Nigerian billionaire businessman Keji Giwa has stirred intense reactions online following controversial remarks about Nigerians relocating abroad under the “Japa” trend.
Speaking on the TalkwithRuth podcast, Giwa expressed frustration over losing trained employees to countries like the UK and Canada.
“A lot of my employees have Japa’d,” he said, explaining that many of his best-trained staff eventually left Nigeria after gaining experience in his companies.
While the host suggested that former employees may have “used and abused” him, Giwa disagreed, acknowledging their value.
“Those people that you employed that have now left, they were some of the best workers that you’ve had. We have now trained all of them to the point that most of them have left the country. What do we have left now?”
He argued that stricter visa policies abroad have indirectly helped Nigerian employers retain talent.
“If not for the UK putting stringent rules and Canada putting stringent rules on their visa application, you think they wouldn’t have left?”
In a statement that shocked many viewers, Giwa openly said he prays for visa denials and deportations so skilled Nigerians can return home.
“I’m praying to God that they deport them. I’m praying to God that their visas are not extended… I need these brains back in Nigeria.”
Listing his various business ventures, he admitted he cannot sustain them alone.
“My brain alone cannot sustain them.”
However, his comments drew further criticism when asked whether he could match foreign salaries if they returned.
“The poor distribution of income puts me in a position where I can pay lower wages,” he responded.
His remarks have reignited conversations about brain drain, wage structures, and the responsibilities of Nigerian employers in creating competitive working conditions.
Is the “Japa” wave hurting Nigeria’s economy — or are workers simply seeking better opportunities?
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