Japa or Stay? Navigating the Aspirations and Realities of Lagos's Youth

The binary question of "Japa or Stay?" defines a core, existential dilemma for a significant portion of Lagos’s youth, particularly educated professionals and those in skilled trades. Japa, a Yoruba term that translates loosely to "to run, flee, or escape," has become modern Nigerian slang for emigration, particularly the pursuit of better opportunities in Western countries like Canada, the UK, and the US. This mass aspiration for relocation is driven by a complex interplay of economic frustration, security concerns, and a search for a more stable and predictable life, fundamentally reshaping the social and economic fabric of Lagos.

The primary driver of the Japa phenomenon is economic despair and lack of opportunity. Despite being Africa's largest economy, Nigeria struggles with high unemployment, particularly among university graduates, and persistent inflation that erodes purchasing power. Lagos, while offering more opportunities than other regions, is also prohibitively expensive, making it difficult for young professionals to achieve traditional milestones like homeownership or stable family life. Coupled with this is the frustration with poor public services, including dilapidated healthcare and education systems, forcing those with means to seek options abroad that promise reliable infrastructure and greater social mobility.

​The second major impetus is the pervasive issue of security and governance. While Lagos generally remains more secure than many other Nigerian states, the continuous reports of instability, banditry, and corruption nationwide create an environment of systemic unease. For young people, the feeling that the political and governance systems offer no clear path for their future is a powerful motivator to leave.

The decision to Japa is often framed not as an abandonment of home, but as a rational, self-preserving choice to secure a future where hard work is consistently rewarded and personal safety is guaranteed by the state.

​However, the "Stay" argument is championed by a resilient cohort who see opportunity amidst the chaos. For entrepreneurs, Lagos offers a massive, untapped market with glaring gaps that allow for disruptive, highly profitable solutions (as seen in the tech ecosystem). The lack of complex infrastructure forces creative thinking, often leading to innovations that leapfrog old technology.

Furthermore, the deep cultural connection, familial bonds, and the vibrant, incomparable energy of Lagos and Nigeria itself are powerful factors. Those who stay often possess a strong sense of national mission, believing that their skills are best utilized contributing to local development, reform, and growth, arguing that the future of Nigeria ultimately depends on the dedication of its capable youth.

The consequences of this dilemma are profound. While remittances from the diaspora are a massive economic stabilizer, the continuous exodus of highly skilled professionals doctors, nurses, engineers, and tech workers is creating a crippling brain drain, particularly in critical sectors like healthcare. Companies in Lagos struggle to retain top talent, leading to increased labor costs and a slowdown in certain sectors.

The "Japa" trend thus creates a dual reality: a flourishing diaspora contributing financially, juxtaposed with a domestic economy that is increasingly starved of the human capital required for structural transformation and long-term sustainable growth. Ultimately, the future trajectory of Lagos and Nigeria hinges on the ability of the government and private sector to create an enabling environment that converts the aspiration to Japa into a compelling motivation to Stay.