The Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations has raised concerns about the increasing number of Nigerians leaving the country in search of better opportunities, popularly known as the “Japa” syndrome.
Led by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi), the committee has pledged to tackle this growing trend by implementing strategies aimed at revitalizing the nation’s economy and reducing mass emigration.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, stressed the need to reverse the exodus for the country’s progress.
“This committee will do this by collaborating with relevant stakeholders in the area of making Nigerians, particularly the youth, believe more in their country and not the mindset of wanting to rush out of the country.
“Patriotism is earned and not forced. We need to identify a few steps that we can use in building our economy here using our diaspora energy.
“We’re going to look into countries like India, Pakistan, even Egypt in Africa, on how they have grown their capacities and made their countries attractive for a larger percentage of their citizenry to stay.
“The committee will start this process by getting the database of Nigerians in Diaspora, country by country, and also collaborate with various international organisations on areas of focus that can attract many of them back home.
“India is a very good example of reversing the Japa syndrome by being the Information and Communication Technology capacity hub of the world with attendant jobs for its citizens,” Akpoti-Uduaghan stated.
Former chairman of the committee, Senator Victor Umeh (APGA, Anambra), expressed confidence in Akpoti-Uduaghan’s ability to lead the committee effectively.
“With Senator Natasha as Chairman, I am confident that the committee will make significant strides in reversing the ‘Japa’ syndrome,” Umeh said, praising her leadership and skills to harness the potential of Nigeria’s diaspora communities.
