Akinwumi Adesina, president of the African Development Bank (AfDB), says the future of Nigerian youths does not lie abroad.
Speaking during a public lecture organised to commemorate the 90th birthday of Yabuku Gowon, ex-military head of state, on Friday, Adesina said Nigeria must fix reasons for the massive exodus of Nigeria’s young and innovative talents by creating a stable microeconomic environment.
He said with consistent and sustainable government policies, Nigeria can become globally competitive.
“The Japa syndrome risks unravelling Nigeria’s capacities unless urgent actions are taken to stem the tide. In 2022, a survey by TechCabal says 47 percent of the tech professionals in Nigeria indicated a desire to leave the country by 2024,” he said.
“There is no doubt that this will seriously hamper Nigeria’s technological capacity or its readiness in the fourth industrial revolution and its ability to move into higher ends industries such as electronics, semi-conductors, development of appliances and machinery and of course space exploration.
“We must fix the reasons for the massive exodus of Nigeria’s young and innovative talents. This requires a stable microeconomic environment, strong infrastructure, more attractive salaries, state-of-the-art facilities and technology hubs, support for innovation and entrepreneurship, enhanced talents and fiscal incentives.
“We must do this with our eyes fixated on what we can potentially be. Not just in West Africa, not just in Africa but the world. We must decisevely annex and turn Nigeria’s demographic asset into a talent dividends.
“We must become a global Nigeria, brimming with talents, skills and entrepreneurship capacities that is powered by clear and consistent and sustainable government policies to become a globally competetive and to retain our young talents.
“If we are to drive growth and competitiveness globally. I’m not against immigration but I don’t believe that the future of Nigeria’s youth or that of Africa, lies in Europe, America, China or anywhere else.”
Adesina said the future of the youth lies in “Nigeria growing very well with equitable growth”.