Senate President Godswill Akpabio has urged Nigerians to prioritize their love for the country above the pursuit of financial gains, particularly in the face of increasing mass emigration, commonly referred to as “Japa.” Speaking on the Senate floor on Tuesday during a discussion on mass migration, Akpabio emphasized the negative impact of brain drain on various sectors, especially health and education.
“The country is losing its expertise,” Akpabio noted, adding that if professionals returned after acquiring skills abroad, the nation would benefit. He lamented that Nigeria’s health sector has been particularly affected, citing reports that around 22,000 Nigerian health workers are currently practicing in the U.S., achieving remarkable success.
Akpabio acknowledged the role that poor working conditions play in driving people away but urged that love for the country should come first. “People should place love for their country above financial gains. That is why many of us choose to remain here.”
He also highlighted the challenges in Nigeria’s education system, where many departments lack sufficient staff, further compounding the brain drain issue. Akpabio assured that the national assembly is committed to improving conditions for teachers and other professionals to encourage them to stay and contribute to the nation’s development.
