Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady, has voiced her concerns over the trend of Nigerians relocating to countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada to pursue employment opportunities they previously shunned in Nigeria.
Stating the irony, the First Lady pointed out that educated Nigerians are leaving their families behind to undertake basic jobs abroad, such as taxi driving, which they would not consider at home.
This observation was shared during a visit to the State House, Abuja, by the three Lagos senators – Adetokunbo Abiru, Wasiu Eshinlokun Sanni, and Ranti Idiat Adebule, with the conversation later shared by Arise TV and reported by OduNews.
Senator Tinubu emphasized the importance of mutual support within the Nigerian community, noting that while the government has its role, the affluent could significantly aid the less fortunate, improving conditions for everyone.
The phenomenon known as Japa, which sees Nigerians moving abroad in search of better living conditions due to escalating insecurity, unemployment, and the high cost of living, has surged recently. Data from the Migration Information Data Analysis System (MIDAS) indicates that over 3.6 million Nigerians have emigrated in the past two years, with 2,115,139 leaving in 2022 alone and another 1,574,357 between January and September 2023.
Senator Tinubu stressed, “Look at all those people saying they are going to Japa, they go there. What work are you going to do? You know, work that you refused to do at home where you have loved ones, you now end up to go and do there. With all their education, they’re driving cabs, but they won’t drive cabs here.”
She further commented on the need for Nigerians to assist each other more effectively, suggesting that funds used for extravagant parties could instead support those in need. She referenced her faith in social development and investment as means to aid those genuinely in need, citing biblical teachings on the responsibility of the fortunate to help the poor.
Video: Nigerians relocating abroad to take up jobs they reject at home – Remi Tinubu
First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has criticised Nigerians migrating to the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada among other developed countries to engage in jobs they have refused to… pic.twitter.com/1LbR1X9KHz
— Vanguard Newspapers (@vanguardngrnews) March 21, 2024
The First Lady also touched on the challenge of identifying the needy in society, noting the shifting perceptions of poverty.
In concluding, she urged the senators to focus on legislative efforts to address these issues, particularly emphasizing the critical importance of improving security.
