YPP Candidate Calls on Nigerians Abroad to Come Home

The presidential candidate of the Young Progressives Party, Dr Peter Agada, called on Nigerian professionals living abroad to return home. He made this statement on Friday in Abuja. He believes they can help with national development, especially as the United States tightens its immigration rules.

Agada said the Federal Government has not done enough to create a clear plan to bring skilled Nigerians back home. He considers the current situation a national embarrassment.

While he did not criticize the US government for its immigration policy, he acknowledged that every country has the right to protect its interests and boost its economy. He said, “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.”

The YPP candidate pointed out that Nigeria has spent the last twenty years celebrating the migration of its citizens, known as Japa. This is mostly due to the money they send back home, but there are no structures in place to encourage them to return.

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?”

Agada urged Nigerian professionals living in major US cities and other parts of the world to start planning their return. He believes their skills are needed at the grassroots 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.

He noted that Nigeria has 8,809 wards, but many do not have skilled professionals because of ongoing migration to major cities and other countries.

Agada argued that past administrations have asked Nigerians abroad to come back without providing the necessary support like housing, equipment, good working conditions, and fair pay to keep them.

He explained that the lack of such support has led to professionals leaving again after initially returning. “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 about the new immigration measures from the US government. He urged Nigeria to see this as a chance to strengthen its economy by bringing back skilled citizens.