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The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has stressed the need for the governments and the private sector to partner to create competitive employment opportunities within Nigeria that motivate young professionals to stay in order to reduce the push factors driving emigration.
Gabriel Idahosa, President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI) gave the advice on Thursday while speaking at the 2024 Secondary Schools Essay Competition and Prize-Giving Ceremony with the theme; ‘Socio-Economic Impact of the Mass Emigration (JAPA) On Nigerian Economy’, held at the LCCI Office Victoria Island, Lagos.
Idahosa who was represented at the event by Dr. Chinyere Almona, Director General, LCCI said this year’s theme resonates deeply across Nigeria’s generations, regions, and economic sectors, that the term ‘JAPA’ has entered our lexicon as a shorthand for the recent surge in mass emigration, especially of young Nigerians seeking better opportunities abroad.
To reduce the push factors driving emigration, according to him, investments in job creation, fair compensation, and skill development across sectors are essential.
He pointed out that mass emigration is not unique to Nigeria, but the scale and intensity of “JAPA” have created a distinct socio-economic impact in recent years.
“Statistics reveal that between 2020 and 2023 alone, Nigeria experienced a staggering increase in emigration, particularly among young professionals and recent graduates. The World Bank estimated that over 900,000 Nigerians migrated abroad during this period, with top destinations being Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe.
Idahosa noted that several factors drive this trend, including the search for better employment, educational opportunities, improved healthcare, and safety.
“In 2024, a survey by Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) found that over 70% of Nigerian youth expressed an interest in emigrating, citing reasons related to economic instability, high unemployment rates, and perceived quality of life abroad.
He said despite the personal benefits of migration to individuals and their families, the economic impact on Nigeria is mixed.
“On the one hand, remittances from Nigerians abroad reached a record $24 billion in 2023, providing critical support for millions of households.
However, this outflow of talent, skills, and innovation also creates gaps in key sectors such as healthcare, education, and technology,” he said.
Speaking further the LCCI President said that the impact of JAPA on Nigeria’s economy has been particularly significant in healthcare, that Nigeria already grappling with a shortage of healthcare professionals, has seen a marked increase in medical professionals emigrating.
“The Nigerian Medical Association reported that between 2022 and 2023, over 10,000 Nigerian doctors left the country. This has led to a national doctor-patient ratio far below the World Health Organization’s recommendation, further straining Nigeria’s already fragile healthcare system.
“Education, too, has felt the effects of this migration. Many Nigerian teachers, academics, and researchers opt for roles abroad, where compensation and career development opportunities are more favorable. This outflow of educators creates a vacuum in our universities and research institutions, where knowledge transfer and skill development are paramount to national progress.
Similarly, the technology sector, often viewed as a beacon of hope in Nigeria’s economic landscape according to him is also impacted.
“Leading tech firms report that a substantial number of their software engineers, developers, and data scientists have taken roles abroad. This trend challenges Nigeria’s ambition to become a leader in digital transformation within Africa.
Idahosa thereby pointed out that the story of JAPA is not solely one of loss, that there are clear socio-economic benefits derived from Nigeria’s diaspora.
“As noted earlier, remittances have become an important financial inflow for the Nigerian economy. These funds are critical for household income, education, healthcare, and small business support, helping millions of families maintain a certain standard of living despite local economic challenges.
Princess Layo Bakare-Okeowo, Chairperson Board of Business Education Services and Training (BEST) LCCI earlier in her opening address said that the Chambers is proud to lead the discussion on the economic impact of the JAPA syndrome, a pressing issue that affects businesses, communities, and the nation at large.
According to her, “by providing this veritable platform, we are not only fostering meaningful dialogue but also empowering young people to engage in the conversation and share their unique perspectives, insights, and solutions.
She said that the initiative underscores LCCI’s commitment to addressing critical challenges and shaping a sustainable future for the economy.
She noted that the LCCI Annual Secondary School Essay Competition and Prize Giving Ceremony is part of the Chamber’s education initiative, which aims to promote and encourage healthy and intellectual competition amongst secondary school students as well as provide a platform for them to contribute to contemporary issues in the nation’s economy.
