APBN decries maginalisation of Nigerian professionals

The Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN) last week in Lagos decried what it called the marginalisation of Nigerian professionals in the nation’s development.

It noted that no economy could develop on a sustainable basis without the involvement of professionals.

“Without the professionals the economy cannot develop as it is done by the Asian Tigers including Hong Kong, South Korea, Singapore and Taiwan.

“The association views with concern the plight of Nigerian professionals in the emerging economy of our great country.

“The new trend of giving preference to foreign professionals in our developmental programmes has resulted in strangulation of both the Nigerian professionals and the economy,” APBN said in a communiqué obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

The communiqué signed by Mr. Bala Bawa Ka’oje and Mrs. Ramatu Aliyu, APBN’s President and Secretary General, was released after the association’s first board meeting in 2013.

The association lamented that experienced professionals in the country were finding it difficult to get jobs.

“When they are given jobs, they experience a lot of difficulty getting paid for their services.

“This is worrisome and detrimental to the progress of the country, especially with respect to utilising the nation’s human capital.’’

APBN noted that the development had led to the closure of many businesses, thereby reducing employment opportunities for youths with professional education and skills.

It said that the situation had led to the relocation of the nation’s professionals to other countries.

The body appealed to federal and state governments as well as other public institutions to patronise the nation’s professionals.

“This is the route other nations have followed for sustainable development and prosperity.”