Publication Details
Abstract
Over the last decade, Nigeria has seen a dramatic surge in international migration driven by the “Japa Syndrome,” the mass exodus of skilled professionals and youth seeking better economic opportunities abroad. Diaspora remittances, while providing financial relief to households and increasing domestic consumption, also create a brain drain that retards national development, thus creating a complex socio-economic paradox. This study investigates the causes, volume, trends and socio-economic implications of diaspora remittance in Nigeria, 2015-2024 and the negative consequences of Japa Syndrome. The study seeks to inform policies that aim at optimising the benefits of remittances and minimising their negative consequences. This study is guided by four research questions, remittance trends, positive socio-economic impacts, detrimental socio-economic effect of Japa syndrome based on the Push Theory of Migration which emphasises structural factors such as unemployment, insecurity, poor governance and inadequate social services that push emigration. The study adopted a correlational research design and utilised secondary data of both quantitative and qualitative nature. The data was then analysed using content analysis in order to identify patterns, relationships and socio-economic implications. The findings indicate that the inflows of remittance are continuously increasing and affect positively household welfare and consumption. But the large scale emigration of skilled professionals has led to human capital depletion, labour market distortions, institutional inefficiencies, social disruption and increased inequality. The study concludes that diaspora remittances are important for household resilience but not sufficient for structural development without human capital retention and strategic investment. It recommends job creation and labour market strengthening, maximal utilisation of remittances, engagement of the diaspora and strengthening of institutions, to make migration a driver of sustainable national development, raising public awareness and cultural re-orientation, amongst others.