The call was made by Mr. Umar Ajiya, the chief financial officer of NNPC Ltd, at the ongoing 23rd Nigeria Oil Gas Conference and Exhibition (NOG Energy Week) in Abuja on Wednesday.

Speaking at a panel session themed, “Accelerating Investment, Enabling Industry Growth, Meeting Energy Demand”, the CFO argued that in the face of the reluctance by global financial institutions to finance oil and gas projects as a result of environmental concerns, there was need for the development of more institutions like Afreximbank and the proposed Africa Energy Bank to finance energy infrastructure projects.

He further noted that the key to resolving the paradox of endemic energy poverty in the midst of abundant energy resources in Nigeria is to create an enabling environment to aggressively attract investment into the energy sector.

He listed the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and the recent enactment of three Executive Orders in the sector by the President as practical steps by the Federal Government to provide fiscal incentives required to attract investment.

Ajiya also contended that the task of creating an investor-friendly environment was not for government alone, stressing that citizens, right from the Immigration and Customs Officers who welcome would-be investors at entry ports to the driver who conveys them to hotels and meeting places and even the media and the judiciary, by their respective conduct, influence investors’ perception of the country.

“There’s room for everyone to make sure that investment comes back to Nigeria”, he declared.

The CFO listed Gwagwalada, Kaduna, and Kano Independent Power Plants as some of the key energy projects in the stable of the national oil company that investors can take advantage of.

Other members of the panel which was moderated by the Group Head, Energy, First Bank, Ms. Oluwatoyin Aina include: the President, African Export-Import Bank who was represented by the bank’s Regional Chief Operating Officer, Anglophone West Africa, Mr. Eric Monchu Intong; Executive Director, Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA)), Mr. Oluwole Adama; Managing Director, Energy and Natural Resources, Standard Chartered, Ade Adeola; Vice President, Investment, Africa Finance Corporation, Ms. Taiwo Okwor; and the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, who was represented by the Commission’s Deputy Director, Policy Advocacy, Mr. Abayomi Salami.

In a statement by Special Adviser to the President Ajuri Ngelale, DCG Nandap takes over from Mrs. Caroline Adepoju, whose term in office expires on 29TH February, 2024.

Who is Kemi Nanna Nandap?

Early life:

The 58-year-old Kemi Nanna Nandap was born on June 333, 1966, in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria.

Her life’s Journey is a testament to her unwavering dedication to public service and her commitment to upholding the integrity and security of her country’s borders.

From her humble beginnings to her exemplary rise to the pinnacle of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nanadap’s career has been marked by professionalism, integrity, and relentless pursuit of excellence.

Academic Background  

Kemi Nnadap holds a degree in Biochemistry from the prestigious University of Ilorin, a feat which was believed to have laid a sordid foundation for her illustrious career in law enforcement and border security.

Thus, it can be affirmed that her academic grit equipped her chosen field and prepared her for the challenges she would face in her career.

Career Trajectory

Her career in the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) spans several decades and is characterized by exemplary leadership and dedicated service to her country.

Following her successful performance in a promotion exercise conducted for senior officers in December 2021, Nandap was among the 24 Comptroller General of Immigration, her stellar performance and leadership qualities did not go unnoticed, and she quickly rose through the ranks to assume key leadership positions within the service.

Progressively, in 2022, Kemi Nandap assumed office as the Comptroller of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA) Command in Lagos, where she made significant strides in combating human trafficking and enhancing security at the airport. Under her leadership, the command intercepted illegal firearms and arrested individuals involved in illicit activities, demonstrating her commitment to maintaining law and order at Nigeria’s busiest airport.

Before her appointment at the Lagos International Airport Command, Nandap served as Comptroller in charge of Plateau State Command, where she left a lasting impact on infrastructural and human capital development.

Her leadership skills and dedication to excellence were evident in her efforts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of immigration services in the region of immigration

According to him, it is expected to be ready at these airports by March 2024.

Olubunmi, who spoke during the inspection visit to the Abuja international airport yesterday, said that Lagos would get 17 gates, Abuja, 10; Port Harcourt and Kano would get five each, and Enugu would get four.

