Japa: Many Nigerians abroad living in regret, depression – Abike Dabiri-Erewa

The chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has raised concerns over the growing number of Nigerians living abroad who are struggling with regret and depression.

Taking to social media on Saturday, Mrs. Dabiri-Erewa revealed that NiDCOM has been receiving numerous distress calls from Nigerians overseas, lamenting their hardships and expressing regret over their decision to relocate.

Her comments were in response to a tweet by UK-based lawyer Dele Olawale, who described the current immigration climate in the United Kingdom as increasingly difficult and “toxic.”

He warned Nigerians against hastily relocating, urging them to weigh their options carefully before making life-altering decisions.

“The UK immigration atmosphere is becoming toxic. Things are becoming increasingly difficult. If you are doing well in your home country, think very well before you leave or sell everything to come over here,” Mr. Olawale stated.

He further highlighted the struggles many Nigerians face abroad, saying, “Many depressed people. Many broken lives. Many broken homes. Many stranded families. Irreversible regret. Could you not do it because others are doing it? Think thrice before making the jump! Most importantly, get legal advice before you throw your job and prized possessions away for nothing.”

Quoting his statement, Mrs. Dabiri-Erewa stressed the need for Nigerians to carefully consider their decisions before relocating.

“I hope this message resonates. We @nidcom_gov have been bombarded with many cases of regrets and depression,” she wrote. She also echoed a popular saying, emphasizing that “the grass is not greener on the other side; it’s greener where you nurture it.”

Her remarks come amid a rising wave of Nigerians leaving the country in search of better opportunities, a movement widely referred to as “japa.”

Economic challenges, inflation, and the rising cost of living have fueled the surge in emigration in recent years.

In 2024, Mrs. Dabiri-Erewa had also cautioned that some Nigerians were relocating to countries with worse living conditions than Nigeria.

She has since called on social media influencers and bloggers to help create awareness and discourage migration to nations with poor prospects.

“Please, we appeal to bloggers and influencers. Help us appeal to Nigerians that where you are running to is worse than where you are running from (Nigeria),” she urged.

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