Stakeholders Advocate Communication for Migration Management, Diaspora Engagement

Stakeholders at the 6th International Conference on Communication and Development in Africa have called for strategic communication in managing migration and engaging the Diaspora effectively.

The Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, at the conference in Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nasarawa state, North Central Nigeria, with the theme, “Japa: Communicating Migration, Diaspora and Africa’s Development,” addressed the increasing exodus of Nigerians and its impact on National Development.

Represented by the Secretary to the Commission, Dr. Sule Yakubu Bassi, she stressed the need to rewrite the narrative of brain drain to brain gain and brain circulation for development.

“Instead of focusing only on the challenges of Japa, we should ask: How can governments communicate migration policies better? What role does the media play in shaping the conversation? How can the diaspora contribute beyond remittances? What policies will encourage skilled Nigerians to return?” Dabiri-Erewa said.

She explained that in the last five years, diaspora remittances have injected about $90b into Nigeria’s economy and called for more Diaspora involvement beyond financial support, through investment, mentorship, and skills transfer.

The NiDCOM Boss, who was the Chairman and keynote speaker at the event, also urged the Media to promote balanced reportage, ensuring both the benefits and challenges of migration are highlighted.

The DG National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Hajia Binta Adamu Bello, represented by the Director Legal, Ijeoma Amugo Esq, advised against irregular migration and human trafficking, outlining NAPTIP’s five-pillar approach: Policy, Prevention, Protection, Prosecution and Partnership.

Also, the Nasarawa State Commissioner for Youth, Shuaibu Sani, representing Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to youth empowerment under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Similarly, the Chief of Mission, IOM Nigeria, Paola Pace, represented by Ana Medeiros called for safer and legal migration routes, even though migration is a fundamental human right.

While, the Deputy Head of Delegation, European Union and ECOWAS, Amb. Zissmos Vergos stressed that while migration is natural, it must be structured for mutual benefits.

He also urged the media to help dispel unrealistic expectations of life abroad.

Vice Chancellor of Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), Prof. Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, acknowledged the rising number of young Africans migrating in search of better opportunities and praised ISDEVCOM for creating space for these discussions.

Meanwhile, the Chairman, Institute of Strategic Development Communication (ISDEVCOM), Prof. Emmanuel Dandaura described the Conference theme as timely, given the increasing Japa trend.

He emphasised the role of strategic communication in shaping Africa’s migration story.

Voice of Nigeria reports that the Conference, organised by ISDEVCOM, brought together the Academia, Policy makers, and Media Professionals to discuss Africa’s migration challenges and opportunities, and how better communication can improve Diaspora Engagement.

Mercy Chukwudiebere