Picture Segun at Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos, waving goodbye to his younger sister as she leaves to study abroad. On the drive home through traffic, his phone buzzes: two more friends have posted “new country” photos this week. His mum calls to ask, “Segun, what about you? Are you not going too?” He earns a decent salary in Lagos, but rent, fuel and food keep climbing. Should he japa or stay? If you are asking yourself the same question, this guide gives you a calm, practical way to make the japa decision without the pressure.
The japa decision is the choice to relocate abroad for work, study or a better life, or to stay and build in Nigeria. There is no single right answer. A good decision weighs the real costs, your career and skills, your family and your mental health, and is based on a clear plan and official information, not pressure or fear of missing out.
Key takeaways
- Japa is a personal decision, not a race. What works for your friend may not work for you.
- Relocation costs more than the flight: think savings, career reset, loneliness and family obligations.
- Use official government websites for visa and immigration information, and avoid “agents” who promise guaranteed visas.
- Staying can also be a smart, deliberate choice if you have a clear plan to grow.
Why so many Nigerians are considering japa
You are not imagining it. In a survey published in December 2024, Afrobarometer found that 56% of Nigerians had considered emigrating, up from 36% in 2017. Among young people aged 18 to 35, the figure was 60%, and among those with post-secondary education it was 71%.
The most common reasons given were finding work (42%) and escaping economic hardship (39%). Rising prices, a tough job market and the search for better opportunities all play a part.
But “many people are going” is not the same as “you should go”. Let’s look at the full picture.
The real costs of japa (beyond the flight)
| Cost | What it can look like |
|---|---|
| Money | Visa and application fees, proof of funds, flights, deposits for rent, and living costs before your first salary |
| Career reset | Your Nigerian experience may not be fully recognised at first. Many people start in lower roles or retrain. |
| Loneliness | New culture, cold weather and no family nearby can hit hard, especially in the first year. |
| Family obligations | Family may expect you to send money home as soon as you land, even while you are still settling in. |
| Status | Your immigration status may limit where you can work or how long you can stay. |
Visa fees, proof-of-funds requirements and rules change often, so always check the official government website of the country you are considering.
7 questions to ask before you decide
- Why do I want to leave? Write down your top three reasons. Are they about career, safety, education, family or pressure from others?
- What is my legal route? Study, skilled work, family or another route? Is it realistic for my qualifications and budget?
- How much money do I need? Add up fees, flights, the first three to six months of living costs and an emergency buffer, using official and current figures.
- Are my skills in demand there? Will my degree or professional qualification be recognised, or will I need to retrain?
- What about my family? Who depends on me? How will I support them, and what can I realistically send home at first?
- How will I cope emotionally? Who will be my support system in the new country?
- What happens if it doesn’t work out? Do I have a plan B, and could I return without losing everything?
Staying can be a strategy too
Choosing to stay does not mean you have failed. Many people build strong careers in Nigeria, work remotely for foreign companies, or grow businesses that serve local and global customers. If you stay, make it a deliberate choice:
- Build skills that are valued anywhere, such as the ones in our guide to high-income digital skills.
- Consider remote work, which lets you earn from abroad while living at home.
- Plan your next career move with our guide on how to switch careers.
- Build an emergency fund so you have options, whatever you decide.
Japa scams to avoid
Where there is hope, there are scammers. Watch out for:
- “Agents” who promise guaranteed visas or jobs abroad for a fee.
- Fake job offers with “visa sponsorship” that ask you to pay first.
- People who offer to “help” with proof of funds or fake documents. Using false documents can lead to visa refusals, bans and criminal charges.
- Websites that look like embassy sites but are not.
Always use the official government website of the country you plan to move to, or its authorised visa application centre. Learn more in our guide on how to avoid online scams in Nigeria.
When to get professional advice
Immigration rules are complex and change often. For anything beyond basic research, speak to a regulated immigration adviser or lawyer in the destination country, and use official government sources. Be wary of anyone who is not registered or who guarantees results.
Try this this week
Take a sheet of paper and answer the 7 questions above honestly. Then add up what your move would cost using only official websites for fees and requirements. Whatever you decide, start a “plan fund” this month, even if it is small.
Frequently asked questions
Is japa worth it for Nigerians?
It depends on your reasons, skills, finances, family situation and legal route. For some people, relocating brings better pay, safety and opportunities. For others, the costs, career reset and loneliness outweigh the benefits. Make the decision with a clear plan and official information, not pressure.
How much money do I need to relocate?
There is no single figure. You will need to cover visa and application fees, any proof-of-funds requirement, flights, accommodation deposits and several months of living costs, plus an emergency buffer. These amounts differ by country and change often, so check the official government website of your destination.
How do I avoid visa scams?
Apply only through official government websites or authorised visa application centres. Don’t pay anyone who guarantees a visa or job, don’t use fake documents, and check web addresses carefully. If an offer sounds too easy, it probably is.
Final thoughts
Japa is not a test of success, and staying is not a sign of failure. The best decision is the one you make with open eyes: clear reasons, real numbers, a legal route and a plan B. Take your time, ask the hard questions and choose the path that fits your life, not your timeline.
Whatever you decide, start with a safety net. Read our guide on how to build an emergency fund in Nigeria, and join the Mindset.ng newsletter for more practical career guides.
Related reading
Sources
- Afrobarometer. Majority of Nigerians have considered emigration in search of opportunity, new Afrobarometer survey finds (December 2024).
- Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. Official website.
Written and fact-checked by the Mindset.ng Editorial Team in line with our Editorial Policy. This article is for educational purposes only and is not personalised financial, immigration or legal advice. Requirements and fees change, so always confirm current details with the official body or a qualified professional. Read our Disclaimer. Last updated: 24 September 2026.
