The Nigerian ‘Japa’ Reality: Understanding the Impact of Migration on Families

Migration is a journey as old as humanity itself, offering the promise of new opportunities while also bringing the pain of separation. At Walk347, we recognise that every migration story is more than just a statistic; it is a tapestry woven with hopes, challenges, and enduring family bonds. Our work goes beyond data collection; we aim to use our findings to inform advocacy that may support migrant communities and the societies they join.

Through our Mind The (Immigration) Gap Project, we explore the impacts of the Nigerian ‘Japa’ phenomenon on families divided between Nigeria and the UK. Our research aims to provide a comprehensive view of migration experiences, from the high hopes of intending migrants in Nigeria to the often challenging realities encountered by recent migrants in the UK, as well as the emotional toll on families left behind.

Our approach includes:

• Expectations vs. Realities: Investigating the gap between what migrants expect and what they encounter upon arrival.
• Family Separation & Reunification: Exploring how prolonged separation affects spouses, children, and extended family networks, as well as examining cases where reunification remains out of reach.
• Policy Impact: Assessing how current UK and Nigerian policies may support or hinder the integration process and suggesting potential pathways for reform.

This initiative uses careful research methods, including quantitative surveys, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions, to document some of the challenges migrant families face while recognising their contributions to society. We hope that our findings will serve as a useful resource for policymakers, advocacy groups, and community organisations working to support migrant families.

We are set to launch this project on International Women’s Day (March 8, 2025) and look forward to sharing our findings on International Day of Families (May 15, 2025). Join us as we use our research insights to guide advocacy efforts, to help families affected by migration receive the support they need.

Together, we hope to use what we learn to positively impact and contribute to a more inclusive and compassionate society.

Chudi Nwigwe, PhD
Capoon, NAS Magna Carta
Leader of the Walk347 Collaboration