NIDCOM Chair Urges Media to Avoid Criminalizing Migration

The Chairman and CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has called on media professionals to refrain from portraying migration, commonly referred to as “Japa,” as a criminal act.

She made this appeal during the sixth International Conference on Development and Communication in Africa, held in Keffi, Nasarawa State, and hosted by the Institute of Strategic and Development Communication (ISDEVCOM) at Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK).

Dabiri-Erewa, who was represented by NIDCOM Secretary, Sule Bassi, emphasized the need for open discussions on both the benefits and challenges of migration.

“We must first of all identify and agree that migration is a fundamental human right issue. Regular migration, therefore, should not be criminalized in any way whatsoever,” she stated.

She warned against generalizing the actions of a few Nigerians involved in illegal activities abroad, stressing that their misconduct should not lead to the criminalization of all Nigerians in the diaspora.

“The media should present factual and balanced reportage on Nigerians and Africans generally in the diaspora, focusing on their achievements rather than isolated negative incidents.”

Dabiri-Erewa also highlighted the importance of creating an enabling environment for young Nigerians to thrive, ensuring that migration becomes a source of development rather than loss.

“We must address the brain-drain syndrome by fostering environments where our youths can thrive, thereby turning brain drain into brain gain.”

She commended the conference’s theme—“Japa: Communicating Migration, Diaspora, and Africa’s Development”, describing it as timely and crucial for fostering stronger ties between the Nigerian diaspora and the African continent.

Dabiri-Erewa urged scholars, policymakers, media professionals, and diaspora engagement influencers to work together to ensure that migration contributes positively to Nigeria’s development rather than worsening socio-economic challenges.