Diaspora (Commonwealth Union) _ Over 5,000 Nigerian women are reportedly stranded in Iraq, having been lured with promises of caregiver jobs that turned out to be traps of exploitation and despair. This alarming revelation by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) underscores the urgent need to address irregular migration and promote local economic opportunities.
During a seminar to promote diaspora investment potential in South-West Nigeria, NiDCOM Chairman Abike Dabiri-Erewa highlighted the dire situation. The seminar, a collaborative effort with G-Consulting International Services Limited, brought together participants from Nigeria’s six South-West states to explore untapped local opportunities that could reduce the allure of unsafe migration routes.
The tragic death of a Nigerian man’s wife in Iraq while serving as a caregiver serves as a stark reminder of the harsh realities many people encounter overseas. Dabiri-Erewa recounted the family’s ordeal, emphasizing that such tragic outcomes should serve as a stark reminder. “She just died mysteriously,” she explained, revealing that the Nigerian Mission is conducting an autopsy to uncover the cause of death and repatriate her remains.
The NiDCOM Chairman expressed dismay over the growing trend of Nigerians seeking greener pastures abroad, often through dangerous and irregular means. “There’s no point in seeking a better life and then you die in the process,” she stated. To combat this, the Commission is actively engaging citizens through regional workshops to raise awareness about the wealth of opportunities within Nigeria, aiming to shift perspectives and encourage investment in local ventures.
The workshop also emphasized the resurgence of interest in African Americans tracing their ancestry to Nigeria. Dabiri-Erewa noted the contrast between Nigerians eager to “japa” (emigrate) and African Americans determined to reconnect with their roots. She shared the story of 14 individuals who recently discovered their Nigerian heritage through DNA testing and expressed a desire to invest in their ancestral land. “While some people want to leave, many African Americans want to come back,” she said, urging Nigerians to tap into the country’s diverse economic potential.
The event also highlighted the importance of production and self-sufficiency. “If we are not producing anything, we can’t keep complaining,” Dabiri-Erewa pointed out, emphasizing the need for Nigerians to focus on creating value within the economy.
Dr. Godfrey Ajayi Sunday, Group Managing Director of G-Consulting, elaborated on the economic opportunities available for both Nigerians and diaspora investors. He announced plans to mobilize over $100 million in funding to support business partnerships between local entrepreneurs and diaspora investors. Key sectors identified included real estate and agriculture, both of which offer significant potential for growth and development.
Facilitators at the seminar stressed the importance of abandoning the idea of irregular migration and instead harnessing Nigeria’s untapped resources. They argued that promoting sustainable investment and entrepreneurship would not only curb migration but also strengthen the nation’s economic resilience.
This call for action extends beyond economic benefits. It serves as a rallying cry to address the systemic issues driving Nigerians to risk their lives in pursuit of elusive opportunities abroad. By fostering a culture of local investment and creating pathways for economic growth, Nigeria can provide its citizens with the tools to build a prosperous future at home, reducing the desperation that fuels dangerous migration trends.
As NiDCOM continues its advocacy, the stories of stranded Nigerians abroad serve as poignant reminders of the stakes involved. They highlight the urgency of the Commission’s mission to empower citizens, attract diaspora investments, and ultimately create a Nigeria where opportunity is abundant, and migration is a choice, not a necessity.
