News
Japa syndrome: Reps vote against anti-migration motion
The House of Representatives, on Thursday, unanimously voted against a motion seeking to make the Federal Government address the issues causing Nigerian professionals to migrate to other countries en masse, in search of greener pastures.
A new member of the House, Philip Agbese, had moved a motion titled ‘Need to Declare Emigration of Young Nigerians Abroad A.K.A Japa Syndrome a National Emergency,’ urging the government to “convene a national summit with key stakeholders to effectively address the ‘Japa Syndrome.’
The phenomenon is popularly known as ‘Japa,’ a Yoruba word that simply means to go away from a problem or trouble.
Agbese also prayed the House to “declare a state of Emergency on the factors that predispose young Nigerians to give up on Nigeria in preference for other nations.”
The lawmaker cited statistics from the Nigerian Economic Summit, which says a growing number of young Nigerians are relocating abroad. He also said recent reports by the African Polling Institute indicate that 69 per cent of young people would opt to relocate abroad if given the chance or if the opportunity presents itself.
He added that there is a 40 per cent increase in the number of young Nigerians leaving the nation, compared to the number captured in 2019, as the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs reported that international emigration from Nigeria in 2020 total 1.7million, which is a substantial increase from 990,000 in 2010.
Agbese said, “The House is concerned that the growing statistics of young Nigerians leaving Nigeria and securing permanent residence in the United Kingdom, the United States of America and Canada portends a grave danger for our nation in many ways from economic to intellectual and social aspects.
“The House is also concerned that the Nigerian population is made of two-thirds of persons under the age of 30 and a good number of these persons are already afflicted with what today is acceptably referred to as the ‘Japa Syndrome,’ as estimates indicate a staggering tens of thousands have relocated to the USA, Canada, South Africa and, even, Gambia over the last two years;
“The House is worried that the eagerness to migrate to countries that offer hope seems to have a compelling influence. The House is also worried that those leaving Nigeria are not just the poor but middle class who possess skills/workforce, including bankers, lecturers, health care practitioners, doctors, nurses, and trained manpower, all of whom were trained in Nigeria and emigrating at a time when their services are needed to build a strong and vibrant economy in Nigeria.
“The House is disturbed that if this scenario continues with our able minds, brains and skilled personnel leaving, Nigeria may fall into a grave crisis in our critical sectors from education to healthcare, thereby making a bad situation worse.”
The lawmaker pointed out that the young population remains one of our greatest assets. “Though the prospects of a growing Nigerians in the Diaspora could be beneficial in a way, it should not be at the expense of our needed manpower,” he added, stressing that it bothers on national pride “when our young bright minds leave the country in droves, conveying an impression that ‘Nigeria is a sinking ship that everyone is rushing to get out of.’”
Agbese also stated that life-changing decisions, whether to stay in one’s country or emigrate, should not be anchored on challenges ranging from insecurity to poor health sector, poor educational system and poor economy, among others.
However, after a ranking member of the House, Dennis Idahosa, seconded the motion, another ranking member, Sada Soli, raised a constitutional point of order to say that the motion would infringe on the fundamental rights of Nigerians if adopted by the chamber.
Soli said, “Chapter 4 of the Constitution is talking about the fundamental rights; and go to Section 35 talking about the personal liberty of an individual. This motion, as it is, looks nationalistic but it contravenes the provisions of the Constitution.
“It is the liberty of a Nigerian if he is qualified and he is normal, and he has all the granted right of movement (to) anywhere he wants. It is the right of a Nigerian if he has the right qualifications, to go anywhere to source for a living. The Constitution of Nigeria allows even dual citizenship, talk less of moving somewhere to earn a living. If we allow this motion on this floor, it contravenes the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Opposing Soli, another ranking member of the House, Ahmad Jaha, argued that the motion was more about the factors causing mass exodus from Nigeria and not a restriction of exit from the country. He urged the lawmakers to “be mindful of the prayers of the motion before killing it.”
