Insights from Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), expressed deep concern over the rising number of Nigerians abroad living in regret and depression.
She recently drew attention to the distressing situation of Nigerians living in foreign lands embroiled in depression and regret.
On a recent Saturday social media post, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa shared the alarming frequency of distress calls NiDCOM gets from Nigerians overseas who are regretting their decision to emigrate.
In response to a tweet from UK-based lawyer Dele Olawale, who painted a dire picture of the UK’s immigration climate, she expressed her concerns.
Olawale described the current immigration atmosphere as “toxic” and urged Nigerians to rethink their decision to relocate. Echoing his warnings, Olawale highlighted the struggles experienced by many Nigerians abroad, including broken homes, career setbacks, and emotional distress.
He urged potential migrants to seek legal advice before making any life-changing decisions. Parallel to his comments, Mrs. Dabiri-Erewa reiterated the importance of careful consideration before relocating.
As she underscored the growing issue of regret and depression among Nigerians abroad, she invoked a well-known adage, reminding everyone that “the grass is not greener on the other side; it’s greener where you water it.”
These comments come against the backdrop of an increasing number of Nigerians emigrating due to economic factors, inflation, and a high cost of living—a trend commonly called “japa.”
Last year, Mrs. Dabiri-Erewa had warned Nigerians about the risks of relocating to countries with even worse living conditions than Nigeria. She recently called on social media influencers and bloggers to support the campaign against migration to such countries.
Mrs. Dabiri-Erewa urged bloggers and influencers to help spread the message that sometimes the place one is fleeing from (in this case, Nigeria) might be better than the place one is fleeing to.
She emphasized that the current economic conditions in many countries do not guarantee a better life for Nigerians.
Mrs. Dabiri-Erewa’s comments highlight the importance of making informed decisions about emigrating and seeking accurate information before taking drastic steps.
The rising wave of regret and depression among Nigerians abroad serves as a cautionary tale, urging individuals to carefully consider their options before embarking on such journeys.
As more and more Nigerians experience challenges and setbacks in foreign lands, it is essential to prioritize mental health and well-being above the desire for economic stability or a perceived “better” life abroad.
This is especially crucial given the current global climate, which has worsened living conditions.
Before making any ‘japa’ decision, please ensure you have enough information about your country of choice. Also, do not sell any of your properties in the name of relocation.
Lastly, consider relocating alone first to see how things are at the other end. I wish you all the best.
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