Nigeria’s Budget Minister, Abubakar Bagudu, believes that President Bola Tinubu’s plan to grow the country’s economy to $2 trillion will help address the issue of irregular migration, often referred to as the “Japa syndrome.” This term describes the trend of many Nigerians leaving the country in search of better opportunities. At a recent summit held in Abuja, organized by the Blacks Ancestral Native Communities (BANC), Bagudu emphasized that achieving this economic goal would reduce the pressure on Nigerians to migrate irregularly.
The minister pointed out that the government is working on several policies aimed at boosting the economy and creating more jobs. These measures, he explained, will support the country’s goal of improving its economic standing, which is crucial for Nigeria’s future as a leader in Africa. According to Bagudu, a $2 trillion economy would give people more choices, allowing migration to be an option rather than a necessity. He highlighted that while Nigeria doesn’t seek to stop people from moving abroad, it wants to ensure that such decisions are made freely, not out of desperation.
Bagudu also addressed the negative outcomes of irregular migration, including human trafficking and drug-related crimes. He noted that while Nigeria’s large population could serve as an advantage for those who choose to migrate, it’s important for migrants to have proper documentation and carefully consider the jobs they take up in other countries.
During the event, Kenyan lawyer and activist Professor Patrick Lumumba stressed that Nigeria should aim higher economically. He argued that reaching a $2 trillion economy would give Nigeria more respect across Africa and beyond. Lumumba also criticized African leaders for wasting resources on unnecessary expenses during international trips, specifically pointing to the recent China-Africa Investment Summit in Beijing.
Dr. Chibuzor Onyema, CEO of BANC, added that the government needs to address the root causes of irregular migration. According to him, poverty, unemployment, poor education, political instability, and insecurity are the driving factors behind why many Nigerians leave the country. Onyema emphasized the need for leaders to focus on creating opportunities for young people to succeed within Nigeria. Similarly, Sani Bako, Chairman of BANC, explained that the group is working to combat human trafficking, support the integration of migrants, and advocate for policy changes to prevent exploitation.