Fed Govt doesn't want Nigerians to burden other countries, says Bagudu
The Federal Government has said it is working out modalities to ensure that Nigerians, especially the youth, do not become a burden to other countries through illegal migration or economic desperation.
A statement yesterday in Abuja by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning said the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, announced the government’s plan at the weekend during a high-level meeting with the Austrian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Peter Guschelbauer.
The meeting was also attended by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda; the Minister of Women Affairs, Ms. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, and the Director-General of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development, Mr. Michael Spindelegger.
Bagudu said the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration was repositioning the economy to empower more citizens to choose where they live rather than being compelled to leave their country due to harsh economic conditions.
“Mr. President said we must confront our realities. This includes halting distortionary policies and generating more resources to provide the infrastructure that will stimulate inclusive growth and stabilise our economy,” Bagudu said.
The minister assured fellow Nigerians that the reforms the current administration is implementing are geared towards stabilising the economy and opening up opportunities at home so that migration becomes a matter of free choice and not out of desperation.
“We mean business. Therefore, we do not want our children to be a burden anywhere in the world. We want them to choose where they live freely,” he said.
Bagudu stressed that Nigeria is open to partnerships with foreign governments and institutions to tackle illegal migration, which he described as a challenge that undermines legitimate global movement and cooperation.
“We, more than anyone else, wish to halt illegal migration because it distorts legal migration,” he said.
The minister explained that the government’s willingness to confront these challenges would not only reduce the pressure on foreign nations but also improve Nigeria’s image on the global stage and restore investor confidence.
According to him, the ongoing economic reforms are among broader measures to create jobs, curb poverty, and build infrastructure that can attract domestic and foreign investment.
Bagudu assured Nigerians that these efforts would produce a stable economic environment that would retain local talent and foster innovation within the country.
The Federal Government’s position comes amid growing global concern over the rising rate of irregular migration from Africa, with many young people risking their lives through perilous journeys in search of better opportunities abroad.
Nigeria, one of the continent’s most populous nations, has seen significant outflows of skilled and unskilled migrants in recent years, often referred to as the “Japa” syndrome — a term used locally to describe mass emigration.
Bagudu said the government was committed to changing the narrative by improving conditions at home and engaging in strategic international cooperation.
“This is not just a national concern but also an international responsibility. We are ready to work with willing partners like Austria and others to develop practical solutions,” he added.