He added that the facilities would be a game changer for effective and efficient management of international passengers in the country.

He noted that the international airports in Nigeria where the facilities will be installed are the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Port Harcourt International Airport, and Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu.

When put to use, the gates would provide seamless clearance services for passengers entering the country through any of the international airports.

Tunji-Ojo said,

“I am impressed by the levels and pace of work I have seen here today. The facilities are about 70 per cent ready. This means our border control management system is on track. It also means that the Nigeria Immigration Service is ready to contribute its quota to the National Security Architecture.

“The efficiency of the services provided by the NIS determines whatever we see in our security outlook as a nation. All these are being done in line with global best practices and standards and in consonance with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu to provide quality services to Nigerians.

“We have decided that the more the gates at the airports, the easier it would be for passengers to be cleared. And looking at the ones that have been tested, it takes about 30 seconds for a passenger to clear, so I look at the solutions and the hardware, and I think they are top-notch.

“Once you check in you don’t need to have an encounter with Immigration officers anymore except you are a person of interest. This facility is not just for you to pass at record time, no. It is also to secure the nation and add another layer to our National Security Architecture.

“If a person is a person of interest, he can easily be flagged. And this gives our Immigration support to be able to effectively do their jobs.”

The development is expected to end incessant delays experienced by passengers at the nation’s airports.

Rauf Aregbesola, Minister of the Interior, a few weeks ago said 650,000 booklets were collected by Nigerians as of June 2022, out of a total of 1.3 million given in 2021. And many more Nigerians are still applying for international passports. 

On the other hand, the wave presents excellent career opportunities for those who will remain in Nigeria, especially youths at their productive age.

A record number of people are relocating abroad from their home countries. Many of these leavers are those with very good jobs and enviable career prospects, Taiwo Oyedele, Fiscal Policy Partner and Africa Tax Leader at PwC, said on Wednesday.

Nigerians who are immigrating to the western world perceive these countries—the UK, Canada, and the US—as where they can live a good life.

There are concerns that these Nigerians, who are mostly professionals, leaving the country could pose a threat to the labor market in terms of not having enough talents.

“You can view the migration as an indication that doomsday is looming and freaking out, or you can see it as a rare opportunity to skill up, position yourself and step into the exciting career roles they are leaving behind,” Oyedele noted.

According to him, despite the Japa movement, only a small percentage of the population lives abroad or can relocate outside their country; 3.6% globally, according to the UN 2022 World Migration Report.

“The percentage for Nigeria is even less, under 2% of the population. This shows that the vast majority of the people cannot leave their home country even if they wish to – either they are not eligible or don’t have the means or both.”

He said interestingly, many developed countries where people are relocating to are also witnessing a large number of their citizens relocating elsewhere in search of greener pastures.

“So, wherever you find yourself – home or abroad, give it your best at all times and success will be closer than you ever imagined.”

“Everything is set. My eyes are glued to the clock. and I can’t wait to start a new life, “the 35-year-old man said in a chat. 

Some companies in Nigeria are likely to lose some of their staff as fresh academic sessions in UK and US universities kick-off, TechEconomy understands. 

The US and the UK education systems offer three admission cycles for universities and colleges. In the US, it’s (fall, spring, and summer). While in the UK, it’s (autumn, spring, and summer). 

The fall (US), which is autumn in the UK, is the semester when the majority of students begin their degree programs, usually between the end of August and early September. This is also the period in which most Nigerians leave the country. 

Checks by TechEconomy on the University of Portsmouth in the UK reveal that the autumn term begins 12 September–16 December; spring (3 January–31 March 2023) and summer (17 April–21 July 2023). Similarly, the fall term at Indiana University-Bloomington in the US starts on August 22. 

Opinions 

Reacting to this development, George Iwo, Chief Executive Officer at Pegis Global Services Limited, said: “I recently saw a complaint that many Nigerian businesses will soon begin losing important staff members since school is set to start again across Europe and America.” 

He said Nigerian youths leave the country every day in search of a better life, and for many people, obtaining a study visa is the simplest way to travel abroad. “And lots of young people are profiting from that.” 

