Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has voiced his “concerns” over the rising trend of Nigerians leaving the country, proposing that a strong sense of national identity could help mitigate this exodus.
During the Senate’s adoption of a motion titled, “Urgent Need to Address Challenges of Increasing Cases of Brain Drain in the Nigerian University System” sponsored by Anthony Ani (APC-Ebonyi), Akpabio made a “passionate” appeal for citizens to cease their relocation from the country.
“The country is losing its expertise. If they acquired those expertise and returned to Nigeria, it would have been better,” he stated.
Expressing concerns about the implications of brain drain, Akpabio remarked, “The brain drain is a big problem, not just in the educational sector, particularly in the health sector – it is affecting us a lot.”
He pointed out that the conditions of service significantly contribute to this issue, asserting, “I believe people should place love for their country above financial gains. That is why many of us choose to remain here.”
In recent years, a combination of economic difficulties, poverty, and unemployment has prompted many Nigerians to seek opportunities abroad.
Reflecting on the protests that erupted in August over severe economic hardships, Akpabio commented that while citizens expressed their grievances, he and other supporters of the government would continue to benefit from President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“We are not interested in regime change. Let us own this government. Those who want to protest can protest. But let us be there eating,” he stated.
