The former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has advised Nigerians relocating abroad to rethink, saying they can get jobs in the developed countries but Nigeria remains a land of opportunities.

Amaechi said the country has several opportunities to the extent that an ordinary citizen can become a minister or governor out of nowhere.

He disclosed this while giving reasons he would discourage the emigration of Nigerians which is termed ‘Japa’.

Amaechi made this known while speaking on the Arise Television programme tagged ‘Perspectives’.

The ex-minister said the regular jobs which are popularly referred to as nine-to-five are easy to get in the developed world due to the structure of society, but maintained that diverse opportunities are in the country.

“I have always discouraged people who want to leave the country. I say 9-5 is the job you can get. You may not get the opportunity we get in Nigeria. You can just wake up one day and you are already a minister or a governor. It just happens,” Amaechi said.

“I don’t know how work in other countries operates. But, if you’re if you are looking for opportunities, please stay back in Nigeria but if you are looking for 9-5, safety and others, (you can migrate).”

Amaechi who served as a two-term minister in Rivers States enjoined Nigerian youths to position themselves for the opportunities that abound in the country.

Earlier last week, President Bola Tinubu asked Nigerians not to be worried about the mass exodus of young professionals to other countries.

Tinubu, who made the call while on an official visit to Imo State to witness the inauguration of the second term of Governor Hope Uzodimma in Owerri yesterday, said more Nigerians would be trained to fill the vacancies that exist as a result of those relocating overseas.

‘’Don’t worry about what you are hearing about Japa syndrome. We will train more people and supply them,’’ Tinubu said.