Why Nigerians should prioritise credibility and rising ‘Japa’ syndrome

By Godwin Oritse

An immigration expert, Olatunde Badmus of EBteam, has warned Nigerians against falling victim to fraudulent agents who promise unrealistic relocation and residency opportunities abroad, as the “Japa Syndrome” continues to drive thousands in search of better prospects outside the country.

Speaking with journalists in Lagos, Badmus stressed the importance of pursuing credible and merit-based immigration routes, noting that many desperate jobseekers are being deceived by agents who prey on their limited understanding of international immigration systems.

“These fake agents often exploit desperate individuals seeking better opportunities by taking advantage of their lack of knowledge about the immigration process,” he said.
He advised prospective migrants to verify the authenticity of immigration consultants by researching their reputation and checking feedback from previous clients. He also urged Nigerians to be cautious of offers that appear too good to be true, warning that legitimate agents provide transparent and realistic guidance.

He recommended that intending migrants demand proof of accreditation and licensing before engaging any agent, including requesting official registration numbers where applicable. He also encouraged the use of secure and traceable payment methods such as credit cards or recognised online platforms to reduce the risk of financial loss.
In addition, he urged seekers to ask detailed questions about the services being offered, including total costs, travel plans, cancellation terms and refund policies.

Badmus explained that EBteam is a consulting firm that assists skilled professionals to navigate highly competitive United States immigration categories such as EB-1 and EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW), which allow qualified individuals to bypass traditional employer-sponsored processes.

He added that vigilance and proper verification remain key to avoiding scams, noting that careful steps could help ensure a safe and successful migration experience.

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