‘Japa’ not good idea; We’re building economy for every Nigerian to thrive – CBN Gov, Cardoso

• He assured Nigerians that the apex bank is working assidously to build an economy where everybody and business can flourish

Central Bank of Nigeria governor, Olayemi Cardoso, has admonished Nigerians to shelve their plans of migrating to other countries for greener pasture and better life.

Cardoso issued the admonition in a keynote address at the 59th annual Bankers Dinner of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, CIBN, in Lagos.

He assured Nigerians that the apex bank is working assidously to build an economy where everybody and business can flourish.

He said Nigeria is attracting interest from outsiders because opportunities there opportunities in market.

He underscored the disadvantage of selling one’s properties and assets to fund their migration ambition, adding that Nigeria must be part of the solutions to nation’s plethora of challenges.

He said: “It is not a good idea to japa at this stage.

“Two reasons. One, those who may decide they are going to do that, they will sell and get rid of their assets.

“You’ll be doing it for cheap. Predators, who are outside looking for bargains, will come and take it and pocket it, put it in their pocket and wait for the turnaround and sell it away.

“Number two, you want to be part of the solution. You want to be part of the solution, and this is time that we need all hands on them.

“There are opportunities in the market today, which I must say, from my experience over the past year and also for the past six months, a lot of interest from the outside in what is going on in Nigeria

“In taking positions in certain assets, so they see the opportunity, and we, who are here, should be part of the solution for the better things which will come.”

While acknowledging the severe impact of the reforms on Nigerians, Cardoso said the reforms are focused on tackling challenges of today and on securing the opportunities of tomorrow with the aim of building an economy where everybody thrives.

He said: “We are building an economy where every individual, every business, and every community can thrive.

“This vision will not be achieved by one institution alone. It requires all of us — banks, regulators, businesses, and citizens — to work together with steadfast resolve”