Many who ‘Japa’ will come back, SMEs will blossom, more opportunities in 2026 – Adeboye

Nigeria may experience a ‘reverse japa’ wave, a surge in opportunities for career professionals, and a blossoming of small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs).

These were part of the defining themes of Pastor Enoch Adeboye’s prophetic outlook for 2026. The general overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) delivered these declarations during the yearly crossover service, signaling a potential shift in the nation’s economic and social tide.

Addressing a global audience, Pastor Adeboye stated that the coming year would be “more remarkable” than 2025, specifically highlighting a shift in the migration patterns that have seen millions of Nigerians seek livelihoods abroad.

He predicted that the prevailing “wind” of change would intensify, creating a domestic environment conducive to success.

Read also:Adeboye to lead national prayers on economic restoration, enlargement July 6

“He (God) says something that I can only put down as reverse Japa,” Adeboye declared. “And many who Japa will come back home”.

Adeboye emphasised that 2026 would be a year of unprecedented expansion. He pointed to a divine shift that would favour those operating in small and medium enterprises.

“He says there will be more opportunities this year than last year. More breakthroughs. More successes. More victories. And less failures,” Adeboye told the congregation. “He says small and medium enterprises will begin to blossom”.

For the average Nigerian, the prophecy offers a glimmer of hope following years of economic volatility, while noting that the “hunger” currently gripping many households is set to reduce.

Read also:European court to re-write laws on migration after 75 years

From exit to return

Migration became the defining anthem of Nigerian youth over the last decade. Driven by record-high inflation, a devalued naira, and rising insecurity, a massive brain drain saw doctors, tech engineers, academics and many professionals relocate to Europe, North America, and the Middle East.

What started as a search for greener pastures became a national crisis as essential sectors lost their brightest talents.

However, the tide may be turning due to global economic shifts with the tightening of immigration policies, sometimes leading to mass deportations, and rising costs of living in Western nations. This has have made the ‘abroad dream’, more difficult to sustain.

As the country has been witnessing local growth in the digital space, with the expansion of Nigeria’s tech ecosystem and remote work opportunities, this will allow more professionals to earn in foreign wages while living locally.

Despite the optimism, the cleric remained cautious, noting that he is withholding a second, more sensitive part of the national prophecy for further prayers.

Ngozi Ekugo is a Snr.Correspondent at Business day. She has an MSc in Management from the University of Hertfordshire, and is an associate member of CIPM. Her career spans multiple industries, including a brief stint at Goldman Sachs in London,

Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date