The Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations has voiced alarm about the growing trend of Nigerians travelling abroad in quest of better prospects, known as the “Japa” syndrome.
The Senate committee, chaired by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi), has promised to address this issue as part of its aim to boost the country’s economy and curb mass migration.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, underlined the urgency of reversing the trend for the good of the country.
“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 have 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, and even Egypt in Africa here on how they have grown their capacities and made their countries attractive for a larger percentage of citizenry to stay.
“The committee will start this process by getting the database of Nigerians in the 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 added.
Senator Victor Umeh (APGA, Anambra), the Senate committee’s former chairman, voiced his faith in Akpoti-Uduaghan’s leadership.
He congratulated her for having the essential abilities to effectively lead the committee and galvanise efforts to unlock the potential of Nigeria’s diaspora populations.
“With Senator Natasha as chairman, I am confident that the committee will make significant strides in reversing the ‘Japa’ syndrome,” Umeh said.
