From japa to japada: 3 reasons Nigerians are returning home

From japa to japada: 3 reasons Nigerians are returning home

A growing number of Nigerians who once joined the japa wave—leaving the country in search of better opportunities overseas—are now staging an unexpected comeback. The return movement, popularly called japada, is gaining momentum as returnees say Nigeria now offers untapped potential, economic freedom, and opportunities they could not fully access abroad.

Despite the global perception that developed countries offer better security and welfare, many Nigerians are finding that returning home positions them for bigger wins, influence, and personal fulfillment.

Investment opportunities driving returnees home For some return migrants, the action is economically driven. After years of acquiring education, professional experience, and savings abroad, many are choosing to reinvest their knowledge and capital back home.

According to individuals interviewed, Nigeria remains an open frontier—the kind of environment where innovation grows rapidly due to existing gaps in technology, infrastructure, and services. This mirrors global trends: major tech giants like Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta have expanded operations in Nigeria, signaling confidence in the country’s future.

Foreign-owned startups like OPay, PalmPay and several multinational ventures have also taken advantage of the huge market, proving that Nigeria’s economic potential is far from saturated.

One of the returnees shared that he has launched his own tech brand in Nigeria, aiming to capture a share of the rapidly growing digital economy. “Nigeria is where the next big breakthroughs will happen,” he said confidently.

Read also: Japa: The courage and cost of Nigeria’s great exodus

Returning to occupy political positions Some japada returnees are not just seeking economic opportunity—they are returning to shape Nigeria’s future through governance.

With many Nigerians shining on global stages—from medicine to tech, finance, and academia—there is a growing desire among some to bring their international experience home. One source confirmed returning to take up a political role linked to the presidency. Coming from a prominent family in the South-West and backed by years of international exposure, he explained that contributing to Nigeria’s leadership felt like both a duty and an opportunity.

Read also: Beyond japa: Travel as a pathway to skill development

Tighter immigration policies abroad Not all returns are voluntary. A number of Nigerians, especially those on temporary visas or in countries with evolving immigration laws, say stricter immigration policies pushed them to reconsider their stay abroad.

One returnee expressed emotional exhaustion, saying that tightening visa regulations made daily life unpredictable. “It felt like living on borrowed time,” she shared. “Coming back to Nigeria gave me stability—even if the journey wasn’t initially planned.”

Countries like the UK, Canada, and parts of Europe have recently introduced tougher rules on work permits, dependent visas, and permanent residency, making long-term settlement more difficult for foreigners.

Mortius Peters is a result driven data scientist and data analyst at BusinessDay Media Limited, where he works in the Audience Engagement department.

Mortius combines data and storytelling to gently guide readers toward solving real-world challenges through insightful and engaging content. He currently specializes in crafting listicles that illuminate economic and financial issues, making complex data accessible and actionable. As a passionate researcher and financial analyst, he sees data as the cornerstone of sustainable development and economic growth.

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