According to Aleksander Oshodi, Geological Advisor, Consultant Geoscientist, and Project Manager, many businesses in Nigeria are run by traders, not businessmen, who underpay their staff, treat them unfairly, and make them work unnecessary hours.

“They make you work unnecessary hours within very short timelines on projects because the person giving a six-month project wants it in 2 months and the person bidding does not want to lose the opportunity. 

Oshodi said if a member of staff contributes to the growth of the business, he or she is seen as a threat by his superiors, adding that there is no small-to-medium business that has a training program or package for its staff. 

“Very few have legit licenses to propriety software and hence can’t work with international companies regarding training and after-sales services. When you choose to leave for a better place, all they do is sabotage your future when the new company asks for references. 

“Let’s not talk about the sexual harassment of staff, both male and female; the unfair treatment of the physically challenged and pregnant women. That’s why when I hear people complain about the government, I laugh.”

Oshodi said that the atrocities committed within the Nigerian labor market by traders (employers) who have no core values or principles should have caused a riot. 

“To survive the hardship in the country, a daily dose of hostility and unfair work practices is ok.” 

Opposing Views

Those that want to complain can keep complaining. Those that want to Japa can Japa. But some of us won’t go anywhere,” Lukeman Olayiwola, Chairman, Olo Industries Limited & Olo Engineering Limited,” said in response to the issue. 

We have had all manner of governments in this country, both military and civilian. Isn’t it insane for anyone to still be looking to the government to fix this country? 

It’s up to Nigerians to evolve the type of country that they want and not just to outsource responsibilities to the government and expect anything to change.

He said all the challenges besetting Nigeria ought to be turned into opportunities by Nigerians, especially the educated elites.

Nigerians need to read the history of European countries, the USA, Japan, and many other developed countries. They have all gone through very challenging times, but the citizens of those countries turned those challenges into opportunities.

“In this same country that many are complaining about, a few Babcock university graduates came together to form Paystack less than 7 years ago and grew it to become a $200m+ business.

“We will keep asking ourselves in respect of what we can do with or without the government.” Yes, success is not guaranteed. But we will derive satisfaction from the fact that we tried to make a difference. 

Japa and its Implications

Japa means traveling abroad via relocation or scholarship. ​​Or to seek greener pastures in a foreign land. On a serious note, it means running away from a disastrous event.

Nigeria has witnessed a surge in the number of Nigerians immigrating to Canada, the US, the UK, the UAE, and basically any country that would grant them entry in the last 5 years. 

Rauf Aregbesola, Minister of the Interior, last week said 650,000 booklets were collected by Nigerians as of June 2022, out of a total of 1.3 million given in 2021. And many more Nigerians are still applying for international passports. 

Those who are traveling out of Nigeria also include highly talented and skilled individuals like professionals. It is easier for them to leave due to the demand for their skills in the western world. 

For instance – as of 2020, Nigeria had a doctor-patient ratio of 1:2,753, in sharp contrast to the World Health Organisation (WHO)’s minimum recommended ratio of 1:400 or 600. The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has said more than 100 of its members have left the country in the past 24 months.

On the flip side, a report by PwC Nigeria estimated that in 2018, 1.24 million Nigerians living abroad made remittances back to Nigeria to the tune of $25 billion. 

This amount accounted for over a third of migrant remittance flows to Sub-Saharan Africa and represented some 6.1% of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product. 

In the meantime, remittances by Nigerians in the diaspora have been projected to increase rapidly.

Conclusion 

Nigeria has all the potential to become a first-world country if, as a matter of urgency, attention is paid to improving human development and capacity building. 

In 2022, within a single number scale of 0 and 1.0, Nigeria’s HDI was 0.534, below the minimum of 0.55, which places us within the LDC (least developed countries) zone of the world.

The Human Development Index is a statistical tool used to measure a country’s overall achievement in its social and economic dimensions. The social and economic dimensions of a country are based on the health of people, their level of educational attainment, and their standard of living.

