Governance Failure, Japa Syndrome, and the Mediterranean Migration Crisis: A Qualitative Study of Nigerian Migrants

Abstract

This study examines the interplay between governance failure in Nigeria, the "Japa Syndrome" 
(mass emigration), and the Mediterranean migration crisis. It critically analyses how systemic 
corruption, economic decline, and insecurity drive mass emigration, exposing Nigerian 
migrants to vulnerabilities such as human trafficking, smuggling, forced labour, arbitrary 
detentions, criminal violations, and fatal sea crossings. Additionally, it assesses the impact of 
European migration control measures and explores policy alternatives for safer migration 
pathways. Adopting a qualitative research methodology, this study integrates primary and 
secondary data to provide a holistic understanding of the structural drivers of irregular 
migration. A purposive sampling technique was employed to select participants based on their 
expertise, lived experiences, and relevance to migration governance and reintegration. Semi
structured interviews were conducted with 50 participants, including key migration governance 
stakeholders and returned migrants, to explore policy gaps, migrant experiences, and 
reintegration challenges. A comprehensive document review supplemented these findings. The 
results highlight that many migrants endure severe exploitation, including human trafficking, 
sexual abuse, and perilous sea journeys. Smuggling syndicates thrive in transit countries like 
Libya, where governance instability fosters a black market for human exploitation. 
Furthermore, restrictive European migration policies often increase risks for migrants rather 
than providing sustainable solutions. The study highlights the pressing need for governance 
reforms in Nigeria to address the underlying causes of mass emigration. It advocates for 
economic stabilisation, enhanced security, and international cooperation to establish safer 
migration pathways. Without immediate interventions, Nigerian migrants will continue to 
endure life-threatening dangers in their pursuit of better opportunities abroad.