Nigeria’s initiatives to encourage its diaspora to return home may face significant hurdles unless the government urgently addresses persistent issues regarding insecurity, healthcare infrastructure, and electoral credibility, according to a US-based Nigerian healthcare professional. Mrs. Nkechi Eze, a health worker residing in the United States and daughter of senior lawyer Amobi Nzelu, stated in a recent telephone interview that these systemic challenges are primary deterrents for Nigerians living abroad.
Eze emphasized that the reluctance of many diaspora Nigerians to repatriate extends beyond purely economic factors. She argued that personal safety, access to quality medical care, and confidence in democratic institutions are equally critical considerations influencing their decisions to remain overseas. While she expressed a strong emotional attachment to her homeland and a desire to reunite with family, she noted that the country’s ongoing security challenges continue to discourage her from traveling back.
Citing specific threats to personal security, Eze highlighted increasing incidents of kidnapping, attacks on travelers, and the inherent dangers associated with road transportation in Nigeria. She maintained that ensuring the physical safety of citizens is a fundamental prerequisite for any diaspora member considering a return to the country.
The healthcare sector also drew criticism from Eze, who questioned the capacity of Nigeria’s medical system to provide reliable, accessible, and timely treatment, particularly during emergencies. She outlined that an effective healthcare framework must include modern medical equipment, adherence to professional standards, adequate facilities, and efficient emergency response services. Furthermore, she called for improved welfare and security measures for healthcare professionals, insisting that medical personnel must operate in safe and supportive environments.
On the subject of governance, Eze urged for urgent reforms to restore public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions. She stressed the necessity of transparent, peaceful, and credible elections that are free from intimidation, warning that concerns over electoral violence and irregularities could further weaken trust in the political process. Such instability, she noted, risks discouraging Nigerians abroad from actively participating in the nation’s development.
In addition to domestic reforms, Eze voiced support for allowing Nigerians in the diaspora to exercise their voting rights in national elections. She suggested that granting this right would be a significant step toward integrating the diaspora into the country’s democratic fabric and addressing their concerns regarding political representation.
<small>Source: The Sun Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
