HomeLifestyleTop 10 reasons Nigerian...

Top 10 reasons Nigerian youths migrate, ‘japa’, to Western countries

The report of the United Kingdom’s plan to introduce restrictions that will stop Nigerian students, and other nationalities studying in the country from bringing their families over has generated lots of controversy online.

Suella Braverman, secretary of state for the home department, said the move was necessary to protect the UK economy.

“The UK is a top destination for the brightest students to learn at some of the world’s best universities. But we have seen an unprecedented rise in the number of student dependents being brought into the country with visas,” Braverman said.

“It is time for us to tighten up this route to ensure we can cut migration numbers and meet the government’s pledge to the British people to cut net migration. This is the fair thing to do to allow us to better protect our public services, while supporting the economy by allowing the students who contribute the most to keep coming here.”

A Nigerian Youtuber, Emdee Tiamiyu, who specialises in helping Nigerians relocate to the United Kingdom, claimed that Nigerians migrating to the UK use schooling as a ploy to gain entry into the country.

Other Nigerians have a different view of the matter:

However as summed up by investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo, this is “is yet another reminder that there is nothing better than building our own country.”

Here are some reasons young and hardworking Nigerians migrate to Western countries in a trend known as “Japa”.

1. Economic opportunity

Lack of economic opportunity in Nigeria is a major driver of youth migration.

2. Unemployment

The unemployment rate in Nigeria is also very high, especially among young people. In 2022, the unemployment rate was 33.3%.

This lack of job opportunities makes it difficult for young people to support themselves and their families, and can lead to frustration and desperation.

3. Political instability

Nigeria has a long history of political instability, which has created an atmosphere of insecurity and uncertainty. This can make it difficult for young people to plan for the future and can lead to a desire to escape the country.

4. Religious violence

Nigeria is a religiously diverse country, and there has been a rise in religious violence in recent years. This violence has created a climate of fear and insecurity, and can make it difficult for young people to live safely and freely.

5. Gender inequality

Nigeria is a patriarchal society, and women and girls face discrimination in many areas of life. This discrimination can make it difficult for women and girls to access education, employment, and other opportunities, and can lead to a desire to leave the country.

6. Climate change

Climate change is having a devastating impact on Nigeria, with more frequent and severe droughts, floods, and other extreme weather events.

These events have displaced millions of people and made it difficult for people to make a living.

7. Education

Many Nigerian youths migrate to foreign countries to pursue higher education. Nigeria has a number of good universities, but they are often overcrowded and underfunded.

This can make it difficult for students to get the education they need to succeed.

8. Family reunification

Many Nigerian youths migrate to foreign countries to join family members who have already settled there.

Nigerians value family culture and usually want to stick together to help each other.

9. Adventure

Some Nigerian youths migrate to foreign countries simply for the adventure of it. They want to experience new cultures, meet new people, and see new places.

10. A better future

Many Nigerian youths migrate to foreign countries in the hope of a better future.

They want to have better opportunities for education, employment, and a better quality of life.


Disclaimer

The information in this article was curated from online sources. All details cannot be independently verified by NewsWireNGR or its editorial team.

Always visit NewsWireNGR for latest naija news and updated naija breaking news.

NewsWireNGR Latest News in Nigeria

Send Us A Press Statement/News Tips on 9ja Happenings: [email protected]

Advertise With Us: [email protected]

Contact Us

LISTEN to NewsWireNGR PODCASTS

- A word from our sponsors -

spot_img

Most Popular

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

More from Author

- A word from our sponsors -

spot_img

Read Now

Lazarus Angbazo: Beyond Roads and Power, Who Will Finance Human Capital Infrastructure for Africa’s Workforce?

By Lazarus Angbazo |  [email protected] Africa is entering one of the most ambitious periods of infrastructure and industrial investment in its history. Governments are expanding power generation, transport networks, ports, industrial parks, and digital infrastructure, while African private sector leaders are making unprecedented long-term commitments to manufacturing and industrial...

Residents: Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Self Storage Facility in Philadelphia

Finding the ideal self-storage unit can be challenging, especially in Philadelphia, where options abound. Many residents seek facilities that not only safeguard their belongings but also provide value and convenience. In this article, you'll learn the key factors to consider when selecting a self-storage facility in the...

“No Victor, No Vanquished” — Angbazo calls for unity after Nasarawa ADC Governorship Primary win

LAFIA — Retired General Nuhu Angbazo has emerged victorious from the Africa Democratic Congress, ADC, governorship primaries in Nasarawa State, calling on all party faithful to sheathe their swords and rally behind a common vision for the state's development. In a press statement issued shortly after his victory...

Lazarus Angbazo: The Countries that will lead the AI Economy are being decided right Now — By Their PowerGrids

Nigeria has enough installed generation to power a mid-sized country. The grid delivers less than half of it. Around the world, the race to build AI-ready power infrastructure is already underway — and the decisions African governments and investors make in the next eighteen months will determine...

Cheta Nwanze: Failed visa Marriages

by Cheta Nwanze The 1990 film Green Card told a relatively innocent story: a French immigrant and an American woman enter a marriage of convenience so he can stay in the US. They barely know each other. They hope never to see each other again after the deal...

Digital Marketing for Attorneys

In the competitive landscape of legal services, personal injury and medical malpractice attorneys are finding themselves overshadowed by competitors who dominate online visibility. The root of this issue lies in the digital presence that many firms lack. While traditional word-of-mouth referrals still hold value, the digital age...

Lazarus Angbazo: The global power industry is leaving Africa behind

 Dr. Lazarus AngbazoThe nascent AI revolution is not just driving electricity consumption and massive demand for additional capacity—it is reshaping how power is built, maintained, and delivered. For Africa, the real risk is no longer just insufficient capacity—it is also losing control and ability to manage the capacity it...

Bunmi Onabanjo-Kuku: The first thing you feel when you land in Nigeria

By Bunmi Onabanjo-Kuku The first thing you feel when you land in a country is not its culture, not its cuisine, not its people. It is its airport. That threshold, the space between the jet bridge and the city beyond, tells you everything a nation believes about itself...

Dr. Lazarus Angbazo: Why a fractured world strengthens the case for African Infrastructure

How inflation, energy insecurity, power scarcity, and geopolitical fragmentation are reshaping the risk-return case for African infrastructure By Dr. Lazarus Angbazo At a recent global infrastructure summit, the prevailing mood among institutional investors was unmistakable. Faced with surging capital requirements for energy transition, grid expansion, and digital infrastructure in Europe and...

Aliko Dangote to launch what could become Africa’s largest initial public offering to raise $5 billion from investors

Nigeria’s biggest local investor, Aliko Dangote, is moving ahead with plans to launch what could become Africa’s largest initial public offering, as Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals prepares to raise up to $5 billion from investors. The share sale is expected to open as early as May, with...

Criminal networks have turned Nigeria’s telecom towers into open-air warehouses for theft, looting

Criminal networks have turned Nigeria’s telecom towers into open-air warehouses for theft, looting 656 critical power assets across 14 states in 2025 alone and keeping up the pace in early 2026. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) data showed the haul included 152 generators and 504 batteries stolen from...

Paul Yirenkyi: A call for Caution Needed, President Tinubu and the INEC-ADC Crisis

I have seen enough cycles of tension and resolution to recognise when restraint must prevail over confrontation. The current standoff between the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is one such moment. In early April 2026, INEC withdrew recognition of the Senator...