The phenomenon known as “Japa” in the professional space has existed in Nigeria for decades. It has become commonplace for Nigerians to seek livelihoods across the pond, where they would presumably live in a more affluent environment. Intriguingly, the positive effects that could emerge from this are not talked about often.
Pondering on issues surrounding the Japa wave is more important now than ever. This is because there has been a significant uptick in the number of professionals deciding to move over the past year. Inflation and insecurity are some of the factors that have motivated this mass exodus.
Nigeria’s labour market is changing fast, and the ensuing gaps left by the resulting brain drain have become a source of anxiety for many employers and employees alike. However, even though professionals leaving the country has a mostly negative connotation, maybe some previously unthought-of silver linings can come from this.
Let’s explore some of them.
1. Nigerian professionals potentially gain world-class status
According to polls conducted by Jobberman, it was discovered that most of the employees leaving the country are mid-to-high-level employees.
These professionals must have garnered certain expertise and knowledge over the years in which they had been in Nigeria’s labour market. Whether intentionally or not, when these professionals move abroad, they inherently become ambassadors of Nigeria’s professional environment.
If they are perceived to be highly competent and intelligent individuals, then Nigerian professionals across the world including those that still remain in the country can benefit from this perception. This would consequently help individuals and organizations looking to add an international clientele to their client base.
The reputation that these Nigerian professionals in the diaspora propagate would certainly precede local individuals and businesses looking to do business in the world market.
2. Improved perks for employees
As employers look to establish schemes that encourage employees to remain in their positions, professionals can look forward to additional or revised working incentives. This means that employees may be in line for better working situations and rewards for long-time service and impact.
This could also lead to better employee satisfaction checks. Companies would begin to implement better systems that gauge how satisfied employees are with their jobs. Putting this in place would allow employers to address issues that employees may be having before they begin to consider the option of resigning.
3. A chance for others to spread their wings
Continuity is necessary for any organisation to remain competitive. , As this brain drain continues to grow, employers may be compelled to encourage employees to fill in positions that are left behind. This gives some employees a chance to prove themselves. An opportunity they may not otherwise have gotten if the status quo remained.
This growing trend may begin to motivate Nigerian professionals to improve themselves continually. This could manifest by participating in soft skills training and other upskilling programmes.
4. A boost in Nigeria’s economy
Remittances from Nigerians in the diaspora reached $19.2 billion as of the last figure that was collated in 2021. This is by far the most of any country in Sub-Saharan Africa. Nigerians in the diaspora always seem to keep their relationships with family and friends alive. This is one of the shining features Nigerians all over the world possess.
Furthermore, as mass emigration continues, we may continue to see an inflow of funds. These funds can potentially be saved and/or invested in business enterprises within the country. Inherently, this would give the Nigerian economy a positive jolt.
5. Working standards raised to international levels
The global job market usually experiences a ripple effect when it comes to changes in labour situations. Another interesting thing that could come out of this exodus is that Nigerian companies look to raise their standards to international levels, They implement this in order to compete with their international counterparts.
For instance, striving to become internationally competitive has led many companies to register limited liability companies in the United States and the UK. This has proven to give them a better chance of attracting international investment, which raises Nigeria’s corporate profile as a whole.
To successfully navigate the Japa wave, employers must implement new strategies that streamline recruitment and increase employee satisfaction. This does not have to be a daunting task, with Jobberman primed to assist in staying ahead of the curve. The Jobberman employer community is one place where every talent conundrum can be addressed and solved seamlessly.
On the other hand, employees should see this trend as an opportunity to access better possibilities and improve themselves enough to provide more value in any environment they find themselves in.
A ripe example of this would be to avail yourself of the insight and knowledge on offer at the Exclusive Masterclass with Hilda Kabushenga Kragha- CEO, of The African Talent Company. The event is scheduled for the 24th of November, 2022 and will dissect everything around Opportunities on the Other Side of JAPA; Positioning for Career Advancement.
