The framework, Techeconomy gathered, is aimed at curbing the rising wave of brain drain (‘japa syndrome‘) affecting Nigeria’s public sector.

Announcing the initiative, Kashifu Inuwa, NITDA’s director general, said the move is part of broader efforts to make public service roles more attractive and professionally rewarding.

He made the statement during the maiden edition of the International Civil Service Conference organised by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation in Abuja with the theme “Rejuvenate, Innovate & Accelerate!”, at a session titled “Digital Transformation: Digital Skills for Civil Servants – Capacity Gaps and Future Readiness”.

Representing the Director General of NITDA, Dr. Ahmed Tambawal, acting director of the Digital Literacy and Capacity Building Department, explained that the initiative—developed in collaboration with the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation—aims to tackle the challenge of stagnant roles and the underutilisation of digital talent within government institutions.

“Highly skilled professionals are often stuck in roles that don’t reflect their expertise, while their counterparts in the private sector benefit from clear advancement paths and continuous training,” Inuwa explained.

The framework, already being implemented within NITDA, will be extended to other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). It provides structured career pathways and access to globally recognised certifications, enabling civil servants to grow professionally while contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s digital transformation.

In addition, NITDA has launched a Digital Champions Programme in partnership with the Office of the Head of Service. The initiative identifies top digital talents across MDAs and equips them with specialised training to lead innovation within their respective organisations.

“These champions will drive digital change from within, promoting efficiency and fostering a culture of innovation across government,” the DG added.

The initiatives come at a time when the country is grappling with a mass exodus of skilled professionals—commonly referred to as the “Japa” trend—driven by the pursuit of better career opportunities abroad.

He noted that by creating a more dynamic and rewarding work environment for ICT professionals, NITDA aims to reverse this trend and build a competent, future-ready public service. “We are committed to developing a digital civil service that retains talent, encourages growth, and drives national development,” the Inuwa stated.

Other speakers at the session include PS Faruk Yabo Yusuf (lead speaker), Kevin Cunnington and Wumi Oghoetuoma-Jolomi.

The discussions were also centred around the rapidly evolving government landscape, driven by the imperative of digital transformation.

This involves not only adopting new technologies but fundamentally reimagining how governments operate, interact with citizens, and deliver services.

Success hinges on developing key skills within the civil service, robustly assessing capabilities, and making strategic changes to leverage public data effectively for more responsive and personalised outcomes.

When the government fails to effectively communicate its policies, programs, and initiatives to the citizens, it only deepens the distrust and disconnect between them.

Studies have shown that most African citizens don’t trust their leaders as the news of corruption allegations and other vices seem to be the order of the day.

This is not different in Nigeria, a country regarded as the giant of Africa. The lack of trust in leadership can have far-reaching consequences, affecting the country’s socio-economic development and political stability.

Addressing corruption and restoring faith in government institutions is crucial to building a better future for all Nigerians. Leaders need to demonstrate transparency, accountability, and integrity to regain the trust of their people and work towards a more prosperous and equitable society.

The lack of strategic communication in government activities across all levels in the country is a concerning issue. While funds are being released by ministries and agencies to support businesses and citizens, the intended beneficiaries are not effectively reached due to inadequate messaging.

This communication gap creates opportunities for corrupt individuals and officials to exploit the situation for personal gain.

Addressing this communication inefficiency is crucial to ensuring the effective and transparent distribution of resources to those in need, ultimately preventing misuse and corruption.

A more coordinated and targeted approach to communication can help bridge this gap and ensure that government support reaches its intended recipients efficiently and fairly.

Unfortunately, due to economic challenges, some businesses have been forced to shut down, leading to a mass exodus of citizens, especially the youth, who are seeking better opportunities abroad. This phenomenon has been termed the ‘Japa syndrome‘, as individuals are opting to leave their homeland in search of greener pastures.

The increasing trend of young people leaving the country in pursuit of better prospects reflects the struggles and limitations faced by businesses and individuals within the local economy. It highlights the need for reforms and support to retain talent and foster growth within the community.

At every stage, Nigerian political leaders must take a cue from developed countries that many young individuals aspire to live in.

By examining what sets these countries apart and makes them attractive to their citizens, Nigerian leaders can gain valuable insights. While direct comparisons may not always be relevant due to differing contexts, conducting a thorough study of successful practices in developed nations can serve as a guide for the Nigerian government in making informed decisions.

