In a candid interview segment aired on KAFTAN TV, Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze (Regent of Abagana), highlighted the deep frustrations faced by Nigerians living in the Caribbean and diaspora despite their strong ancestral, cultural, and economic connections to Nigeria.
The discussion shifted focus from party politics to the untapped potential of Nigerians abroad. Dr. Anakwenze, drawing from personal visits and engagements across the region, described how descendants of Nigerian slaves primarily of Igbo and Yoruba origin now form the overwhelming majority in countries such as Jamaica, St. Vincent, Honduras, Antigua, Barbados, and Montserrat.
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“These communities dominate both in population and political relevance, with some areas reaching 95% Nigerian descent,” he noted. Many retain strong cultural links, including traditional foods like yam, cassava, and fish, and are actively learning Nigerian languages online. Spiritual and ceremonial visits to Nigeria are common, yet bureaucratic hurdles repeatedly block deeper reconnection.
A central grievance raised was Nigeria’s rigid visa and immigration policies. Despite DNA evidence proving ancestry, many applicants are denied entry or citizenship. In contrast, neighbouring countries like Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Liberia have rolled out welcoming policies, offering easier visas and citizenship pathways, drawing investment and talent away from Nigeria.
Dr. Anakwenze stressed the professional calibre of the diaspora, citing doctors, accountants, and business leaders eager to contribute skills and capital back home. “There is no racism waiting for them in Nigeria,” he emphasised, urging authorities to reassure these communities and facilitate their return. He pointed to practical steps: granting airport visas on arrival for proven descendants, fast-tracking citizenship applications, and establishing direct flights (such as through AirPeace Airline) to boost economic ties.