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

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. Semistructured 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.