Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has advocated for more strategic communication in managing the japa syndrome and engaging with the Diaspora.
This is as Dabiri-Erewa also disclosed that the country has raked in about $90 billion from diaspora remittances in the last five years.
Dabiri-Erewa, according to a statement spoke at the 6th International Conference on Communication and Development in Africa at Nasarawa State University, Keffi, with the theme, ” Japa: Communicating Migration, Diaspora and Africa’s Development “.
She addressed the increasing exodus of Nigerians and its impact on National Development.
Represented by Dr. Sule Yakubu Bassi, Secretary to the Commission, she stressed the need to rewrite the narrative of brain drain to brain gain and brain circulation for development.
The statement which was signed by Mr. Gabriel Odu, Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit NIDCOM further reads: “Instead of focusing only on the challenges of Japa, we should ask: How can governments communicate migration policies better? What role does the media play in shaping the conversation? How can the diaspora contribute beyond remittances? What policies will encourage skilled Nigerians to return?”
Dabiri-Erewa highlighted that in the last five years, diaspora remittances have injected about $90 billion dollars into Nigeria’s economy, yet she urged for more Diaspora involvement beyond financial support, through investment, mentorship, and skills transfer.
The NiDCOM Boss, who was the Chairman and Keynote speaker at the event, also called for proper enlightenment on both the benefits and challenges of migration.
Hajia Binta Adamu Bello, DG National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) represented by Ijeoma Amugo Esq, Director Legal, advised against irregular migration and human trafficking, outlining NAPTIP’s five-pillar approach: Policy, Prevention, Protection, Prosecution and Partnership.
Hon. Shuaibu Sani, Nasarawa State Commissioner for Youth, representing Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to youth empowerment under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Paola Pace, Chief of Mission, IOM Nigeria, represented by Ana Medeiros, called for safer and legal migration routes, even though migration is a fundamental human right.
Amb. Zissmos Vergos, Deputy Head of Delegation, European Union and ECOWAS, stressed that while migration is natural, it must be structured for mutual benefits. He also urged the media to help dispel unrealistic expectations of life abroad.
Prof. Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, Vice Chancellor of Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), acknowledged the rising number of young Africans migrating in search of better opportunities and praised ISDEVCOM for creating space for these discussions.
Prof. Emmanuel S. Dandaura, the Chairman, Institute of Strategic Development Communication (ISDEVCOM), described the Conference theme as timely, given the increasing Japa trend. He emphasised the role of strategic communication in shaping Africa’s migration story.
The Conference, organised by ISDEVCOM, brought together the Academia, Policy makers, and Media Professionals to discuss Africa’s migration challenges and opportunities, and how better communication can improve Diaspora Engagement.
