The chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has disclosed that numerous Nigerians living abroad are engulfed in regret and depression.
Dabiri-Erewa made this revelation through X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, indicating that NiDCOM has been inundated with distress calls from Nigerians who have relocated overseas, sharing their distressing experiences.
Her comments were a reaction to a tweet by UK-based lawyer Dele Olawale, who highlighted the deteriorating conditions for immigrants in the UK.
Olawale warned that the UK’s immigration environment is becoming increasingly hostile, advising Nigerians to carefully consider their decisions before abandoning stable lives.
"Many individuals are struggling with depression. Many lives are shattered. Many families are facing hardships. Irreversible regret," Olawale tweeted.
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"Do not relocate merely because others are doing so. Think carefully before making the leap! Above all, seek legal advice before leaving your job and belongings for uncertainty."
In response to his tweet, Dabiri-Erewa encouraged Nigerians to deeply contemplate their relocation choices. "I hope this message resonates. We @nidcom_gov have been overwhelmed with numerous cases of regret and depression," she stated.
She reiterated a well-known sentiment: "The grass is not greener on the other side; it is greener where you cultivate it.
With rising economic challenges, inflation, and escalating living costs, the trend of “Japa”—where Nigerians seek improved opportunities abroad—has surged. However, many who emigrate encounter unforeseen obstacles, sometimes finding themselves in worse situations than those they left behind.
Dabiri-Erewa, who consistently warns against desperate immigration, urged the media in 2024 to educate Nigerians on the risks of relocating without adequate planning.
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"We kindly request bloggers and influencers: assist us in warning Nigerians that their destination may be worse than their current situation," she concluded.
