For many young Africans, particularly Nigerians, the “Japa” conversation is not just about travel—it is about survival, ambition, and sometimes, identity. The term originally Yoruba slang for “escape,” has evolved into a defining movement of our generation.

It is the dream of leaving home for better opportunities abroad, but also a source of unspoken tension between those who go and those who stay.

Recent data highlights the scale of this migration trend. Between 2022 and September 2023, over 3.6 million Nigerians emigrated in search of better opportunities.  This translates to an average of approximately 5,000 Nigerians leaving the country daily. Such significant numbers underscore the urgency and scale of the “Japa” phenomenon.

Why Are They Leaving?

Economic Instability: High unemployment rates and a challenging economic environment push many to seek better livelihoods abroad.
Educational Pursuits: The desire for quality education leads many Nigerians to study overseas, with UNESCO reporting over 71,000 Nigerian students abroad.
Security Concerns: Rising insecurity within the country compels individuals to seek safer environments for themselves and their families.
Healthcare Access: Inadequate healthcare services drive those who can afford it to seek medical treatments abroad.
Family Reunification: Many migrate to join family members who have already settled abroad, aiming to reunite and build a better future together.

There is a subtle but real shift in relationships once someone migrates. One minute, you are all in the same group chat laughing about fuel scarcity and the latest Afrobeats drama, and the next, your friend is sending snaps of snow in Canada, talking about how hard it is to adjust. Some still vibe as before, but others start to feel like they exist in different worlds.

Those who leave sometimes feel like they have “levelled up” and wonder why others are still struggling back home. Meanwhile, those who stay feel abandoned or even judged—like they did not try hard enough to leave. The reality is that neither side has it easy.

People abroad post highlight reels, a well-decorated apartment in London, visa approval celebrations, and first snowfall excitement. What they do not always show are the 12-hour shifts in the freezing weather, the loneliness of starting over, and the cultural shock that never fully fades. On the other hand, those who stay back in Africa are navigating tough economies, unstable governments, and rising living costs. But they also hold onto a sense of belonging that those who leave often miss.

Not everyone who stays behind is struggling, and not everyone who moves abroad is thriving. Some African youths are building businesses, innovating in tech, or making waves in entertainment from home. Others find opportunities in foreign lands that they would never have gotten locally. The real conversation should be about defining success on individual terms, rather than competing over whose life choice was better.

The “silent war” between Japa vs. Stay Back is unnecessary and, in my opinion, needs to end. Instead of the superiority complex from both sides, there should be more support, shared opportunities, and less judgment. The truth remains, whether you are making it in Lagos or in London, we are all still Africans, navigating life the best way we know how.