The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has urged journalists to refrain from portraying migration, popularly known 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 a balanced conversation on migration.
Represented by NIDCOM Secretary, Mr. Sule Bassi, she called on the media to highlight both the opportunities and challenges associated with migration.
“We must first recognize that migration is a fundamental human right. Regular migration should never be criminalized in any form,” she stated.
She cautioned against generalizing the actions of a few Nigerians abroad, stressing that their misconduct should not define the entire diaspora community.
Instead, she encouraged the media to focus on the achievements of Nigerians living overseas.
“The media should provide factual and balanced reporting on Nigerians and Africans in the diaspora, especially their successes,” she added.
Dabiri-Erewa also advocated for turning brain drain into brain gain by creating an environment where young Nigerians can thrive.
She described the conference as a crucial platform for discussing how communication strategies can strengthen connections between Nigeria’s diaspora and the African continent.
She further urged academics, policymakers, and media professionals to collaborate in ensuring that migration contributes to Nigeria’s development rather than exacerbating existing challenges.
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