Jaha partly said, “The mover of the motion is not praying that everybody should be stopped from going abroad. We should take this into consideration. But it is advising because we have to tell each other the truth; the factors enumerated, which are the actual factors or reasons behind people leaving this country to seek greener pastures somewhere (else).
“What he is trying to say in a nutshell is that the international community has identified the reasons why Nigerians are compelled to go outside the country. What he is saying now is ‘let there be a national summit so that all these factors will be given priority, so that at the end of the day Nigerians will be discouraged from going abroad. So, as far as I am concerned, this motion is apt and it should be considered.”
The immediate past Deputy Speaker of the House, Ahmed Wase, said “As good as the motion may be, first the fundamental issue raised in the Constitution; no law, including our motions and bills…if you go to Section 1(3) of the Constitution, it says any law that is inconsistent with the Constitution to the extent of that inconsistency is best null and void. So, as far as I am concerned, we have to rule on the point of order (raised by Soli) before we can proceed, otherwise, we will be contributing to the contravention of our own constitution.”
When the Speaker eventually put adoption of the motion to voice vote, the lawmakers unanimously voted against it.
In recognition of the contribution of Nigeria’s telecommunications industry towards the global telecom network system, Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the International Institute of Communications (IIC).
This affirms Nigeria’s growing influence in global telecommunications and digital innovation.
Dr. Maida has had a rewarding career in the industry, spending over two decades.
He had worked with the British Telecom, Cisco Systems, and EE Ltd. He was instrumental in groundbreaking advancements in small-cell technology during his tenure at UbiquiSys Ltd, which was later acquired by Cisco in 2013
His contributions in Nigeria are equally remarkable. As the Executive Director of Technology and Operations at the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement Systems PLC (NIBSS), he transformed the country’s digital payments infrastructure, reinforcing its financial ecosystem. As EVC of the NCC, Dr. Maida has spearheaded initiatives that promote connectivity, competition, and inclusivity, driving Nigeria’s telecom sector into a new era of innovation and growth.
The IIC, a globally renowned organization, brings together leaders in telecommunications, media, and technology (TMT) to foster collaboration on regulatory frameworks, emerging technologies, and sustainable development. Dr. Maida’s appointment marks a landmark achievement for Nigeria, amplifying its voice in shaping the future of the global telecom sector.
His appointment offers Nigeria a stronger platform on the international stage to influence key discussions on telecommunications and digital equity. His expertise and passion for policy advocacy will play a vital role in global conversations on emerging technologies and the digital divide.
Appreciating this gesture, Dr. Maida said: “It’s an honor to serve on the Board of the International Institute of Communications. I look forward to sharing insights from Nigeria’s transformative journey and collaborating on strategies to foster a more inclusive and sustainable global telecom industry.”
This appointment not only solidifies Dr. Maida’s legacy but also underscores Nigeria’s growing prominence in leveraging technology for development. It signals a future where the country will continue to lead in innovation and bridge global digital divides.
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Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested Yahaya Bello, former governor of Kogi state.
According to TheCable, Usman Ododo, Kogi governor, brought Bello to Abuja this morning and invited EFCC to come pick him up.
The EFCC had charged the former governor with alleged money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of N80.2 billion.
The former governor’s detention was disclosed by EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale.
“We have arrested him. Our chief security officer arrested him and he was brought in by 12:54pm. He is having a session with our investigators. We are holding him in our custody,” Oyewale told TheCable.
In September, Bello honoured the invitation of the anti-graft agency in Ododo’s company.
The former governor and Ododo were at the car park of the Abuja office of the EFCC, but the anti-graft agency did not arrest him.
The beginning
In April, the commission declared Bello wanted after several attempts to arrest him proved unsuccessful.
On August 20, the court of appeal in Abuja ordered Bello to surrender himself for arraignment.
Ola Olukoyede, EFCC chairman, would later allege that Bello withdrew $720,000 from Kogi coffers to pay his child’s school fees in advance.
