Japa: You Are Better Off In Nigeria, Dabiri-Erewa, Oloyede Counsel Nigerian Youths
Stakeholders at an online platform have advised Nigerians, especially
the youths travelling outside the country, to be more patriotic and
travel legitimately for self and national development.
Dabiri-Erewa Chairman/CEO Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) on
“Pros and Cons of Japa” at No Dull Moment in Islam (NDMI), an online
platform for Muslim Elites and Professionals.
Dabiri-Erewa who was the Special Guest of Honour, discussed the
phenomenon of irregular migration, its negative impacts, and potential
ways to mitigate its effects, with a focus on the challenges and
opportunities facing Nigeria’s medical personnel and the issue of
Nigerians being trafficked to Libya and other countries.
The NIDCOM boss confirmed the mass exodus of Nigerian youths under the
guise of looking for better opportunities elsewhere without having the
intention of returning back to the country to give back.
She said that though the country is passing through some challenges
which is global and been faced by the countries where some of them are
running into.
She, however, said migration is the fundamental rights of an individual
but such movement must be justified and evaluated before embarking on
it.
Dabiri-Erewa recalled how the Commission alongside other agencies of
government have facilitated the return of over 10,000 stranded Nigerians
from Libya alone, as well as from Saudi Arabia, UAE, South Africa,
Lebanon, Germany among others.
She said some of them have subjected themselves to menial jobs that they
cannot do in Nigeria, some lost their lives in the process while others
have sold their family inheritance just because they want to migrate
(Japa ).
She implored the Nigerian professionals to increase awareness and
education about the negative effects of irregular migration and the
importance of seeking employment within Nigeria.
On the side of the Federal Government of Nigeria, she assured that the
new administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will implement reforms
to create more job opportunities and improve the economy, aiming to
reduce the need for migration.
She reiterated the resolve of her Commission to work on strategies to
prevent Nigerians from being trapped in situations like those in Libya,
ensuring safe return for those who have already been affected through
aggressive advocacy and partnership with relevant agencies of
government.
In his contribution, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, Registar of Joint Admissions
and Matriculation Board (JAMB) who also doubles as Secretary-General
Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) also explored the
reasons for migration from an Islamic perspective, the need for economic
advancement and knowledge transfer within their community, and the
potential of harnessing the diaspora to improve the country’s economy
and security.
Oloyede who shared his expriences in interaction with some Nigerians
who travelled outside the country, canvassed for more collaboration with
government agencies to stem the tide of irregular migration and thus
reducing brain drain and encourage Nigerian diaspora to invest in
Nigeria’s economy.
The JAMB Registrar expressed his willingness to work with the Minister
of State for Health, who is in charge of Nigeria Medicals in the
diaspora, to implement recommendations for improving the health sector
in Nigeria .
Prof Is-haq Oloyede shared his recent experience of trying to import
medical equipment for the use of teaching hospitals in Nigeria which
attracted huge custom duties, capable of discouraging donors thus
highlighted the need for a standing committee to scrutinize new
equipment and ensure its authenticity.
Speaking in the same vein, Prof. Lateef Sanni, the Executive Director of
the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), Ilorin,
detested how some of his
colleagues refused to return to Nigeria after studying abroad to apply
their acquired knowledge and skills.
He argued that India, China and Singapore utilised the experiences of
their returned diaspora for national development thus proposing
utilising the experiences of Nigerians who have returned from abroad as
advocates and taking advocacy messages to religious houses.
Participants at the webinar also discussed the potential of harnessing
the diaspora to improve the country’s economy and security, while
acknowledging the challenges of changing mindset and promoting their
message.
The participants expressed determination to continue their efforts
towards improving the situation thus urging President Bola Ahmed
Tinubu’s administration to support the returnees by providing enabling
environment for them to thrive.
Similarly, participants highlighted the difficulties faced by
professionals trying to bring in their expertise into the country,
including financial and bureaucratic hurdles which should be removed by
the government as an incentive for investors in the country.
Above all, the participants emphasised the importance of patriotism and
community involvement in social development, particularly through a
cultural renaissance as well as advocated for a stronger social
security system to assist the unemployed, and encouraged greater
volunteer service to strengthen the country’s fabric.
They equally proposed to the government that the Japa team, which
consists of Nigerians working abroad, could act as agents to assist
their fellow citizens seeking employment overseas, thereby contributing
to the country’s national development.
It was also recommended that those migrating outside the country
based on frustrations about the difficulties graduates face in Nigeria,
should explore
legal requirements for job legitimacy.
Earlier in his welcome speech, Dr Mutiu Agboke, the Coordinator of NDMI
said the platform is for Muslim Elites and Professionals across the
globe championing issues of national cohesion and development through
its regular online lectures where the resolutions are passed to relevant
agencies for execution.
