We all have, or at some point, heard of the concept “American Dream.” This intriguing concept revolves around the idea that anyone, regardless of their background or social status, can achieve economic success and prosperity through hard work, determination, and perseverance. The concept has remained a beacon of hope and played a significant role in American society and culture.
Unlike the "American Dream," which suggests anyone achieving success through sheer hard work and perseverance within the country, the “Nigerian Dream” involves leaving the country for better economic opportunities. The reason for this phenomenon is relatively simple: many Nigerians see little hope for success within their home country.
This topic will explore the impact of emigration on Nigeria's socioeconomic landscape and its double-edged nature for the citizens.
The Nigerian Dream
The saying “the grass is not always greener on the other side” seems irrelevant to Africa’s most populous country. The grass on their side of the continent is malnourished, infested, and marred with bleak hopes. Nigerians, aware of this reality receiving it, willingly migrate to the other side of the grass, believing that it couldn’t be any worse. Some even resort to desperate measures to fulfill the “Nigerian Dream,” as not everyone has the financial capacity and academic or professional experience required. It is no surprise that migration away from Nigeria is often followed by congratulatory messages. It is a remarkable feat and calls for joy and celebration when friends or family migrate away.
Nigerians are continually robbed of their dreams and chances at a modest life because of poor governance and the economy. The “Nigerian Dream,” to a significant number, is leaving the country for greener pastures and economic breakthroughs. Despite this, poverty or despair is not universal in the country, and there are still opportunities for a better life. Millions have actualized their dreams without leaving the country. Nonetheless, Nigeria holds the infamous title of the world’s poverty capital.
The popular Nigerian migration slang “Japa,” meaning “escape” or “run away,” is significantly fueled by the country’s lousy economy, insecurity, and poor governance. These issues have severely impacted the citizens’ economic successes, making emigration a pathway to a better life. Additionally, the need to benefit from a country with better infrastructure and systems such as health, education, and security has also contributed to migration away from Nigeria.
Emigration in Nigeria: The Human and Brain Drain
For many years, emigration has been a topic of great interest in Nigeria. Socioeconomic factors, among others primarily, drive this migration pattern. This comes as a surprise considering the nation’s vast resources, yet still plagued by poverty, underdevelopment, unemployment, and a lack of basic amenities, depriving its citizens of economic success and prosperity. Political instability, conflict, and insecurity are also top reasons for emigration.
Regardless of the reasons for emigration, it has clear impacts on the country, particularly in terms of human and brain drain. The emigration of skilled and educated professionals, such as engineers, academicians, doctors, etc., for better opportunities abroad, has resulted in a loss and shortage of intellectual capacity and skilled workers. According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, over 1.7 million Nigerians live in another country for at least an ear, including refugees and asylum seekers.
The brain drain caused by the departure of educated and skilled individuals reduces the nation’s human capital. This, in turn, reduces the country’s ability to innovate and compete globally. This can have long-term adverse effects on the country’s progress in innovation and scientific advancements. Furthermore, the loss of investment in the education and training of citizens who leave the country perpetuates a cycle of poverty and underdevelopment. The government will struggle to build a skilled workforce capable of improving its economy, which can be devastating.
Positive Impact of Emigration
The impact of emigration on Nigeria’s economy isn’t only negative and optimistic. Although emigrants gain more benefits on a personal level, as they find the success they could not get in their home country, the positive impacts of emigration also affect the country.
Most individuals who migrate from Nigeria seek a simple life with necessities, such as a home, a car, and a job that meets their needs and desires. Unfortunately, such simple dreams and basic needs are luxuries often out of reach in Nigeria. As a result, people emigrate to achieve these goals faster. This makes emigrants the first beneficiaries of migration, as they can escape poverty and assist friends and families facing similar economic woes.
Furthermore, emigration positively impacts the country's economy through remittances from abroad, contributing significantly to Nigeria's GDP. According to the World Bank, Nigeria’s annual diaspora remittance in 2020 was $21 billion, besides other unreported remittances through alternative means besides banks. These remittances provide a much-needed injection of funds into the country's economy, supporting the financial well-being of families and communities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the socioeconomic impact of emigration in Nigeria and other parts of Africa is significant and far-reaching. The brain drain resulting from emigration is detrimental to the country's economic and social development, as it depletes the workforce of highly skilled and educated individuals. In addition to its impact on the land, emigration profoundly affects the emigrants.
They may experience feelings of nostalgia, loneliness, discrimination, and estrangement from family and friends, which can adversely affect their mental health and well-being.
To address this issue, it is crucial to take proactive steps to tackle the root causes of emigration, including poverty, unemployment, political instability, and insecurity. Providing better economic opportunities, incentives, and improved working conditions can help to retain talent and build a strong workforce that can contribute to the country's development. Furthermore, governments and policymakers should work towards creating a conducive environment for growth and development within the country.
By doing so, emigrants will be more inclined to stay in the country, and the government will benefit from the contributions of its citizens. It is time to take action to address this critical issue and promote sustainable socioeconomic growth and development in Africa.
Share This Post On
0 comments
Leave a comment
You need to login to leave a comment. Log-in
