By Lisa Yusuf (lisayusuf75@gmail.com)
Everywhere you turn, someone’s talking about “Japa.” It’s become more than a trend—it’s a movement. Young Nigerians are leaving the country in droves, chasing dreams, security, and survival. But while we often hear about how many people are leaving, we don’t talk enough about who is leaving and why—especially when it comes to gender.
For a lot of young men, the pressure to succeed and provide is intense. There’s a silent expectation to “make it” by any means necessary. Many end up taking risky, undocumented routes across the desert or over the sea, with no guarantees and everything to lose. Some get stuck in transit countries, detained, or worse.
For young women, the picture is a bit different—but no less complicated. Some leave to escape early marriage, gender-based violence, or limited opportunities at home. Others are lured abroad by fake job offers, only to fall into trafficking or exploitation. But not all stories are tragic. Many young women are also taking charge—securing scholarships, launching businesses, or starting new lives in places where they can breathe a little easier and live on their own terms.
Even within Nigeria, rural-to-city migration tells a similar story. Young people, especially girls, are leaving small towns for places like Lagos and Abuja. They’re looking for jobs, freedom, and a shot at a better life. But life in the city isn’t always easy—many face housing struggles, unsafe working conditions, and little to no support.
The truth is, our policies haven’t caught up with this reality. We talk about migration as a broad issue, but we often ignore how differently it affects young men and women. We need better protection, more awareness, and systems that actually support people—especially young women—before, during, and after they move.
Migration, for Nigerian youth, is more than a headline or a hashtag. It’s about choices, risks, and survival. And if we want real change, we have to start seeing the gendered side of the story—and doing something about it.
About The Author
