Former Nigerian diplomats have blamed insecurity and the poor economy for the rising migration of Nigerians, especially undocumented citizens.
Otukoya said, “Some feel that Nigerians ‘japa’ because of harsh economic conditions. Others feel that youths are impatient and want to make it quickly. There is also the other narrative, that Eldorado, the land of promise lies off the shore of Nigeria. Of course, for as long as Nigerians have unfettered freedom of movement, there will always be illegal migration.
“In some Francophone countries where I had the privilege of serving during my 35-year career in the Foreign Service, a citizen cannot apply for a visitor visa to another country without first getting approval from its own Ministry of Interior or National Security. So, visa applications are routinely turned down by embassies once there is no approval. Upon obtaining the visa, the citizen is required to deposit a certain amount of money to cater for deportation if he/she is deported down the line.
In the same vein, retired Ambassador Rasheed Akinkuolie said insecurity and a high unemployment rate are making Nigerians leave the country by all possible means, noting that those who travel and cannot gain employment become a problem in a foreign land and are being evacuated back home by the Nigerian government.
Akinkuolie stated, “The security situation in Nigeria is one of the reasons people are leaving the country, especially young people. There is hardly any state in Nigeria that is safe. People cannot travel by road or train without being kidnapped. “Unemployment among young people is another major problem irrespective of qualification. Doctors, engineers, university graduates in several disciplines, etc migrate for better job opportunities abroad.”All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Nigeria Latest News, Nigeria Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Muslim rights group cautions Nigerian youths against 'Japa' syndromeThe Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has cautioned Nigerian youths against a mass exodus to other countries, now known as 'Japa' syndrome. The Muslim group
Read more »
Islamic Group, MURIC Warns Nigerian Youths Against 'Japa' Syndrome, Mass Exodus To Foreign Countries | Sahara ReportersAn Islamic group, Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has warned Nigerian youths against a mass exodus to foreign countries across the world in search of a better life. The group in a statement signed by its Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, on Wednesday said that the mass exodus of Nigerian youths to other countries, the phenomenon which is now known as 'Japa' is a dangerous syndrome as Nigeria is better in many ways than those countries which seem attractive to the youth.
Read more »
Japa: “Nigerians running abroad are suffering” – TinubuThe presidential flag-bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, has addressed the phenomenon of emigration by Nigerians and advised that it is unnecessary.
Read more »
‘Tackling Unemployment Will Address Japa Syndrome’ – THISDAYLIVE
Read more »
Insurance broker canvasses poverty eradication - Punch NewspapersA former President, Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers, Dr Teslim Adekunle Sanusi,
Read more »
2023: Invite Atiku, Tinubu, Obi for medical tests - Shehu Sani tells NMA, NANNMFormer Nigerian lawmaker Shehu Sani has called on the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, and the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives,
Read more »