Victor EzejaConcerned about the impact of massive human capital flight from Nigeria to abroad on the country’s economy and development generally, the Labour Party presidential candidate in the upcoming 2023 general elections, Mr Peter Obi has stated the need to explore practical ways of reversing the trend.
Speaking at a dinner lecture in Houston, Texas, the United States on Tuesday, August 30, 2022, Mr Obi stressed that the mass emigration of the citizens (especially the ones with vital skills in different sectors) to different countries of the world in search of greener pastures is no doubt hurting the nation’s workforce and the economy generally, hence the need to change the system by investing in critical infrastructure such as healthcare institutions, power, road, etc., to create enabling environment and attract Nigerians in the diaspora through a process of technology transfer scheme.
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Speaking on the topic, ‘Active Engagement by Nigeria’s Diaspora, for Civil Leadership,’ the former Anambra State governor highlighted the potential role of diaspora Nigerians in the country’s development.
“Nigerian Diaspora represents a broad segment of Nigeria’s human development capital. With that population, the Diaspora family has the capacity to catapult any nation to greatness. Regrettably, Nigeria is yet to harness fully the huge benefits of the Diaspora potentials.
“As we explore ways and means of tapping in on technology transfer from the Diaspora, we will also explore ways of reversing the enormous brain drain that has been debilitating for our country.
He advised that Nigeria should emulate countries like India, to tap her huge Diaspora human resource in order to ensure technology transfer home. “We will trigger every known technological and knowledge transfer initiators. Nigeria’s brain drain will be turned into brain gain,” Obi promised to do when elected in 2023.
Speaking on diaspora remittances, the LP candidate noted that it has become a new normal as it is now a veritable source of huge revenue generation for many countries, not just Nigeria.
According to him, with $20 billion in remittances in 2021, Nigeria currently ranks 6th behind the top five recipient countries, adding that “expert assessments are indicative that given the huge Nigerians in Diaspora population, the country has the potential of receiving from the Diaspora, annual remittances of about $60b, which translates to about 14% of our total GDP.”
“I see Diaspora remittances as the new normal and becoming Nigeria’s Official Development Assistance (ODA). In 2021 Nigeria’s foreign direct investment (FDI) was a paltry $4.8 billion compared to Diaspora remittances.
“Beyond their vital role of sending foreign remittances back home, the diaspora are increasingly involved in advancing technology and skill transfer, strengthening democracy, opening up global supply chains, trade and foreign direct investment, education and research as well as healthcare delivery.”
He further stated that with such capacity of Nigerians in the diaspora, they should be given a voice through participation in elections starting from 2027 through “absentee ballots.”
Speaking about the kind of political leadership needed to turn the country around, he said, “It will take only one visionary leadership and disruptive thinker for Nigeria to be put back on the right trajectory. I know that with robust diaspora support we can do it for Nigeria.”
On his governance priorities towards 2023 and beyond, Obi reiterated his vision of strengthening the country’s democracy by moving from consumption to production,” adding that part of his quest is also to pursue intangible assets of good governance, rule of law security of lives and properties, and also emphasize patriotism, national interest, and general ethical reorientation as they play a complementary role to other assets.
READ ALSO: Peter Obi In California, Says Diaspora Remittances Dwarf FDIs
“Thinking through 2023 and beyond, we must think seriously about a leadership that is imbued with competence, capacity, credibility, and commitment. The 4 Cs, will be required to turn Nigeria around.
“We will tackle insecurity robustly, through an aggressive increase in personnel and equipment and inclusive training of operatives in our security agencies. We will tweak the security architecture, by offering each arm or agency lead in areas where they have comparative advantage.
“Bolstering our power sector is imperative. We intend to lay special emphasis on critical infrastructure, especially Power, to ensure a clear measurable increase of 200% of today’s generation, transmission and distribution, within the shortest possible time through a public-private partnership.
“We will aggressively pursue human capital development in the education and health sectors within available resources; with a view to adopting pertinent global best practices in both sectors.
He also noted that another strategy to ensure quality leadership is to have zero tolerance for corruption by blocking leakages of public funds and cutting the cost of governance. “Our total commitment to transparency and accountability in government business is the only credible way to achieve zero corruption,” he added.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
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