By Toochi Ejiofor
Edited by Bababunmi Agbebi
President Bola Tinubu’s Democracy Day message to Nigerian youths has reignited conversations around the growing number of young Nigerians leaving the country.
In his June 12 Democracy Day speech, Tinubu appealed to young Nigerians to remain in the country and contribute to nation-building.
“To our young people: Nigeria is your home and your future. Build here, code here, work here, and vote here. Every great nation was built by those who stayed to solve problems, not by those who abandoned ship,” the President said.
For years, the “japa” trend, a term commonly used to describe the migration of Nigerians abroad has continued to grow among youths.
Millions of Nigerians have relocated abroad seeking improved living conditions, stable income, quality education and healthcare. Countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States have become common destinations.
While many young Nigerians agree with the idea of patriotism and national development, they argue that economic hardship and uncertainty continue to push people out of the country.
Reacting to the President’s speech on social media, many users pointed to unemployment, inflation, insecurity and the rising cost of living as major reasons young people are leaving.
“No country ever needs to tell their citizens to stay if the system is functional. Humans move to where economy is stable and life is secure. Nigeria in its current self is strangling,” one user wrote on X.
Another commenter said, “The government now is not building the future of this country Nigeria rather they keep destroying what is left to be built for greater tomorrow.”
Since the removal of fuel subsidy in 2023, Nigerians have faced increasing transportation costs, food inflation and higher living expenses, with many households struggling to cope.
Nigeria’s unemployment challenges also continue to shape the decisions of many young people considering relocation. Although millions of Nigerians are employed, many youths still struggle with unstable income, low-paying jobs and limited career opportunities.
Other concerns including electricity supply, rising business costs, healthcare, insecurity and long-term financial stability, continue to influence decisions about whether to remain in the country or relocate abroad.
For many youths, the question is no longer whether they love Nigeria, but whether the country currently offers enough reasons for them to stay and build their future at home.
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