Looking at what these countries have done right can provide a yardstick for measuring progress and implementing positive changes for the benefit of Nigerian society.

To renew the hope of the citizens and business community in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ mantra, strategic communication plays a pivotal role.

It is crucial to bear in mind that the hallmark of good governance lies in maintaining an accountable, transparent, fair, and efficient system. B

y effectively communicating government initiatives, policies, and progress, trust and confidence can be fostered among the people and businesses. This transparent and open dialogue ensures that stakeholders are well-informed and engaged, promoting a sense of inclusivity and collaboration.

Ultimately, strategic communication is instrumental in building a stronger foundation for a prosperous and sustainable future for all.

Fundamentally, strategic communication plays a crucial role in averting crises like riots or protests that may arise when new policies are introduced. Take, for instance, the tragic outcome of the #EndBadGovernance protest in some regions – it could have been prevented with effective communication strategies.

Through strategic communication, governments can sway citizen opinions towards endorsing national objectives, fostering a closer relationship between the government and its people. In this way, a symbiotic connection is established, benefitting both parties involved.

Emphasizing the importance of strategic communication is essential, as the failure to do so has been a contributing factor to the rise of fake news and misinformation.

Research shows that there is a lack of public knowledge about the government’s continuous endeavours, as they usually only announce their projects, plans, and achievements during specific occasions. President Tinubu’s speech at the 64th Independence Day festivities exemplifies this ongoing problem.

Citizens feel the government doesn’t value or see them as key stakeholders aside from election time. They feel that news disseminated is not completely true or has hidden facts.

The Case of Dangote Refinery and Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited is an example. Aliko Dangote, Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Refinery, had to address the media before his concerns were addressed.  It also shows that the government often waits for citizens’ outbursts before responding to critical issues.

Another issue is the lack of transparent communication regarding developments in the oil and gas sector, leaving citizens uninformed. An example of this is the Port Harcourt refinery in Rivers State, which has yet to start operations despite assurances from the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources and NNPC.

This lack of clarity raises concerns about the government’s ability to deliver on its promises and effectively manage the oil and gas industry. Citizens deserve more transparency and accountability to understand the status of crucial projects like the Port Harcourt refinery and the overall state of the sector.

In another vein, citizens are always told to be patient by the government but are not told what to do to complement the government’s effort through effective communication campaigns.

So, communicating ways citizens can mitigate the effects of climate change and natural disasters; and ways to support security agencies in reducing terrorism, kidnapping; and others could boost citizens’ engagement in contributing to nation-building. This includes the government being transparent in communicating its plans and programmes.

I am very certain that the governments of developed nations prioritize proactive communication with their citizens rather than waiting for crises to unfold. By fostering transparency and open dialogue, they have successfully garnered the trust of their people.

This approach has cultivated a generation of patriotic individuals who are committed to safeguarding the integrity and stability of their nations at all costs. This proactive communication strategy not only ensures a sense of unity and shared responsibility but also lays the foundation for a strong bond between the government and its citizens, ultimately contributing to the overall well-being and prosperity of the country.

The key to success for government at all levels lies in prioritizing strategic communication. It is essential for them to take a proactive approach to communication rather than simply reacting to problems.

It is time to shift focus away from propaganda and instead concentrate on transparent communication methods that encourage citizen participation.

By collaborating closely with the citizens, Nigeria can reach its true potential and flourish. The political leaders must accentuate open, honest communication to establish trust and encourage collaboration between the government and the people in order to make Nigeria great.

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*Dr. Omolaraeni Olaosebikan is a strategic communications expert and the CEO of McEnies Global Communications, a leading strategic integrated marketing communications agency in Nigeria.

The Federal Government disclosed on Sunday that, in the last five years, the country lost about 15,000 to 16,000 doctors to the japa syndrome (mass emigration) while about 17,000 had been transferred.

Professor Ali Pate, the coordinating minister of Health and Social Welfare, disclosed these when he featured as a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

Pate, who said the brain drain syndrome has robbed the health sector of its best hands, affirmed that the government is doing its best to expand the training scheme and motivate others who chose to stay back and serve their fatherland.

The brain drain phenomenon, otherwise known as ‘Japa’, has seen a generation of young doctors, health workers, tech entrepreneurs and a number of professionals abandoned Nigeria for greener pasture abroad.

