The Senate President’s call for Nigerians to prioritise patriotism over migration, commonly called japa, fails to address the underlying socioeconomic issues.
Development Diaries reports that Senator Godswill Akpabio, while commenting on a motion to address the japa syndrome, said the increasing migration of Nigerians abroad has affected the country’s health and education sector in many ways.
However, the root of the issue lies not in the lack of love for the nation but in the socioeconomic challenges that compel many to seek better opportunities abroad.
According to a 2022 African Polling Institute survey, 69 percent of Nigerians between the ages of 18 and 35 said they would migrate if given the chance.
While patriotism is important, love for the country cannot overcome inadequate job opportunities, poor working conditions, or insecurity. For many young Nigerians, migration is a survival tactic in the face of systemic failures.
Rather than appealing to emotional patriotism, the Nigerian Senate should focus on creating an enabling environment that makes staying in the country a viable option.
This can be achieved by passing and implementing policies that promote job creation, economic growth, and stable governance.
Initiatives to boost entrepreneurship, invest in critical infrastructure, and support innovation in sectors like technology and agriculture would help create sustainable jobs for young people. Addressing these issues directly can reduce the urge to migrate.
Additionally, the government needs to prioritise the improvement of public services such as health care, education, and security.
Many Nigerians migrate because the public services do not meet global standards, and there is little confidence in their improvement.
It is only expected that the Nigerian government works to improve these areas, and by so doing, restore trust in public institutions.
Addressing the factors driving migration, such as economic hardship, poor governance, and lack of opportunities, will ultimately reduce the migration of Nigerians abroad.
Photo source: Godwill Akpabio
