From Okwe Obi, Abuja
The Nigerian Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has appealed to the media to always present balanced reporting on migration.
The Commission stressed that migration was part of human rights, which the government has never been against, but stated that irregular migration was the problem.
The Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, stated this at the 6th International Conference on Development and Communication held at Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nasarawa State.
The conference was entitled: “Japa: Communicating Migration, Diaspora and Africa’s Development.”
Dabiri-Erewa, represented by the Secretary of the Commission, Yakubu Sule Bassi, said: “Communication plays a crucial role in shaping migration narratives, influencing policies, and fostering diaspora contributions.
“The way migration and diaspora engagement are communicated determines whether they are perceived as challenges or opportunities for national development. Effective communication strategies can help governments, institutions, and citizens better understand and handle the intricacies of migration.
“So, in communicating issues related to diaspora engagement and migration, the media should present the realities of migration. Simply put, there must be balanced stories. While Japa presents opportunities, it also comes with challenges such as discrimination, visa restrictions, and cultural integration difficulties.”
According to her, “Public awareness campaigns should expose the dangers of irregular migration while challenging the one-sided belief that ‘the grass is always greener on the other side.’
“Yes, Nigeria has its challenges, but many Nigerians have risen above adversity and achieved success in this land. However, ‘the grass is greener where it is nurtured.’
“To build the Nigeria we dream of having, all hands must be on deck—Nigerians, both at home and in the diaspora, to invest in the nation’s development and growth.”
To optimise the benefits of the Japa phenomenon while mitigating its adverse effects, she recommended that “governments should establish clear policies that facilitate safe, legal, and beneficial migration pathways.
“Bilateral agreements with destination countries should protect migrants’ rights and encourage skills transfer.
“NiDCOM, in 2021, established the National Diaspora Policy with enshrined bye-laws, mandate, and other legal framework for effective diaspora engagement in Nigeria.”
The NSUK Vice Chancellor, Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, said there must be constant communication, training, and retraining of experts on migration policies.