YPP candidate calls on Nigerians abroad to come back home

The presidential candidate of the Young Progressives Party, Dr Peter Agada, on Friday asked Nigerian professionals living abroad to return home. He believes they can help Nigeria grow, especially now that the US government is making it harder for immigrants.

Agada shared his thoughts in a statement from Abuja. He criticized the Federal Government for not having a good plan to bring skilled Nigerians back home. He called this situation a national embarrassment.

While he does not blame the US for its immigration rules, he said every country has the right to protect itself and support its economy. He stated, “I do not blame the US for its policy. Every country has the right to protect its system. But I blame Nigeria for not having a plan to receive its own professionals when other countries push them out.”

Agada pointed out that Nigeria has spent years celebrating the migration of its citizens, often called Japa. This is mainly because of money sent back home by Nigerians living abroad. Yet, there have been no plans to welcome these professionals back to Nigeria.

He added, “We did not build wards to receive them back. Now, our nurses in Houston who lose Employment Authorisation Document will have no work. Our engineers in Chicago whose status is under review under Operation PARRIS (Post-Admission Refugee Reverification and Integrity Strengthening) will live in fear. Where will they go?”

He encouraged Nigerian professionals in big cities in the US and around the world to start planning their return. He believes their skills are needed at the local level. “That is why I’m calling today: Nigerian professionals in cities and in diaspora, plan your return home, not to Abuja, but to your Ward,” he said.

Agada noted that Nigeria has 8,809 wards, but many do not have enough skilled professionals because so many have left for major cities and other countries. He argued that different governments have asked Nigerians abroad to come back but have not provided the housing, equipment, good working conditions, and fair pay to keep them.

He said the lack of this support has led many professionals to leave again after coming back. “Do not wait to be pushed. Plan your return now. Your Ward needs you more than America needs you. In your Ward, you are not a refugee with 10 days to defend your status,” he said.

The former Obidient coordinator expressed concern over the new immigration policies from the US. He urged Nigeria to see this as a chance to improve its economy by bringing back skilled citizens.