By Adeboye Ado

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Governments at all levels and employers of labour have been urged to prioritise workers’ welfare as a means to ease economic hardship and stem the rising trend of migration abroad, popularly known as the “Japa syndrome.”

Speaking in an interview with The Hope, Alhaji Bakai Momodu, a member of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), identified poor wages, the rising cost of living, and inflation as major factors driving workers to seek greener pastures overseas.

“These challenges have made life difficult for the average worker and are pushing many to seek opportunities abroad,” he said.

Bakai called on both federal and state governments to urgently recruit younger workers to fill the vacuum left by retirees, thereby ensuring a more balanced and effective workforce.

He also emphasised the importance of solidarity among workers, urging them to unite in advocating for their rights and better working conditions.

“Without proper attention to the welfare of workers, the situation will continue to worsen. More people will be forced to leave the country, and that’s not just a loss to the workforce, t’s a national tragedy,” he said.

According to him, empowering the younger generation with fair wages and meaningful job opportunities is vital to building a prosperous nation.

“The future of our economy depends on how we treat our young workforce. The government must initiate urgent reforms in employment policies to not only attract but also retain young talents committed to national development,” he added.