Japan has scrapped its flagship ‘Africa Hometown’ project after the Bola Tinubu administration falsely announced that Tokyo would introduce a special visa category for Nigerians. The diplomatic misstep has not only embarrassed Nigeria but also cast a shadow on Africa’s image in Japan.
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) confirmed the cancellation at a press briefing, with its president, Tanaka Akihiko, citing “misunderstandings and confusion” that undermined public trust in the initiative.
On August 22, during the 9th Tokyo International Conference for African Development (TICAD9), JICA unveiled the ‘Africa Hometown’ initiative to promote cultural exchange by pairing African countries with Japanese cities. Nigeria was linked with Kisarazu, Ghana with Sanjo, Tanzania with Nagai, and Mozambique with Imabari.
But just days later, Nigeria’s presidency, through State House spokesperson Abiodun Oladunjoye, issued a statement claiming that Japan would grant “a special visa” to highly skilled Nigerians wishing to relocate to Kisarazu. Tokyo quickly denied the claim, insisting no such immigration policy was planned.
The misinformation sparked confusion in Japan and outrage among citizens, who took to social media to voice fears about immigration, overstretched resources, and public safety. Local protests intensified pressure, forcing JICA to terminate the project altogether.
“The very nature of this initiative namely, the term ‘hometown’ and the claim that JICA would ‘designate’ Japanese cities led to misunderstandings and confusion,” the agency admitted, while stressing it has “never undertaken initiatives to promote immigration.”
By mishandling communication and spreading a misleading narrative, the Tinubu government inadvertently fueled anti-immigration sentiment in Japan, derailed a potentially valuable cultural exchange program, and contributed to the stigmatization of Nigeria and Africa at large.
JICA, however, said it remains committed to fostering international exchange despite the setback.
