Japan creates special city for Nigerians seeking work opportunities

The Japanese government has designated the city of Kisarazu as the official hometown for Nigerians who wish to live and work in the country, creating a new pathway for skilled and talented workers under a special visa arrangement.

The initiative, announced on the sidelines of the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), was disclosed in a statement on Friday by Abiodun Oladunjoye, Director of Information at the State House.

According to the statement, Japan will issue special visa categories for highly skilled Nigerians, as well as artisans and blue-collar workers willing to upskill, to settle in Kisarazu and contribute to the local economy.

At a formal ceremony, Nigeria’s Acting Ambassador to Japan, Mrs. Florence Adeseke, alongside Kisarazu’s Mayor, Yoshikuni Watanabe, received the official certificate declaring the city as the designated hometown for Nigerians.

Similar arrangements were made with other African nations, with Nagai named as the hometown of Tanzanians, Sanjo for Ghanaians, and Imabari for Mozambicans.

The initiative, led by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is expected to foster manpower development, cultural exchange, and regional revitalisation.

Notably, Kisarazu had served as host city for Nigeria’s contingent during the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where the team held its pre-games training camp.

Speaking at TICAD9, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced $5.5 billion in new investments in Africa and highlighted Japan’s focus on private sector-led growth, youth and women empowerment, and regional integration.

He also appealed to African countries to support Japan in tackling the challenges of an ageing population and declining agricultural land.

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