‘Japa’ Could Be An Opportunity For Nigeria’s Prosperity – Peter Obi

• Obi: Nigerian exodus could be a boon if conducive environment for return is created.

• Obi cites China, India, Ireland as examples of diaspora benefiting their countries.

• Despite rejected motion, Obi committed to building attractive Nigeria for professionals.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has said that the rising exodus of Nigerians to other countries could be a boon for the country.

Obi, who shared his views on Twitter, said that the “brain drain” could actually be a “brain gain” if Nigeria creates an environment that is conducive for professionals to return home.

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He cited the examples of China, India, and Ireland, which have all benefited from the knowledge and resources of their diaspora communities.

“Nigeria will grow and develop on all fronts when we build the New Nigeria that prioritizes investment in education, health, and support for small businesses, guarantees respect for the rule of law, security of lives and properties, and unity of the nation,” Obi said.

“Then our diasporan Nigerians around the world will return home with their global training, skills and resources, to immeasurably contribute to building a New and better Nigeria.”

Obi’s comments come as the House of Representatives has voted against a motion seeking to make the Federal Government address the issues causing Nigerian professionals to migrate to other countries en masse.

The motion, which was sponsored by Hon. Francis Ejiroghene Waive, had called on the government to “take urgent steps to address the brain drain in the country.”

However, the House voted against the motion, with some members arguing that the government should not interfere in the free movement of people.

Obi’s comments suggest that he believes that the government can play a role in encouraging Nigerians to return home. He has previously said that he would create a “New Nigeria” that would be attractive to professionals from all over the world.

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It remains to be seen whether Obi will be able to achieve his goal of reversing the brain drain. However, his comments suggest that he is committed to creating an environment that would make Nigeria a more attractive place to live and work.

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