RETAINING TALENT IN NIGERIA; STRATEGIES FOR ADDRESSING THE JAPA SYNDROME IN TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY

This study investigates strategies for retaining skilled professionals in Nigeria amid the rising trend of the "Japa syndrome," where talented individuals emigrate in search of better opportunities abroad, especially in the Technology industry . The research explores the underlying causes of this brain drain, including inadequate remuneration, poor working conditions, limited career growth, and infrastructural deficiencies, while also examining the pull factors from destination countries. Using a mixed-method approach—combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews with tech professionals, industry leaders, and policymakers—the study evaluates the effectiveness of existing retention strategies and identifies gaps in implementation. Findings indicate that competitive compensation, robust career development programs, improved workplace policies, and government incentives significantly enhance talent retention. However, systemic challenges such as inconsistent policy enforcement and weak industry-academia collaboration hinder progress. The study recommends a holistic approach involving organizational reforms, public-private partnerships, and policy interventions to create a more attractive and sustainable ecosystem for tech professionals. These insights provide actionable recommendations for stakeholders aiming to mitigate the Japa syndrome and strengthen Nigeria’s technology sector for long-term growth and global competitiveness.