Former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has added his voice to the growing national concern over the “Japa” phenomenon, describing the mass exodus of young Nigerians to foreign countries as a threat to the nation’s future development.
Speaking during a wide-ranging interview with several television stations on Friday, May 8, 2026, the former leader warned that the trend is no longer just about seeking greener pastures, but has evolved into an alarming drain of Nigeria’s most valuable human capital.
The Dignity of the Nigerian Youth
One of Jonathan’s most poignant points centered on the treatment of Nigerians once they arrive in foreign lands. He argued that the desperation to leave often leads young people into environments where they are undervalued.
“The Japa syndrome in Nigeria has to stop. The highest level of disdain shown to Nigerian youths abroad has to stop,” Jonathan stated.
He lamented that while migration is a global norm, the current “desperation” attached to the Nigerian wave often results in highly educated citizens taking menial jobs abroad that do not match their skills, while the Nigerian economy suffers from the loss of their expertise.
Development vs. Depletion
Jonathan emphasized that no nation can achieve significant growth when its “brightest and bravest” are constantly looking for the exit.
- Human Resource Drain: He noted that the healthcare, tech, and academic sectors are particularly hard-hit by the emigration wave.
- National Pride: He called for a restoration of faith in the Nigerian project, urging the government to create an environment where staying at home is a viable and attractive option.
- Global Practice vs. Local Crisis: While acknowledging that people move globally, he stressed that Nigeria’s scale of emigration has become “unhealthy” for a developing economy.
At a Glance: Jonathan on the Japa Crisis
| Point | Detail |
| The Warning | The Japa syndrome is becoming “alarming.” |
| The Concern | Draining of human resources needed for national growth. |
| On Treatment Abroad | Condemned the “disdain” shown to Nigerians in foreign countries. |
| The Solution | Urged for policies that make staying in Nigeria more attractive. |
| Context | Interview held in Yenagoa/Abuja on May 8, 2026. |
The “Japa” Context in 2026
Jonathan’s remarks come at a time when the Nigerian government is struggling to balance a fluctuating Naira with the high demand for foreign visas. His intervention is seen by analysts as a call to action for the current administration to prioritize youth engagement, job security, and economic stability to stem the tide.
As a former president who famously oversaw a period of significant middle-class growth, Jonathan’s perspective carries weight among a generation that feels increasingly disconnected from the Nigerian dream.