But the minister reiterated that though there are 300,000 health professionals in Nigeria, only 55,000 of them are doctors.

In his words, “There are about 300,000 health professionals working in Nigeria today in all cadres. I am talking about doctors, nurses, midwives, pharmacists, laboratory scientists and others. We did an assessment and discovered we have 85,000 to 90,000 registered Nigerian doctors. Not all of them are in the country. Some are in the Diaspora, especially in the US and UK. But there are 55,000 licensed doctors in the country.

“The issue overall, in terms of health professionals, is that they are not enough. They are insufficient in terms of the skills mix. Can you believe most of the high skilled professional doctors are in Lagos, Abuja and a few urban centres? There is a huge distribution issue.

“The population of doctor overall is about 7,600 doctors in Lagos and 4,700 or thereabout in Abuja. The doctor to population ratio in Abuja is 14.7 per 10,000 population. These are numbers that you can verify. In Lagos, it is about 4.6, even though the average is 2.2 by 10,000.

“There are huge distributional issues and they are, of course, the opportunities even for some of those who have been trained to get into the market. So you have to look at it from a perspective that is holistic. Not only doctors but other cadres that are important in the delivery of health care. For doctors, we have been losing many that have been trained.”

Continuing, Pate emphasised that since the oxygen of any serious health sector is its human resource, Nigeria cannot afford to continue losing its best brains to the developed countries.

He however admitted that the Japa syndrome is a global phenomenon that equally affects other countries like India and Pakistan.

According to him, the country has lost about 16,000 doctors to brain drain in the past five years.

“Now to the Japa you talked about, it is not only limited to Nigeria. It is a global phenomenon. Other countries don’t have enough. They are asking to take more. It is not only in Nigeria. It is happening in India, Philippines and other parts of Africa. In the last five years, we have lost about 15,000 to 16,000 and about 17,000 had been transferred. We’re barely managing. That’s why expanding their training will become logical. The same thing with nurses and midwives; they are also leaving. That’s why expanding the training is important to ensure those still around are well trained.

“But there are also thousands more, which is what I was trying to hint at, who are here. And despite the opportunity to travel abroad did not leave and we don’t appreciate them. I’ll give you an example. The head of the ICU at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, a very brilliant gentleman. I met him in December and he said, ‘Four of my colleagues have left’ and I asked to know why he has not left. He said ‘Look, this is my country. I want to serve because health is a sector where there’s inherent motivation in those who select to go in there.’ People don’t just go in there because they want to have a job. They go because they’re intrinsically motivated and we have to recognise and tap into that.

“We are beginning to take steps to expand the training and work environment, taking some steps to encourage salaries and incomes commission to do certain things that will encourage them to feel at home. But even the issue of working hours that has come about recently, particularly for the junior doctors, is being addressed.”

“We are beginning to take steps to expand the training and work environment, taking some steps to encourage salaries and incomes commission to do certain things that will encourage them to feel at home. But even the issue of working hours that has come about recently, particularly for the junior doctors, is being addressed. This is because when some of their colleagues leave and they remain at home, the burden has not reduced. And so they work extremely hard. We’ve listened to that. We are looking at how we can alleviate that and with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, we are looking at how within the code of ethics and the guidelines for the physician to provide some safeguards to ensure they are treated as valuable assets so they are not burnt out,” he said.

She claims things are not as easy as they appear. The family thinks that she just wants to disappear. This is one of the dilemmas of the growing global migration.

Migration, the movement of people from one place to another, typically involving a change in residence or location, is on the rise globally.

Global migration, however, is a complex and multifaceted trend influenced by various factors including economic opportunities, family reunification, environmental factors, conflict, or the pursuit of a better quality of life. Studies show that it is a fundamental aspect of human history and continues to play a significant role in shaping societies and economies around the world.

The World Migration Report, reveals that there were around 281 million international migrants in 2021—that’s a 27 per cent increase compared to figures from just over a decade earlier (2010) when there were 221 million migrants who’d crossed international borders.

The rise in recent decades is largely driven by factors such as globalization, increased connectivity, and disparities in economic opportunities between countries.

Nigeria is not immune from this trend. In fact, in recent years, Nigeria has witnessed this profound and evolving phenomenon. It has even carved a tag for it “Japa Syndrome.”

This term which is today slowly becoming part of the nation’s lexicon, refers to the growing trend of young Nigerian professionals, full of potential and ambition, choosing to pursue careers and opportunities abroad.

