‘Japa’: Nothing wrong with relocating abroad for opportunities, says Femi Adesina

Femi Adesina, presidential spokesperson, says there is nothing wrong with young Nigerians relocating abroad.

There have been growing concerns in recent times over the relocation of youths, especially health workers, to foreign countries.

Reacting to the issue in an interview with Channels Television on Thursday, Adesina said the trend — dubbed ‘japa’ — is not a new phenomenon.

“The japa syndrome has always been there. There is nothing wrong with people going abroad,” he said.

“If you think you have better opportunities abroad, by all means, go. It is not a crime. It is ideal for people to stay back and invest in Nigeria but we know the ideal is not always the reality at all times. And you must face it.

“I tell young people that if you have the opportunities to go abroad, and not go there to be a caregiver or do menial jobs that you can’t do in your country, please go.

“One day you will become a better person and invest in this country and this economy again.”

In August 2022, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) said a total collapse of the health sector is imminent if urgent steps are not taken to address the brain drain.

The association called for an emergency solution to the issue, adding that with the trend of medical doctors leaving the country, there may be a need to hire doctors from foreign countries in the future.

On April 6, Ganiyu Johnson, an All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker from Lagos, pushed for a bill that seeks to amend the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act 2004, to address the exodus of healthcare workers.

The bill, which has passed the second reading in the house of representatives, seeks to mandate Nigerian-trained medical and dental practitioners to practice for a minimum of five years in the country before being granted a full licence.