​This phenomenon has led to the popularization of a Yoruba word known as Japa ​(pronounced as Jakpa)

Japa means traveling abroad via relocation or scholarship. ​​Or to seek greener pastures in a foreign land. On a serious note, it means running away from a disastrous event.

Nigerian youths over the years have lost hope in the country as leadership failure continues to go worse. However, there is a belief amongst them that Nigeria might witness a turnaround in 2023 after the presidential election.

They hope that their preferred presidential candidate, Peter Obi, a former Governor of Anambra State gets into office having shown many signs of leadership traits the average youth looks forward to.

Regardless, it has not stopped Nigerians who can afford the cost to have a plan B. In the Nigerian context, having a plan B means getting ready to travel out of the country for survival.

According to the Federal Government, Nigerians received more than 1.9 million worth of passports between January 2021 and June 2022.

Rauf Aregbesola, Minister of the Interior, said 650,000 booklets were collected by Nigerians as of June 2022, out of a total of 1.3 million given in 2021.  

There is no longer a shortage of booklets in the nation, according to Aregbesola, who spoke on Tuesday at the launching of the Enhanced Passport Production Center in Port Harcourt.

Aregbesola claimed that enough booklets had been distributed across the various centers nationwide in a statement by his Media Adviser, Sola Fasure.

We have done everything in our power to ensure that Nigerians have access to passports, the statement said in part. 

“We gave Nigerians 1.3 million passports just last year. There is no lack of booklets in Nigeria as of right now. Out of the 750,000 applications received as of the second quarter of this year (in June), the NIS has issued 645,000 passports. We have dispatched 11,000 booklets to Ikoyi, 11,000 to Alausa, and 8,000 to FESTAC centers in Lagos to solve the issue of the backlog.

“We have also distributed enough pamphlets to all national centers to handle this issue.​ ​Therefore, there is once more no justification for a delay or a failure to issue within a fair amount of time,​” ​​the Minister said.

Why Nigerians are Leaving the Country?

According to a recent Open Doors Report, published by the Washington-based Institute of International Education (IIE), enrolment from Nigeria to American universities has been on the increase.

Nigerian students are increasingly fleeing the country in pursuit of tertiary education abroad due to issues with access, quality, funding, strikes, cultism, and the stability of the academic calendar in the education sector, especially in the public sector.

The young unemployment rate reached a record high of 42.5 percent. Also, due to the effects of unemployment, social vices like armed robbery, banditry, and kidnapping have intermittent surges, which makes it harder for the Federal Government to attract the investment​​t required for job development.

Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) recently in Lagos, bemoaned the high rate of unemployment among Nigerians, stating that roughly 40% of young people were jobless, during the lecture titled: “Nigeria-A Country of Many Nations: A Quest for National Integration.”

He acknowledges​​d that young people are dejected, irate, and restless as they consider a future that offers them little hope, but he also insisted that there is still hope since young people have a crucial role to play if the nation is to achieve its goal.

Poverty is also another reason Nigerians are leaving the country. According to the World Bank, in 2018 around 82.9 million Nigerians were extremely poor, and that number had risen to 90 million in 2021 due to high inflationary prices.

The National Bureau of Statistics’ most recent estimate of inflation, revealed that the country’s inflation increased to 18.60% in June, the highest level since January 2017, when it was 18.72%.

According to the NBS, in June 2022, the inflation rate rose to 18.60% on an annual basis. This is 0.84 percentage points higher than the rate, which was 17.75 percentage points in June 2021.

Can the Nigerian Government Benefit from the Japa Syndrome?

Olumide Adesina, a Quantum Economics investment expert, said that migration from Nigeria to other developed countries is advantageous to Nigeria and could increase FX liquidity.

“The largest economy in Africa benefits overall from emigration. For instance, by lowering the labour pool of the sending country, emigration helps to lower unemployment and improve the wages of the remaining workers.

“Also, emigrants from Nigeria frequently send money home, enhancing the standard of living for their families and contributing to the growth of domestic economies and trade balances.

“In recent decades, Nigeria’s influx of remittances from emigrants in Nigeria has increased substantially. These remittances enable foreign exchange earnings, foreign direct investment, aid, and other private capital investments.