Nigerians are leaving the country in droves, driven by a toxic cocktail of insecurity, economic instability, and a general sense of hopelessness, according to Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja ahead of the National Diaspora Day Celebrations on July 25th, 2024, Ms. Dabiri-Erewa painted a concerning picture of a nation hemorrhaging its talent and potential.
“The trend of Nigerians migrating abroad is not a new one,” she acknowledged, “but the alarming rate at which it’s happening now is a cause for serious national introspection.”
The NiDCOM boss’s statement is backed by recent data from the 2024 World Migration Report. The report reveals a staggering exodus, with over 400,000 Nigerians relocating to the United States alone in the past year. The United Kingdom followed closely with over 200,000 new Nigerian arrivals. These numbers only represent a fraction of the total migration, with significant movement also occurring to regional neighbors like Cameroon (over 169,000), Niger (over 154,000), and Italy (over 100,000).
A Nation on Edge: Insecurity Erodes Trust, Stifles Opportunity
The primary driver of this exodus, according to Ms. Dabiri-Erewa, is the pervasive insecurity plaguing many parts of Nigeria. From the violence of Boko Haram in the North-East to the kidnappings and criminal activities plaguing many regions, Nigerians are increasingly feeling unsafe and vulnerable in their own homeland.
“Many Nigerians no longer feel secure,” Ms. Dabiri-Erewa stated. “They fear for their lives, their property, and the safety of their loved ones. This constant state of anxiety has a debilitating effect on their day-to-day lives and their overall sense of well-being.”
The insecurity not only creates a climate of fear but also disrupts economic activity. Businesses are reluctant to invest in areas with high security risks, leading to a lack of job opportunities and a stagnant economy. This lack of economic prospects further fuels the desire to migrate, particularly among young, skilled Nigerians who see limited opportunities for advancement at home.
Beyond Bullets: A Multifaceted Crisis
While insecurity is undoubtedly a major factor, Ms. Dabiri-Erewa cautioned against viewing it in isolation. The decision to migrate, she explained, is often a complex one, influenced by a multitude of factors.
The economic situation in Nigeria is far from ideal,” she admitted. “Many Nigerians struggle to make ends meet, even with multiple jobs. The rising cost of living, coupled with stagnant wages, creates a desperate situation for many.”
The report by NiDCOM highlights concerns beyond just security and the economy. Inadequate access to quality education and healthcare were also cited as reasons for seeking a better life abroad. A recent survey by the Nigerian Youth Congress found that over 60% of young Nigerians felt the government was failing to provide them with the basic necessities for a fulfilling life.
Brain Drain and its Ripple Effects
The mass exodus of Nigerians, particularly skilled professionals in sectors like healthcare, information technology, and education, has a significant negative impact on the nation’s development. This “brain drain” deprives Nigeria of the expertise and talent it desperately needs to address its many challenges.
“We are losing doctors, nurses, engineers, IT professionals – all at a time when we need them the most,” Ms. Dabiri-Erewa lamented. This not only weakens our healthcare system and infrastructure development but also stifles innovation and economic growth.
The impact goes beyond the professional sphere. With so many Nigerians leaving, the social fabric of the nation is also being affected. Strong families and communities are the bedrock of a healthy society, and large-scale migration weakens these bonds.
A Call to Action: Stemming the Tide
The solution to this exodus, according to Ms. Dabiri-Erewa, requires a multi-pronged approach. First and foremost, the government needs to address the security challenges plaguing the nation. Restoring peace and stability is crucial for creating an environment where Nigerians feel safe and secure enough to build their lives.
Secondly, the government must focus on revitalizing the economy. Creating an environment that fosters job creation, attracts investment, and promotes economic diversification is essential to providing Nigerians with a reason to stay.
Investing in education and healthcare is also critical. By providing Nigerians with access to quality education and affordable healthcare, the government can create a sense of hope and opportunity that might dissuade some from seeking a better life abroad.
Beyond Borders: Engaging the Diaspora
While the focus should be on stemming the tide of emigration, Ms. Dabiri-Erewa also emphasized the importance of engaging the Nigerian diaspora. The millions of Nigerians living abroad represent a vast pool of talent, resources, and goodwill that can be harnessed for the benefit of the nation.
“The Nigerian diaspora is a force to be reckoned with,” Ms. Dabiri-Erewa declared. They are successful doctors, engineers, entrepreneurs, and academics who are making significant contributions to their host countries.
NiDCOM, under Ms. Dabiri-Erewa’s leadership, has made significant strides in fostering connections with the diaspora community. Initiatives such as the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit and the National Diaspora Day celebrations aim to create a platform for collaboration and engagement.
We want our diaspora to see Nigeria not just as a place they left behind, but as a place they can invest in and help to build,” Ms. Dabiri-Erewa explained. “We are creating opportunities for them to invest in sectors like agriculture, infrastructure, and technology, all of which are crucial for our national development.”
A Glimmer of Hope: Encouraging Return and Reintegration
Recognizing that not everyone who leaves aspires to stay abroad permanently, NiDCOM is also exploring ways to facilitate the return and reintegration of Nigerians who wish to come back home.
“We understand that some Nigerians may leave with the intention of returning someday,” Ms. Dabiri-Erewa said. “We are working on programs to make that transition smoother, by assisting with finding jobs, accessing housing, and navigating the bureaucracy.”
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
The challenges facing Nigeria are undeniable. However, Ms. Dabiri-Erewa’s message remained one of cautious optimism.
“Nigeria is a resilient nation,” she declared. We have overcome many challenges in the past, and we will overcome this one too. By working together, the government, the private sector, and the Nigerian diaspora can create a better future for all Nigerians.”
The upcoming National Diaspora Day celebrations present an opportunity for a national conversation on these critical issues. By acknowledging the reasons behind the exodus and taking concrete steps to address them, Nigeria can begin to stem the tide of migration and create an environment that attracts and retains its brightest minds. The Great Nigerian Exodus may not be easily reversed, but with a renewed focus on security, economic development, and diaspora engagement, Nigeria can transform this challenge into an opportunity to build a stronger, more prosperous nation for all.
