By In an uarchive footage, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, DG World Trade Organization, advised Nigerians who want to ‘japa’ to do so but must be willing to come back to build the country.
She said this in an interview with Arise TV. She noted that the leaders however has a role in ensuring that young Nigerians do not leave the country.
Here’s what she said:
“Many Nigerians want to Japa. We have in the past four years lost 50,000 young Nigerians who have gone to Canada. Another 20,000 is expected in 2022. The British have just given visas to 16, 000 Nigerians.
“We may lose 100,000 within the next year or two and if we keep doing that, how are we going to build this country? I am not telling Nigerians not to go. This is a free country. But the leaders need to make the country so that they can stay. So if you Japa you’ll come back.”
A recent PEW research survey reveals that about 45% of Nigeria’s adult population plans to relocate to another country within five years. Of the 12 countries surveyed from Africa, the Middle East, Europe and North America, Nigerians ranked highest among people who desperately want to relocate to some other countries. In another study in 2021, it was revealed that seven in every 10 Nigerians planned to relocate if the opportunity presents itself.
