The Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has called on the media to stop criminalizing migration, popularly known as “Japa,” emphasizing that it is a fundamental human right.
Speaking at the sixth International Conference on Development and Communication in Africa, held in Nasarawa State, Dabiri-Erewa—represented by NIDCOM Secretary, Mr. Sule Bassi—urged journalists to promote honest conversations about migration, highlighting both its opportunities and challenges.
“We must recognize that regular migration should never be criminalized,” she said, stressing that a few bad actors should not define the millions of Nigerians excelling abroad.
She encouraged the media to highlight the successes of Nigerians in the diaspora, rather than focusing solely on negative incidents. She also emphasized the need to address brain drain by creating better opportunities for Nigerian youth at home.
The conference, themed “Japa: Communicating Migration, Diaspora, and Africa’s Development,” brought together policymakers, academics, and media professionals to discuss how migration can be a tool for national and continental progress.
Prof. Sa’adatu Liman, Vice Chancellor of Nasarawa State University, noted that while migration poses challenges such as brain drain and economic disparities, it also presents immense opportunities through remittances, knowledge transfer, and investments.
“The question is: how do we reshape migration narratives to empower rather than weaken Africa?” she asked, urging participants to engage in meaningful discussions that lead to real impact.
Prof. Emmanuel Dandaura, Executive Director of ISDEVCOM, emphasized that migration contributes significantly to Nigeria’s economy through remittances and foreign investments. However, he acknowledged that the negative perception of migration needs to be addressed through strategic policies and awareness campaigns.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including representatives from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) and other key stakeholders.
