Peter Obi, the former Labour Party presidential candidate, has expressed that Nigerians living abroad are eager to return home, but only when conditions in the country improve. He highlighted the role of good governance in ensuring safety, improved healthcare, and overall quality of life, which would encourage the diaspora to come back.
During an interview with Why Not Afrika, shared on X (formerly Twitter), Obi emphasized the significance of Nigerians in the diaspora in contributing to the nation’s development. He noted that their return could lead to substantial capital gain for the country, similar to what has been seen in countries like India, China, and other Asian nations.
Obi remarked, “Diasporans are instrumental in transforming societies globally, especially in regions like Asia. They live in more developed parts of the world, and their eventual return can be a major asset. This is what we’ve seen in India, China, and now even in Mexico and Brazil.”
He further stressed that the Nigerian government must create a conducive environment to attract these skilled professionals back home. Good governance is crucial in ensuring they don’t return to face dangers like kidnapping or inadequate healthcare, which are currently deterrents.
“They want to return to a country where they can move freely, just as they do abroad. They want to come back to a place where their presence is valued, and this is only possible with the right governance,” Obi added.
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