The phenomenon known as the “Japa syndrome” has become an inevitable aspect of the lives of many Nigerian youths in recent times.
This term refers to the migration of highly skilled workers and university graduates in search of greener pastures in Europe.
The economic crisis in the country can be cited as a major factor driving most Nigerians, particularly the youth, to seek greener pastures elsewhere.
Unfortunately, the absence of a visible solution to the crisis has made migration the only viable option for many Nigerians.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Dr Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, has called on stakeholders to help address the issue of youth migration.
She made the call while co-chairing the meeting of 48 African Countries Ministerial Representatives with the European Union in The Hague, Netherlands.
The event, which was co-hosted by the Nigerian government and the Netherlands, was tagged “Thematic Meeting of the Rabat Process on Migration, Youth and Development.”
In a statement issued by Mr Rasheed Zubair, Edu’s media aide, the minister highlighted the disturbing issue of irregular migration and its impact on the African continent.
She emphasized that Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu’s administration is committed to setting up new initiatives that will provide job opportunities for Nigerian youths.
The Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu aims to give innovative young Nigerians the chance to be involved in different initiatives.
The minister also expounded on the link between migration, youth, and development, noting that 16% of the world’s population consists of a mobile demography that could play a vital role in fostering development.
She further stated that Nigeria’s youth have developed a robust startup ecosystem that attracted over two billion dollars in investment between 2015 and 2022, with 107 startups founded by persons between the ages of 25 and 35 attracting over eight hundred million dollars in investment in 2022 alone.
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Edu expressed her delight over the impressive records of youth participation in innovative and technology startups, urging them to sustain the tempo.
She lauded the young population’s giant strides in the creative industry, education, leadership, medicine, science, and sports, noting that their achievements were highly commendable.
However, the minister also noted that many migrants face numerous challenges in the countries they migrate to, citing Nigeria’s “Japa Syndrome” as an example.
In 2022, diaspora remittances to Nigeria stood at $21.9 billion, but the challenges faced by young migrants in their quest for new opportunities include human trafficking, smuggling of migrants, sexual abuse, poor living conditions, organ trafficking, modern-day slavery, and other forms of exploitation.
Edu expressed optimism that the meeting would provide avenues for deliberations and solutions to the challenges faced by young migrants while also celebrating their achievements.
She used the opportunity to canvass support for low-income countries in Africa in job creation and enabling environments to reduce pressure on youth seeking to migrate.
In his remarks, Mr. Paul Huijts, the Netherlands Secretary-General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed delight that the meeting focused on promoting active participation and opportunities for young people.
He commended the Nigerian government for providing opportunities for youths to participate in governance, particularly with the appointment of Edu.
Huijts also stressed the need to engage in dialogue and change best practices to address the root causes of irregular migration.
Erica Gerretsen, Director-General of the European Union Commission for International Partnership, in her remarks, highlighted the importance of giving voice to young people, building narratives, and getting positive stories about young people’s migration.
She stressed the need to engage participants to increase their voice in leadership policies and decision-making.
”As well as the potentials they have to contribute to the development of their country rather than seeking illegal migration.
“We are leading by example by strengthening the institutional engagement in the European institutions, our EU boards for international partnerships is a group of 25 young people from around the world.
“It was established in 2021 to advise on youth participation and empowerment as well as helping to use our policies to change the narratives in countries, “she said
