The Chairman and CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has urged media professionals to stop portraying migration, commonly referred to as ‘Japa,’ in a negative light.
Speaking at the sixth International Conference on Development and Communication in Africa, held in Keffi, Nasarawa State, Dabiri-Erewa emphasized the need for balanced discourse on migration.
The conference, organized by the Institute of Strategic and Development Communication (ISDEVCOM) at Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), was themed: “Japa: Communicating Migration, Diaspora, and Africa’s Development.”
Represented by NiDCOM Secretary, Sule Bassi, Dabiri-Erewa called for open and honest discussions about both the opportunities and challenges associated with migration.
“We must recognize that migration is a fundamental human right. Regular migration should never be criminalized,” she stated.
She also warned against generalizing the actions of a few Nigerians abroad, stressing that their negative conduct should not define the entire diaspora community.
“The media should ensure fair and fact-based reporting on Nigerians and Africans in the diaspora, highlighting their numerous achievements,” she added.
Dabiri-Erewa further urged stakeholders to address the issue of brain drain by creating an environment where young Nigerians can thrive, transforming it into a ‘brain gain’ for national development.
She described the conference theme as timely and crucial for fostering stronger ties between the Nigerian diaspora and the continent.
Additionally, she called on academics, policymakers, media professionals, and diaspora engagement influencers to collaborate in ensuring that migration contributes to Nigeria’s growth rather than exacerbating its challenges.