Japan scraps Africa ‘hometown’ initiative over Nigeria relocation confusion

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has announced the cancellation of its ‘JICA Africa Hometown’ initiative, citing widespread misunderstanding of the programme’s objectives and mounting public backlash.

JICA President Tanaka Akihiko disclosed the decision at a press conference on Thursday, September 25, 2025, saying the initiative had been “misinterpreted both domestically and internationally.”

Controversy erupted in late August after reports circulated that Japan planned to create a special visa category for Nigerians to relocate to Kisarazu — one of four Japanese cities paired with African countries under the project.

The Nigerian presidency confirmed the reports in a statement signed by director of information at the State House, Abiodun Oladunjoye, who claimed Japan would issue a “special visa category for highly skilled, innovative, and talented young Nigerians” seeking to live and work in Kisarazu.

JICA, however, clarified that the programme had never been intended to promote immigration.

‘Contrary to facts’: Japan denies unveiling special visa for Nigerians

The agency said: “The very nature of this initiative — namely, the term ‘hometown’ and the idea that JICA would ‘designate’ Japanese local governments as ‘hometowns’ — led to misunderstandings and confusion within Japan, placing an excessive burden on the four municipalities.

“JICA sincerely apologizes to the municipalities involved for causing such a situation.”

Under the initiative, Kisarazu was paired with Nigeria, Nagai with Tanzania, Sanjo with Ghana, and Imabari with Mozambique. The partnerships were unveiled on August 22 during the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9).

The project quickly faced backlash in Japan, with social media users raising concerns about public safety, overstretched resources, and potential visa overstays. Protests were later organised, demanding the programme’s cancellation.

Following consultations with all stakeholders, JICA confirmed the withdrawal of the ‘Africa Hometown’ initiative, stressing that it “has never undertaken initiatives to promote immigration and has no plans to do so in the future.”

Despite scrapping the programme, JICA said it would continue supporting efforts to foster cultural and international exchanges.

The Star