While this outward migration might raise concerns about brain drain, a closer look indicates that the “Japa Syndrome” holds the potential for a myriad of long-term benefits for the country.

What Nigeria needs to do is explore these advantages and consider how to optimize this trend.

Now the departure of young, talented professionals might initially seem like a loss for Nigeria, but it can be viewed through a different lens – as a brain gain for the nation.

Many of these professionals, armed with world-class education and global experience, will eventually return with a wealth of knowledge, networks, and resources that can significantly contribute to the development of their home country.

To optimize this trend and possibly harness its benefits, Nigeria needs to establish robust networks and incentives for its diaspora. Initiatives like the Nigerian Professionals Abroad (NPA) program can actively engage with the diaspora, tapping into their expertise and fostering a sense of belonging, even from afar.

Investment opportunities in Nigeria should be made more accessible, and the government should streamline the process of doing business in the country. This way, returning professionals can more easily participate in the nation’s growth.

In addition, it is important for those contemplating the journey abroad, to prepare appropriately and properly. Language skills, cultural awareness, and a strong educational foundation can be invaluable assets.

Additionally, understanding the immigration process, job market, and cost of living in the chosen destination is crucial. Moreover, building a support system and networking with other Nigerians already abroad can make the transition smoother.

The recent heartbreaking story of a Nigerian lady, Sylvia Obianuju Chikwendu on TikTok, who wept profusely as she recounted the loneliness she has been enduring since her relocation to Canada is cause for concern and a lesson.

The truth is that the “Japa Syndrome” reflects a dynamic shift in Nigeria’s global position. As young professionals take their skills abroad, they are not just fulfilling personal aspirations but also sowing the seeds for the nation’s future growth.

It is clear that with careful planning, the right policies, and proactive measures to engage the diaspora, Nigeria can ensure that the “Japa Syndrome” leads to a brighter and more prosperous tomorrow.

This trend is not just about leaving home; it’s about creating a bridge that connects Nigerians across the globe, ultimately returning with a wealth of knowledge and experience to elevate the nation to new heights.

This is our hope and prayer. It now needs to become policy.

Eromosele, a corporate communication professional and public affairs analyst, wrote via: elviseroms@gmail.com

​This phenomenon has led to the popularization of a Yoruba word known as ‘japa’ ​(pronounced as Jakpa)

A record number of people are relocating abroad from their home countries. Many of these leavers are those with very good jobs and enviable career prospects.

It has been projected that the japa syndrome may persist as there are little or no indicators that Nigeria’s leadership will make any significant headway in terms of positive transformation-at least for now.

Therefore, the industry players are worried that this phenomenon may lead to poor quality of services if not addressed as competent hands are resigning their positions in telecom companies to seek greener pastures abroad.

Mr. Ajibola Olude, According to the Executive Secretary of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) over 2,000 telecom experts left the country this year (alone) and many are still in the process of leaving.

He made the claim while speaking at the NITRA ICT Growth Conference 2.0 held in Lagos recently.

Although, he did not present data to back up the claim, Mr. Olude however said this could begin to impact the quality of the telecom networks if there are fewer competent hands to handle network issues.

In his words: “While we have been talking about the problems of multiple taxations and the high cost of Right of Way in the telecoms sector, a new challenge is coming up and that is the issue of brain drain in telecoms. Many competent hands are leaving the country for greener pasture abroad. In the course of this year alone, over 2,000 have left and many are still going to leave. We have to do something; the government has to do something in this regard to encourage Nigerians to stay.

In his contribution, Mr. Chris Uwaje, the Chairman of Mobile Software Solutions Limited, called on the government to put in place the right infrastructure that can keep young Nigerians engaged and give them hope for a brighter future in the country.

Uwaje who chaired the conference said, “The government is currently blind with regard to the digital brain and is only concerned with revenue generation. Those who are ‘japaing’–I would want Nigerians to look for another word for the exodus of its human capital because it sounds like a joke but this is a serious issue—are leaving because the government has failed to provide the social infrastructure they need to survive.

“If Nigeria had built telecommunications knowledge Parks and put thousands of youths there, many of them can be working for foreign companies from there; that is outsourcing. They don’t have to run out of the country to work for foreigners. They will be doing that here and earning in foreign currencies. We need the government to build these Parks to encourage our young ones to stay.”