Abike Dabiri: We speak of ‘japa’ — but many Nigerians are returning

Abike Dabiri-Erewa, chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), says despite the number of Nigerians aiming to leave the country, there is also a significant number returning to the country.

Dabiri-Erewa, who spoke at a press briefing at the state house in Abuja on Thursday, cited a number of persons in the agricultural and healthcare sector coming into the country to invest and contribute to the development of the country.

Dabiri-Erewa said the Duchess International Hospital where Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo had surgery was established by Nigerians in the diaspora.

According to the NiDCOM chief, “there are many Nigerians doing great things”.

“We speak of “japa” as a one-way phenomenon, but we also have Nigerians constantly returning home. There are examples of Nigerians returning home, occasionally or permanently, to do interesting things, in agriculture, healthcare, etc,” she said. 

“The hospital where the VP was recently treated was set up by diaspora doctors. I’m not saying Nigeria’s not a challenging environment, but we must also acknowledge those who are coming back home to do impactful things.”

Dabiri-Erewa said the commission is making an effort to see that Nigerians in the diaspora are allowed to vote.

“The national assembly is still not interested in diaspora voting, but we will not relent and continue to engage with them. Because I believe everyone should know that the diaspora should be able to vote. So we hope that we continue to engage with the parliament. There’s a big deal about diaspora voting,” she said.