Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central has urged the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to shift its focus from simply halting youth migration to understanding and addressing the root causes that drive it.
Speaking at a session of the ECOWAS Parliament on Saturday, she emphasized the importance of tackling the underlying factors that compel young people to leave their home countries.
Akpoti-Uduaghan highlighted the achievements of successful Nigerians like Silas Adekunle, a renowned robotic engineer, and Abigail Marshall Katung, the Mayor of Leeds, UK. She underscored how these individuals have made significant international contributions, showcasing the positive outcomes of migration.
She stated, “Today, Nigerians are achieving global recognition. For instance, Silas Adekunle became the world’s highest-paid robotic engineer at just 31. Recently, we celebrated Abigail Marshall Katung, a Nigerian who rose to become the Mayor of Leeds, the UK’s second-largest city.”
Acknowledging the complexities of migration, Akpoti-Uduaghan shared her personal perspective, saying, “As a mother of eight, I face challenges in encouraging my children to return to Nigeria and contribute to its development. This experience deepens my understanding of why millions of young people in Nigeria and West Africa seek better opportunities abroad.”
Proposing solutions, she suggested that ECOWAS leaders should promote knowledge and opportunity transfer from the diaspora to their home countries, citing successful examples like Ethiopia’s cotton industry and India’s technology sector. She also advocated for intra-African trade to bolster local economies and create jobs, particularly in the tech sector through enhanced access to finance, market opportunities, and supportive fiscal policies.
By addressing these issues, Akpoti-Uduaghan believes ECOWAS can foster an environment where young people can thrive in their home countries, thereby reducing the necessity for migration.
