The desire and frenzy among Nigerians to escape the harsh socio-economic realities of the country and seek greener pasture in foreign clime has reached its crescendo.
the Immigration boss said of the 32,462 applications, 11,505 were awaiting approval, while 3,406 who made payment were yet to book appointments.
The term ‘Japa’ has become synonymous with the desire among Nigerians to leave the country in pursuit of better opportunities abroad. It signifies a growing trend where individuals seek to escape the challenges of the Nigerian socio-economic landscape, opting for the prospect of a more promising future elsewhere. The recent surge in passport applications reflects the intensified desire and frenzy among Nigerians to embark on this journey.
Several factors contribute to the increasing inclination of Nigerians to seek greener pastures abroad. Persistent challenges such as high unemployment rates, economic instability, inadequate infrastructure, and political uncertainties have fueled the desire to explore opportunities beyond the nation’s borders. Additionally, the pursuit of better educational prospects and the quest for a higher quality of life play pivotal roles in driving individuals towards the ‘Japa’ trend.
The harsh economic conditions in Nigeria have been a major catalyst for the ‘Japa’ phenomenon. The cost of living has soared, making it challenging for many to meet basic needs. Unemployment remains a pressing issue, and the prospects of securing stable employment, particularly for the youth, are dwindling. As a result, seeking opportunities in foreign countries has become an increasingly attractive option.
This is as 32,462 Nigerians applied for international passports and submit their documents to the Nigeria Immigration Service site between January 8 and 21,2024.
The Comptroller-General of Immigration Service, Caroline Adepoju, made this known on Tuesday during a visit to Ikoyi and Alausa passport offices.
The minister was at the passport offices to assess the working conditions regarding the introduction of the automated passport application process.
Briefing journalists at the end of the assessment, the Immigration boss said of the 32,462 applications, 11,505 were awaiting approval, while 3,406 who made payment were yet to book appointments.
According to her, 1,438 applications were queried for various reasons.
Adepoju said: “50 per cent of the total applications have been successfully approved for biometric capture, production and issuance, 35 per cent awaits approval, 11 per cent made payments but yet to book appointments and only four per cent of total applications were queried.
“When queries are successfully answered, the applications return to the queue and are subsequently approved for biometric acquisition, production and issuance “.
Adepoju, who noted that the introduction of the automation of passport applications was not new, clarified that further: “The major difference now is that supporting documents are now uploaded online. It is a research-based decision and we have been recording successes.
“As of this morning (yesterday), we have only recorded four per cent rejection of uploaded documents which may be due to errors on the side of the applicant. But our help desk is operational 24/7.
“The Nigeria Immigration Service, our technical partners, service providers and other stakeholders worked together with the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to come up with this reform on the automation of passport process which has been in place since the inception of the issuance of enhanced e-passport in 2020.”
She disclosed that the automation of passport application was aimed, among other benefits, at easing the application process and reducing human interface which had been a major complaint from applicants who had been extorted by touts during application.
The Immigration boss called on Nigerians to be patient and allow the NIS to ensure the perfection of the process.
The Nigerian government faces the challenge of addressing the root causes of the ‘Japa’ phenomenon while also managing the surge in passport applications. Initiatives aimed at improving the economy, creating job opportunities, and enhancing social infrastructure are crucial. Simultaneously, reforms within the immigration system may be necessary to streamline the application process and manage the increasing demand.
The surge in passport applications, totaling 32,462 in just two weeks, underscores the intensity of the ‘Japa’ trend among Nigerians. While the desire for a better life and opportunities abroad is understandable, it also signals the need for the government to address the systemic issues driving this trend. Balancing economic reforms, job creation, and improvements in the immigration process will be crucial in ensuring a more sustainable and prosperous future for the nation. As Nigerians continue to explore avenues beyond their borders, the challenge remains for the country to create an environment that encourages its citizens to seek opportunities at home rather than abroad.
