Nigerians and Japa is just like 5 & 6, The word “Japa” has become one of the most popular words associated with the Nigerian dream in recent years. For many Nigerians, leaving the country has represented the possibility of finding better jobs, earning more money, accessing better opportunities and building a better life.
But in 2026, I think Nigerians need to start asking a different question:
Nigerians and Japa; Do you really have to leave Nigeria to become successful?
Personally, I don’t think you necessarily do.
That doesn’t mean travelling abroad is a bad idea. I still believe there is a lot to learn from seeing other parts of the world. You can travel, take a vacation, experience another culture, meet different people and see how life works outside Nigeria.
But I don’t believe that relocating permanently should automatically be considered the only path to success.
Nigerians and Japa ; How they Became So Closely Connected
For years, the idea of “Japa” has been connected to escaping Nigeria in search of better opportunities.
People leave for the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Europe and other parts of the world because they want better salaries, career opportunities, education, security or living conditions.
And I completely understand that.
There are genuine reasons why somebody might decide that relocating is the right decision for them.
But the internet has changed the equation.
Today, someone sitting in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu or anywhere else in Nigeria can potentially work with an international company without physically moving to another country.
That’s a major change.
The Internet Has Changed the Nigerians and Japa relationship
Think about how different the world is today compared with even a decade ago.
You can learn technology online. You can work remotely. You can create content for a global audience. You can build a website, start an online business, sell digital products, freelance for international clients or build a personal brand.
There are also opportunities in areas such as software development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, digital marketing, content creation, music, entertainment and other digital industries.
That doesn’t mean making money online is easy. It isn’t.
But the opportunity to participate in the global economy from Nigeria is much more accessible than it was for previous generations.
And that is why I think Nigerians should rethink what success means.
Nigerians and Japa ; you Can Build From Nigeria
One example that comes to mind is Fejiro Hanu Agbodje, the founder of Patricia.
Agbodje started Patricia in Nigeria after identifying a problem he personally experienced with an unused gift card. The business began in 2017 and grew into a fintech and digital-asset company. His story has been documented by several Nigerian publications, including Techpoint Africa and The Guardian. (The Guardian Nigeria)
What I find interesting about his story isn’t simply the amount of money associated with the company.
It’s the fact that he identified a problem and tried to solve it.
He didn’t need to wait for somebody abroad to give him an opportunity.
He saw something happening around him and built a business around it.
There are many other Nigerian entrepreneurs and creators who have built businesses and careers while operating from Nigeria. Their stories show that international success doesn’t always require physically relocating first.
Does That Mean Nigerians and Japa should break up ?
No.
That’s not what I’m saying.
There are situations where relocating abroad can make complete sense.
Someone might want to study abroad. Someone might have a great job offer. Someone might want to experience another culture. Someone might have family abroad. Someone might simply want a different environment.
Those are personal decisions.
My argument is against the mindset that says:
“If you want to succeed, you must leave Nigeria.”
I don’t believe that anymore.
Maybe We Should Change the Question
Instead of asking:
“How do I leave Nigeria?”
Maybe more Nigerians should also ask:
“What can I build while I’m here?”
What skill can you learn?
What problem can you solve?
What business can you start?
What international company can you work for remotely?
What audience can you build online?
What product can you create?
What service can you sell?
These questions can completely change the way someone approaches their future.
Nigeria and Japa in 2026: My Perspective
For me, travelling and relocating are two different things.
I would love to see more of the world. I want to travel, experience different countries and understand how other people live.
But travelling somewhere doesn’t automatically mean I need to move there permanently.
And I don’t think Nigerians should feel that they have failed simply because they decided to stay.
Success is not determined by the country stamped on your passport.
Someone can relocate abroad and struggle.
Someone can stay in Nigeria and build something remarkable.
The location can influence your opportunities, but your location doesn’t automatically determine your outcome.
The Opportunity Is Bigger Than Japa
The biggest lesson I’m taking from the world of online work and entrepreneurship is that geographical boundaries are becoming less important in some industries.
A Nigerian can build a YouTube channel for an American audience.
A Nigerian developer can work for an international company.
A Nigerian designer can work with clients in Europe.
A Nigerian musician can reach listeners around the world.
A Nigerian blogger can build a global audience.
A Nigerian entrepreneur can build a product for customers outside Nigeria.
None of these possibilities means Nigeria has no problems. There are still serious challenges, and people should make decisions based on their individual circumstances.
But I think it’s time to move beyond the belief that Japa is the only route to a better life.
Maybe the better strategy for some people is to build where they are, earn globally, travel when they can and relocate only when relocation genuinely makes sense.
For me, that’s the bigger conversation Nigerians should be having in 2026.
Do you really need to Japa to succeed, or do you need to build something valuable wherever you are?
That’s a question worth thinking about.
Sources & Further Reading
- Techpoint Africa’s profile of Hanu Fejiro Agbodje and the origins of Patricia. (Techpoint Africa)
- The Guardian’s account of how Agbodje founded Patricia. (The Guardian Nigeria)
Editorial note: Examples of entrepreneurs in this article are used to illustrate the possibility of building businesses from Nigeria. Their experiences should not be interpreted as guarantees of financial success, and readers should conduct their own research before making financial or career decisions.
