delta State, have faced imprisonment for corruption, yet the cycle continues. The infamous case of animals “swallowing” large sums of money at the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in 2018 exemplifies the absurdity and impunity that characterize many government operations. Meanwhile, the recovery of Abacha’s loots, decades after his death, further highlights how entrenched corruption remains.
President Tinubu’s call for the diaspora to return and “improve” Nigeria rings hollow when the government itself has done little to foster an environment worth returning to.
The Citizens’ Perspective
On the other hand, it’s important to consider the role of the citizens in this narrative. Former U.S. President John F. Kennedy once famously said, “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.” But have Nigerians truly asked themselves this question before deciding to leave? Do they still love their country, or has that love been lost in the pursuit of a better life abroad?
It’s common to hear Nigerians speaking disparagingly about their own country while glorifying others. The negative rhetoric is pervasive, and it often feels as though Nigerians are more willing to work hard anywhere else but in their homeland. This raises the question: have we given up on Nigeria too soon?
The past has not been kind to Nigerian youth, with former President Muhammadu Buhari labeling them as “lazy” and lovers of handouts in April 2018. The backlash was swift and justified, as the average Nigerian is far from lazy; hard work is ingrained in the nation’s psyche. Yet, despite this, many Nigerians are ready to exert their efforts elsewhere, further weakening the nation’s foundation.
Consider Yahaya Bello, who became the youngest governor in Nigeria when he was elected in 2016. His eight-year tenure in Kogi State, which ended in January 2024, offers little hope for youth leadership. From creating an “Office of the Former Governor” to his dismissive attitude during the COVID-19 pandemic—where he infamously called it “glorified malaria” and rejected N1.1 billion in support from the World Bank—Bello’s leadership was a glaring example of missed opportunities. His current legal troubles with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged N80.2 billion fraud only underscore the failures of youth leadership in Nigeria.
In 2018, the “Not Too Young to Run” bill was passed, lowering the age requirement for certain political offices. Yet, are the youth ready to take on the mantle of leadership? Beyond blaming the government, what steps are Nigerians taking to improve their immediate surroundings? The very citizens who decry bad leadership are often the ones enabling it by prioritizing immediate gains over the long-term health of the nation.
A Path Forward
Greedy and disconnected leaders, paired with unpatriotic and disillusioned citizens, create a recipe for disaster. This is the root cause of the “Japa” syndrome. To reverse this trend and restore normalcy, both the government and the citizens must take responsibility.
The government must move beyond half-hearted appeals for return and take tangible actions to make Nigeria a livable and comfortable place once again. This means tackling corruption head-on, creating jobs, improving infrastructure, and ensuring security. On the other hand, citizens must rekindle their love for Nigeria and heed the call to service. It’s time to think beyond the present and consider the long-term impact of our choices.
If both parties fail to act, Nigeria risks losing more than just its people; it risks losing its very identity. In a few years, we may not have a country to call our own.
Conclusion
The “Japa” syndrome is a symptom of a deeper malaise—a breakdown of trust between the government and its citizens. It is a tale of two sides, both of which must come together to heal the nation. The grass can indeed be greener on the other side, but it can also be just as green at home if only we’re willing to water it.
