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Introduction
Nigeria, the giant of Africa, is renowned for its rich tapestry of culture, diversity, and untapped potential. Yet, it’s no secret that the country grapples with challenges that have hindered its development. These challenges are numerous, complex, and deeply ingrained, and they require innovative solutions.
One such solution lies in our most valuable export, a resource as precious as oil or minerals, and one that might come as a surprise – our skilled professionals. Every year, Nigeria sees a significant exodus of doctors, engineers, nurses, and other highly skilled individuals seeking greener pastures abroad. This brain drain is often viewed through a negative lens, seen as a loss for the nation. However, it’s time to shift our perspective and unlock the potential of our skilled diaspora.
The proposed “Nigerian Skilled Professionals Export and Resource Repatriation Act” aims to address this brain drain head-on, creating a framework where both Nigeria and its skilled professionals abroad can thrive. This landmark legislation seeks to revise and synergize the existing Nigerian Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) Act and the Technical Aid Corps (TAC) Act, propelling us into a future where we leverage our diaspora for the nation’s benefit while protecting the rights of our professionals abroad.
The Status Quo
NIDCOM and TAC Acts have played essential roles in engaging Nigerians in the diaspora and providing technical aid to other African nations. However, these acts were created in a different era with different challenges. To harness the full potential of our skilled diaspora, we must acknowledge the changing global landscape and adapt accordingly.
In this op-ed, we will explore the need for a legislative overhaul and delve into the significant areas where this proposed bill brings change.
Realigning for the Present and Future
NIDCOM and TAC Acts: Yesterday’s Solutions for Today’s Challenges
The NIDCOM and TAC Acts were groundbreaking in their time, recognizing the importance of engaging Nigerians in the diaspora and providing technical aid to African nations. They laid the foundation for our country to be a leader in soft diplomacy, fostering connections beyond our borders. However, times have changed, and so must our strategies.
- Diasporan Remittance: Fostering a Culture of Giving Back
Today, Nigerian professionals abroad remit significant sums of money back home. Remittances are an essential lifeline for many families and a source of foreign exchange. Our proposed bill seeks to institutionalize this practice by obliging Nigerian professionals working abroad to remit a predetermined percentage of their earnings to support national development.
Consider the impact – with millions of Nigerian professionals contributing, we could fund vital infrastructure projects, invest in education, and improve healthcare. We would be investing in our nation’s future, not just its present. This financial gain directly benefits all Nigerians, offering a chance to participate in the development process.
- Facilitating Overseas Employment: Streamlining Opportunities
In today’s interconnected world, talented professionals are in high demand globally. The bill proposes the establishment of a Nigerian Skilled Professionals Portal (NSPP) to match Nigerian professionals with foreign employers, government agencies, and companies. This portal will not only provide exposure for our skilled professionals but also create a regulated avenue for their overseas employment.
By streamlining these opportunities, we give our professionals access to global networks, experiences, and expertise. Moreover, foreign employers, impressed by the quality of Nigerian professionals, would be willing to pay consultation and release fees, generating substantial revenue for our nation.
- Protecting Rights and Interests: The Safety Net for Our Professionals
Leaving one’s home country for work can be a daunting prospect. Our bill includes a robust regulatory framework to protect the rights and interests of our professionals abroad. It defines guidelines for fees, remittances, and qualifications. This protection ensures that Nigerian professionals have a safety net, a guardian watching over their interests.
In this modern age, with the bill’s provisions, Nigerian professionals will have a sense of security and a trusted support system. The legislation offers a win-win scenario – Nigeria benefits from their remittances, and the professionals benefit from the security and structure provided by their home country.
- Synergy with Existing Acts: Building on Strong Foundations
The proposed bill will work in harmony with the existing NIDCOM and TAC Acts. It seeks to amend and synergize these acts to create a cohesive framework for the export and management of skilled professionals. This synergy ensures that we don’t reinvent the wheel but build upon the strong foundations already in place.
Realizing the Dreams of Our Professionals
Now, let’s delve into the impact these changes could have on Nigerian professionals working abroad and the transformative potential for our beloved nation.
- Empowering Nigerian Professionals Abroad
Nigerians working abroad are often underappreciated heroes. They not only seek a better life for themselves but also make enormous sacrifices to support their families and contribute to the nation’s economy. This bill empowers them by formalizing remittances, ensuring their contributions are part of a structured national development plan.
Imagine a future where Nigerian professionals abroad know that their hard-earned money is going back to their homeland to build schools, hospitals, and infrastructure. The sense of pride and connection to their roots would be immeasurable.
- Fueling National Development
The financial gains from this bill have the potential to be transformative. We can create a continuous source of income that could be channeled into education, healthcare, and infrastructure. In a world where foreign aid often comes with strings attached, this bill would give Nigeria more autonomy over its development.
Think of the schools we could build, the lives we could save with improved healthcare, and the opportunities we could provide for future generations. It’s not just about economic growth but about building a better, more prosperous Nigeria.
- Strengthening Nigeria’s Global Presence
By creating the NSPP, Nigeria will take a step towards strengthening its global presence. It sends a clear message that Nigeria values its skilled professionals and wants to support them in their global endeavors. The NSPP would facilitate opportunities, mentorships, and collaborations, elevating the global perception of Nigerian professionals.
- Embracing Our Professional Associations
Collaborating with professional associations is a critical element of this bill. They understand the needs and aspirations of their members. By partnering with these associations, we create a system where professionals can find opportunities tailored to their expertise. It’s a win for professionals and the nation.
- Ensuring a Bright Future
Investing in skill development programs is a cornerstone of this bill. We will not only be exporting skilled professionals but also nurturing the next generation. We can position Nigeria as a leader in producing highly skilled professionals who are ready to take on the world.
Conclusion
In the ever-evolving landscape of globalization, the Nigerian Skilled Professionals Export and Resource Repatriation Act proposes a forward-looking solution that enables us to transform the brain drain into a brain gain. By revising and synergizing the existing NIDCOM and TAC Acts, this legislation creates a structured, supportive framework that benefits our skilled professionals abroad, the nation’s development, and Nigeria’s global presence.
It’s time for Nigeria to recognize the potential of its diaspora as a goldmine of resources, not as a loss. By embracing these changes, we can uplift our professionals abroad, empower the nation’s development, and strengthen Nigeria’s position on the global stage.
The proposed bill is not just a piece of legislation; it is a testament to our commitment to progress and a symbol of hope for a brighter future. We urge every Nigerian, at home and abroad, to support this transformative endeavor. Together, we can unlock the potential of our skilled diaspora and build a stronger, more prosperous Nigeria.
Nigeria, the world is watching. Let’s show them what we can achieve.
Chidi Ekeh writes from Abuja Nigeria 22/10/2023