The anti-graft agency also filed a 19-count charge against Bello over alleged money laundering.
However, the arraignment was stalled due to the absence of the former governor.
In May, Abdulwahab Mohammed, counsel to Bello, told the court that the former governor’s whereabouts remain unknown and that he was nurturing some safety concerns.
On August 20, the court of appeal in Abuja ordered Bello to surrender himself for arraignment.
Dele Oyewale, EFCC spokesperson, had said the court’s ruling was a “vindication” of the EFCC’s stance that Bello must face trial.
Sources had told TheCable that Bello has been hiding in plain sight — holed up in the “protective custody” of the Kogi state government — since he was declared wanted by the EFCC.
FAME Foundation, a gender focused non-governmental organisation (NGO), has launched a tracker to report and document femicide cases in Nigeria.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday to commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi, founder of the foundation, called for collective action to end femicide.
She said the tracker will provide reliable data on cases of femicide in Nigeria.
“Today, I am proud to announce the launch of our Femicide Tracker, an important tool that allows for the reporting and documentation of femicide cases,” she said.
“This tool will help ensure that no case goes unnoticed, no story is silenced, and that we, as a society, can work toward justice and accountability for victims and their families.
“By utilizing this tool, we aim to spotlight this pressing issue and mobilize action against the rising trend of femicide.”
She said the foundation’s activities for this year’s campaign will focus on amplifying awareness, empowering people, and engaging communities.
As a call to action for collective efforts against gender-based violence, Bello announced the launch of a social media campaign, #HereForHer.
“This campaign serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility we share to protect and empower women and girls,” she said.
“Let us remember, awareness is just the starting point. True change requires sustained and united efforts.
“It demands a commitment from governments to enforce laws that protect women, from civil society to create supportive environment, and from people to challenge harmful behaviours and attitudes.”
The United Kingdom, UK, has announced changes of its visa application centres in Nigeria.
The UK embassy made the announcement in a statement issued on Wednesday.
In a statement on its official X handle, the embassy said the UK is changing its visa supplier in Nigeria.
It however assured that applicants would be notified with further information via email.
“The supplier of our visa application centres in Nigeria is changing. During this transition customers may submit and collect their documents from different location.
“You will be contacted via email if this affects you.”
Applicants were advised to visit the UK official visa application website for more details.
The National Judicial Council, under the Chairmanship of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has constituted a committee to investigate multiple allegations against Osun State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Adepele Ojo and others.
In its 107th meeting on November 13 and 14, 2024, the NJC sanctioned five judicial officers for misconduct and recommended the formation of a committee to probe the various complaints against Justice Ojo.
At the heart of the allegations are claims that Justice Ojo has repeatedly failed to adhere to legal and ethical standards expected of her position.
A petition submitted to the NJC by the Concerned Citizens of Nigeria, Osun State Chapter, further outlined the gravity of the allegations. The petition claims that Justice Ojo’s actions have violated both the spirit and the letter of the law. The group accuses her of gross abuse of office, breaches of professional ethics, and a blatant disregard for the rule of law, which they argue has led to a loss of public trust in the judiciary.
Earlier, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke took the decision to suspend Justice Ojo following a resolution by the State House of Assembly. The resolution cited serious allegations of misconduct, abuse of power, corruption, and failure to uphold the rule of law.
Additionally, Justice Ojo is accused of taking personal vengeance against judiciary staff, she dismissed several staff members who had shown courage in reporting her actions, creating a climate of fear and retaliation within the judiciary.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says the decision by Starlink to unilaterally review its subscription packages upwards did not receive the approval of the commission.
In a statement signed by its Director, Public Affairs, Reuben Mouka said the action of the company is in contravention of Sections 108 and 111 of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA), 2003, and Starlink’s Licence Conditions regarding tariffs.
The Commission commenced pre-enforcement action on the licensee on the 3rd of October, 2024.
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