In a unanimous decision on Thursday, the House of Representatives voted against a motion that called for the Federal Government to tackle the issues driving Nigerian professionals to migrate to other countries in search of better opportunities.
The motion, titled ‘Need to Declare Emigration of Young Nigerians Abroad A.K.A Japa Syndrome a National Emergency,’ was introduced by newly elected member Philip Agbese. Agbese urged the government to organize a national summit involving key stakeholders to effectively address the ‘Japa Syndrome.’
Agbese also appealed for the House to declare a state of emergency concerning the factors that lead young Nigerians to abandon their country in favor of other nations. He referenced statistics from the Nigerian Economic Summit, which indicated a growing number of young Nigerians relocating abroad. Additionally, reports from the African Polling Institute revealed that 69 percent of young people would choose to emigrate if given the opportunity.
Highlighting a concerning trend, Agbese pointed out that the number of young Nigerians leaving the country has increased by 40 percent compared to 2019. He cited the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, which reported that international emigration from Nigeria reached 1.7 million in 2020, a substantial increase from 990,000 in 2010.
Agbese expressed the House’s concerns over the implications of this exodus, stating, “The House is concerned that the growing statistics of young Nigerians leaving Nigeria and securing permanent residence in the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, and other countries pose a grave danger to our nation in various aspects, including the economy, intellectual capacity, and social fabric.”
The lawmaker further highlighted the unsettling reality that a significant portion of the Nigerian population consists of young individuals, many of whom are already affected by what is known as the ‘Japa Syndrome.’ Tens of thousands have relocated to countries like the USA, Canada, South Africa, and even Gambia over the past two years. Agbese emphasized that the eagerness to migrate to countries offering hope is influencing this trend.
He expressed concern that those leaving Nigeria are not solely the poor but also the middle class, including skilled professionals like bankers, lecturers, healthcare practitioners, doctors, nurses, and other trained personnel who were educated in Nigeria.
Their departure at a time when their services are needed for Nigeria’s economic development could have dire consequences for critical sectors such as education and healthcare.
Agbese underscored the importance of Nigeria’s young population as a valuable asset. While acknowledging the potential benefits of a growing Nigerian diaspora, he stressed that this should not come at the expense of the nation’s much-needed skilled workforce. He lamented that the mass exodus of bright young minds creates the perception that “Nigeria is a sinking ship that everyone is rushing to get out of,” negatively impacting national pride.
However, despite the support of Dennis Idahosa, a ranking member of the House, the motion faced opposition from Sada Soli, another ranking member, who raised constitutional concerns. Soli argued that the motion would infringe on the fundamental rights of Nigerians if adopted. He cited Chapter 4 of the Constitution, which guarantees personal liberty and the right to free movement, even allowing for dual citizenship.
In contrast, Ahmad Jaha, another ranking member, defended the motion, clarifying that it aimed to address the factors driving mass emigration rather than restrict the freedom to leave the country. Jaha urged his fellow lawmakers to consider the motion’s intent rather than rejecting it outright.
Ahmed Wase, the immediate past Deputy Speaker, emphasized the need to address the constitutional concerns raised by Soli before proceeding with the motion. He reminded the House that any law inconsistent with the Constitution would be null and void, as stated in Section 1(3) of the Constitution. Wase emphasized the importance of upholding the constitution and suggested ruling on the point of order raised by Soli before proceeding with the motion.
Finally, the Speaker called for a voice vote on the adoption of the motion. In a unanimous decision, the lawmakers voted against it, thereby rejecting the motion.
The rejection of the motion by the House of Representatives signifies that the government will not be convening a national summit or declaring a state of emergency to address the emigration of young Nigerians abroad. Despite the concerns raised by Agbese regarding the potential negative impacts on the nation’s economy, intellectual capital, and critical sectors, the constitutional argument prevailed in this instance.
The decision also reflects the ongoing debate surrounding the balance between individual rights and the collective responsibility to address the root causes of mass emigration. While some lawmakers argued that the motion infringed upon Nigerians’ rights to seek a livelihood elsewhere, others emphasized the importance of understanding and mitigating the factors driving the exodus.
The rejection of the motion serves as a call for further deliberation and exploration of alternative solutions to address the challenges faced by young Nigerians that compel them to seek better opportunities abroad. It highlights the need for comprehensive strategies that can retain and harness the talents and skills of the nation’s youth, ultimately contributing to the development and prosperity of Nigeria as a whole.
