Nigeria is currently undergoing a significant increase in migration to Europe and North America.
Typically, large numbers of immigrants from Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia enter either the continent of Europe, the United States, or Canada each year.
These numbers have increased dramatically as a result of the current crisis in Nigeria. Ranging from political instability to ethnic tensions and to rising insecurity and inflation.
In all honesty, Nigeria is a resource-rich country, but despite this benefit, we continue to cause problems for ourselves.
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Challenges
According to World Bank statistics, more than 80 million Nigerians live below the poverty line. In July, inflation rose to almost 20 percent.
The educational system isn’t encouraging as one would hope, suffering from underfunding and therefore resulting in constant strikes.
With Nigerians now sleeping with one eye open or some not even able to close their eyes at night, insecurity keeps worsening. Kidnapping and Banditry has become our new reality.
These challenges have caused many Nigerians, particularly youths, to migrate to Europe or North America. Nigerian authorities shamelessly recorded numbers of citizens travelling abroad.
The surface behind migration in Nigeria is self-inflicted. Nigerian skills are more than needed in other countries.
Evidently, skilled workers from the health sector were the largest beneficiaries with almost more than 17,000 visas granted since 2021.
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Results of Emigration
Positively, emigration would result in income from diaspora remittances which could boost our economy in the coming years. Also, Nigerians have continuously displayed their many talents abroad due to the more dynamic system and encouraging environment.
But what does emigration really portend for our future? Leaving the country ought not to be an achievement.
The long-term effect of massive migration from Nigeria is incriminating. The system would only retrogress.
In a country facing inefficiency, further migration increases underdevelopment.
Migration would result in a brain drain in the Nation in all sectors. Our problems are aggravating.
Has Nigeria, which many calls home, become a place to flee from?
No one could blame anyone aspiring to migrate to a better future, but this surge is on the negative.
Obviously, the Nigerian system has failed her citizens. It is saddening and heartbreaking seeing Nigerians take their skills abroad while the Nigerian system remains inefficient.
Undoubtedly, the 2023 general election is approaching. There is still hope for Nigeria. We have options to choose from and choosing the right one is compulsory. If everyone leaves, who would participate in Nation building and development?
This is our only country and we should be ready to take it back from those destroying it whether politically or economically.
