Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman and CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), has called on media professionals to refrain from criminalizing migration, commonly referred to as ‘Japa.’
She made this statement during her address at the Sixth International Conference on Development and Communication in Africa, held in Keffi Local Government Area, Nasarawa State.
The conference, organized by the Institute of Strategic and Development Communication (ISDEVCOM) at Nasarawa State University Keffi (NSUK), carried the theme “Japa: Communicating Migration, Diaspora and Africa’s Development.”
Represented by Sule Bassi, NIDCOM’s Secretary, Dabiri-Erewa urged the media to foster open and honest conversations surrounding both the opportunities and challenges that migration presents. She emphasized that migration is a fundamental human right and should not be criminalized.
“We must first acknowledge that migration is a fundamental human right issue, and regular migration should not be criminalized in any form,” she stated.
She also highlighted that the actions of a few Nigerians abroad should not be used as a basis to criminalize all Nigerians in the diaspora.
Dabiri-Erewa stressed the importance of presenting balanced, fact-based reporting on Nigerians abroad, especially focusing on their successes.
She also called for addressing the brain-drain phenomenon by creating environments in which young Nigerians can thrive, thereby transforming the brain drain into a brain gain.
In her speech, Dabiri-Erewa praised the conference theme as timely and relevant, describing it as an opportunity to reflect on how communication strategies can strengthen ties between Nigeria’s diaspora and the continent.
She urged academics, policymakers, media professionals, and diaspora influencers to collaborate to ensure that migration becomes a tool for Nigeria’s growth, rather than exacerbating its challenges.
Professor Sa’adatu Liman, Vice Chancellor of NSUK, echoed Dabiri-Erewa’s sentiments, emphasizing that migration is not just a physical movement but a critical narrative and policy challenge.
She acknowledged the challenges posed by migration, such as brain drain and socioeconomic disparities, but also highlighted the potential of the diaspora in contributing to development through remittances, knowledge transfer, and investment.
Liman posed critical questions regarding how migration narratives can be shaped to empower Africa, rather than hinder its progress, and called for communication strategies that promote national and continental growth.
Professor Emmanuel Dandaura, Executive Director of ISDEVCOM, remarked that the conference aimed to provide a platform for discussions on both the positive and negative aspects of migration.
He pointed out the crucial role of remittances from the Nigerian diaspora in supporting the country’s economy and acknowledged the negative impact migration can have on Nigeria’s image.
He also emphasized the need for policy recommendations to address migration challenges, including efforts by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons.
The event saw the participation of numerous dignitaries, including Ali Muhammad Ali, Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), represented by Kayode Olaitan, NAN’s Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics.
