Dabiri-Erewa Urges Media to Stop Criminalizing Migration

The Chairman and CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has urged media professionals to stop portraying migration, popularly called “Japa,” in a negative light.

Speaking at the 6th International Conference on Development and Communication in Africa in Keffi, she emphasized that migration is a fundamental human right and should not be criminalized. Dabiri-Erewa, represented by NIDCOM Secretary, Sule Bassi, called for balanced and factual reporting on migration issues.

“Regular migration should not be criminalized in any way. The media must highlight the successes of Nigerians abroad, not just the challenges,” she said.

She also addressed concerns about brain drain, advocating for policies that would turn it into brain gain by creating opportunities for young Nigerians to thrive at home.

The event, organized by the Institute of Strategic and Development Communication (ISDEVCOM) at Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), had the theme:“Japa: Communicating Migration, Diaspora, and Africa’s Development.”

NSUK Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sa’adatu Liman acknowledged that while migration poses challenges such as talent loss and economic disparities, it also offers opportunities through remittances, knowledge transfer, and investment.

“The key question is: how do we shape migration narratives to empower rather than weaken Africa?” she asked.

Prof. Emmanuel Dandaura, Executive Director of ISDEVCOM, stressed the need for a balanced discussion on migration, recognizing that diaspora remittances are a major source of foreign revenue for Nigeria.

Dabiri-Erewa called on media practitioners, policymakers, and academics to work together in ensuring migration is framed as a tool for national development rather than a crisis.

The event was attended by key stakeholders, including representatives from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) and other experts in migration and communication studies.