In Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation, Nigeria, the phrase “May Nigeria not happen to you” has become a common prayer. It is a heartfelt wish born out of the frustration of living in a country so dysfunctional that even wealth cannot insulate one from the “wahala” or troubles of Nigeria and its systemic failures.

As a result, many Nigerians have decided to leave the country in search of better pastures overseas, in what has become known as the “japa” wave.

Ayeni Adu, a 36-year-old radio presenter, is one of many Nigerians who have decided to leave the country. He had just given away his fridge when he spoke to CNN on Tuesday, four days before the general election.

Suitcases, a cooler box, an empty television stand, and a white leather couch were all that were left in his living room. A friend was on the way to pick up the sofa that afternoon. His wife was on her last day at work. The couple had six days left in Nigeria before they moved to the United Kingdom.

“I am japa-ing, leaving the country because of the opportunities that are available to me abroad. I am going there to have a better life and a better economy for my family,” Adu told CNN.

According to a 2022 survey by the Africa Polling Institute, a staggering 69% of Nigerians would relocate out of the country with their families if given the chance, up from 39% in 2019. Persistent insecurity, a crumbling economy, and rampant corruption are the leading issues for the next government, according to a pre-election survey of voters by Lagos-based SBM Intelligence.

Coupled with the high cost of living and unemployment, these concerns have made the country unstable and unpredictable for many, even hostile.

As conditions have worsened in the country, more Nigerians are getting out. Europe and North America are the top destinations for resettlement. The number of “Worker” visas in the UK issued to Nigerians shot up by 399% comparing 2019 to the year ending September 2022, according to data from the UK Home Office.

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Nigeria was the 5th largest source of immigrants to Canada in 2021, moving up eight places in just five years, Statistics Canada reported.

However, the japa phenomenon is hollowing out the upwardly mobile middle class, especially in the mid-20s to late-40s age range, according to Cheta Nwanze, lead partner at SBM Intelligence. “The very people who are either on the fast track to management or already in the lower cadres of senior management. The very people that the country needs to rebuild.”

The Nigerian health sector is among the worst hit by the japa phenomenon as doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other professionals emigrate for better working conditions, higher pay, and a predictable life.

The Nigerian Medical Association says 50 health professionals leave the country every week. “If nothing is done to reduce the rate at which doctors, medical professionals, and other healthcare workers are leaving the shores of this country, it’s just a matter of months for things to become more bad than it is” says Dr. Kemi Abiloye, the president of the Lagos Association of Resident Doctors.

CNN