A Nigerian man, who left for the United Kingdom, UK, with his wife in 2022, has said nothing can make them want to return. At least, it’s japa for now.

He spoke to Vanguard on why they left, what it cost them, and his current economic state.

Recall that the government of the United Kingdom, the UK, said between April 2023 and March 2024, it issued 255,000 visas to Nigerians.

While this data do not cover 2022, when this couple left Nigeria, it gives an idea of the “epidemic” proportions the Japa syndrome has assumed.

Recently, following riots in several cities of the UK, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, assured the large Nigerian Diaspora in the UK of their safety and security.

The riots were sparked by the death of three young school girls in a knife attack.

Then, they were fueled by misinformation that the attacker was an immigrant and radical Islamist, leading to protests being co-opted by anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim groups.

‘No future in Nigeria’

However, this UK-based Nigerian does not see anything, for now, that would make him panic and leave the UK.

He told Vanguard: “I left with my wife in 2022. It cost me about N10 million back then, which was huge.

“But it is worth it. I don’t mind the sacrifices because there’s no future in Nigeria.”

Although he preferred to remain anonymous, he told Vanguard he was a medical sales expert in Nigeria.

“However, I am an executive work coach (civil service) in the UK. And there is no painful experience for me so far.

“One good thing about relocating to the UK is that it is a place of equal opportunities and brighter future for all.”

Ask if he would help interested Nigerians to japa, “I do not know yet,” he responded.