The Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, says the federal government is working to ensure an enabling environment for youths to excel in their chosen career and to stem the “japa syndrome.”

Mr Olawande told journalists in Abuja that with an enabling environment, all Nigerians, especially youths, would not bother travelling abroad, and those who travelled would want to return.

He said, “President Bola Tiunbu is working to ensure an enabling environment so that people that Japa will come back and live a normal life.

“Japa syndrome is good only when people invest in something and then come back to the country to develop and create employment.”

According to him, the government is working toward providing an enabling environment where Nigerians will be engaged in one thing or the other.

Mr Olawande said more people would even have the opportunity to travel to gain knowledge, return to the country, and impact lives.

The “japa” syndrome characterises a phenomenon in Nigeria where individuals, particularly young Nigerians, choose to migrate abroad in search of better opportunities, often with no intention of returning to their homeland.

A priest, Moses Jimbili, Parish Priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja, who spoke about the trend, urged the government to gainfully engage youths “so that they will not see the need to leave the country.

Mr Jimbili urged the government to give loans and grants to the youth to start businesses and solve security challenges.

The priest explained that it is difficult to advise the youths because everyone seeks to improve their lives.

“But they must understand that life is not as rosy out there as we imagine. Your country is your country,” he said.

Also, Daniel Agada, a lawyer, said the “Japa” syndrome has assumed an alarming dimension in recent years.

Mr Agada suggested measures the government could evolve to create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.

He said, “The government should ensure that the process for registration of businesses is easy, automated, seamless and user-friendly.

“Ensure that business start-ups and all small and medium-scale enterprises or businesses get tax holidays, waivers and exemptions for the first few years of operation to enable them to stand on their feet.

“Ensure it gives interest-free loans and grants to small-scale businesses to enable them to compete favourably with bigger or well-established businesses.”

On his part, Callistus Ikwuazom, a lecturer at FUT Minna, said the government’s role is pivotal in fostering a supportive atmosphere for Nigerian youths.

He said, “In combating the ‘Japa Syndrome’ and endorsing alternative entrepreneurial path, it’s essential for the government to extend support through resources and programmes that focus on entrepreneurship and skill enhancement.

“Investment in education, hands-on training, and mentorship can empower the youth to venture into diverse business realms and seek investment avenues domestically.”

He advised the younger generation to adopt a forward-looking approach and actively participate in the country’s development activities.

Mr Ikwuazom said, “The temptation to pursue opportunities overseas is understandable, yet recognising the prospects for advancements in Nigeria is crucial.

“Young individuals should capitalise on their abilities, interests, and enthusiasm to drive communal and national progress.”

(NAN)