Reverse brain drain in Nigeria
Interesting piece on the reverse brain drain process currently reaching tipping point in Nigeria from the Washington Post last week. Thanks Sean for the link.
Nothing that you didn't know already, apart from: sushi, in Lagos? Where (apart from the hideously expensive Bonsai on VI)? Having graced the 'restaurant' at the top of the UBA building on many occasions, I can assure the Reuters chappie that, on this evidence alone, most Nigerian bankers JJRs (Johnny-Just-Returned) or otherwise are more at home with pounded yam and stew than any Japanese seaweed muck.
The other (much more serious) question is whether Nigeria's economic boom is sustainable, given its built entirely on the chimera of oil prices? The economy is already starting to overheat as it is...
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9 comments:
Japanese seawead muck? I love Bonsai!! I think it's highly overpriced but it is nice to have the option of something different from pounded yam, stew et al.
The trend of people returning home in droves is very evident now and its nice to see. I am under no illusion it is because people have a desire to make Nigeria a better place - many just want to get out of the hand to mouth existence, living on credit, be close to family and escape work stress and prejudice.
I don't care why they return, they should just come back, and one of the returnees should please come armed with a Wagamama franchaise.
Looks like we do have a 2-speed country. Lagos, driven by a vibrant economy and Abuja populated by inept politicos and rent seekers. It is interesting that Abuja has the power and, the danger is that it can indeed de-rail Lagos. So yes Jeremy, it is sustainable, as long as the political buffoons restrict themselves to their usual hot air and pointless probes, and do not meddle with the economy, there will be some progress. I hope they continue to find basic economics difficult to grasp which precludes interference! Long live Nigeria! We can make it work without the Abuja mob.
Jeremy, your observation on the current situation regarding expatriate Nigerians is interesting, because it sounds as if you've seen it all before. Your comments are tinged with with wisdom, and curiosity as to how all this will pan out.
If things don't work out for them they can just as easily return to wherever they came from, because I'm sure they will have a number of backup plans (not just a plan B) up their sleeves.
@ Anengiyefa: Why not consider coming to do your own bit, no matter how little?
Come and make a difference in the way you run your business, if indeed you own yours, or in the way you carry out your responsibilities if you are in paid employment. Refuse to give bribes, no matter how expedient (I know people who do). Obey traffic lights even if you're the only one doing so (that's happened to me countless times!). Pay your taxes.
What is it that grieves you about Nigeria? Think of a solution and start doing your own little bit. Is it the child beggar/street trader? Children's education? The rehabilitation of homeless people? Rape counseling? Violation of human rights? There's stuff you can do. Indeed, there's too much to be done and we need as many people who are willing as possible. People who are not looking for applause, who just want to quietly do their own bit so that the society is that much better for their kids.
You don't have to be in government, much better if you're not!Join a church, society or group (or you and your friends come together) and get involved in the community. Pastor Tony Rapu and the TPH crew are doing some fantastic work in the rehabilitation of drug addicts, prostitutes and area boys. Start a mentoring program. There's a lot you can do, so if you're really concerned and willing to sacrifice, then come. Please, just come.
Please hear this and hear it very well: in any situation or circumstance that involves human interaction, if you find yourself there or as part of it, you are either of two things: a problem or a solution. There is no middle course to it. It is either you decide to be a solution or you remain a problem. Refusing to come back home for whatever are the reasons is not part of the solution, it is the problem. Living on a daily basis involves nothing else than solving problems, and you do solve those problems daily - you wake up to solve the problem of laziness and idleness, you brush your teeth to solve the problem of mouth odour, you eat to solve the problem of hunger, etc. Why then are you shying away from including Nigeria in the list of your problems and then deciding to solve as much as you can. You out there return home - that is part of the solutions. We can lift Nigeria up together!
@ okee igd, i couldn't have phrased it better myself. All this 'that country this, that country that', abeg, is it not the people in a country that will rise up and make a difference, abi na ghost wey go do am for you? If you have solid reasons, whether economic or financial for not wanting to come here, all well and good, you fit maintain for there, but all this "i don't like the fake people; there are beggars on the streets, our leaders are corrupt" SHUO!! That one be excuse, biko let me hear word!
I am moving back home and I am glad to read this. It is about time, educated and EXPOSED nigerians come HOME and fix the damage done by IGNORANT IDIOTS. Abeg people come home and fix ur HOME...stop running away and being made a "ni**er" or "immigrant" in a country thats not urs.
THis is our TIME.
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