Stakeholders in the creative industry have advised the federal government to recognise the industry’s potential in mitigating brain drain.

They made the urge during the screening of a documentary, ‘Brain Drain’, by Collins Akpapunam, on Wednesday night in Lagos. The documentary sheds light on the experiences of Nigerian Americans who migrated from Nigeria after completing their higher education.

Lucy Newman, the CEO of Africa Private Sector Summit, advised the government to prioritise private sector investment to combat brain drain in the country.

Ms Newman said it was important to create a conducive environment for young people to return to. To curb the alarming brain drain phenomenon across all sectors, she said the government needed to establish mechanisms to tackle this issue.

According to her, investing significantly in the private sector is one of the ways through which the government can stimulate economic growth and redirect the country’s trajectory.

Ms Newman also emphasised building the necessary infrastructure and opportunities for the younger generation.

Ngozi Omambala, chairwoman of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (creative and entertainment sector), urged the federal government to prioritise and elevate the creative industry. She noted that the industry can potentially become the driving force behind the economy.

Ms Omambala added that proper investment in the creative and entertainment industry could help reduce the menace of brain drain in the country. She said investing in the creative and entertainment sector could contribute significantly to reducing the brain drain challenge in the country.

Despite the absence of government support, Ms Omambala said the creative and entertainment sector had shown resilience and progress.

According to her, with proper investment, the sector can thrive and become a valuable asset for the nation, much like the “new oil.”

Oludare Shobajo, the group head of the Human Capital Management, Asset & Resource Management Holding Company (ARM), suggested the establishment of a database to monitor the movement of individuals entering and leaving the country.

Jermain Sanwo-Olu, the senior special adviser on diaspora and foreign relations to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, explained that the state was exploring diaspora opportunities and outsourcing the economy. He noted that brain drain could be used as a potential opportunity to exploit for the economy’s gain.

Victor Lutenco, the head of the International Organisation of Migration (IOM), Lagos sub-office, urged the public to plan and migrate through the legal channels, reiterating IOM’s commitment to enhancing the resilience and protection of migrants, internally displaced persons and the communities.

(NAN)