The mass migration, also known as ‘Japa’, has become a big problem for Nigeria and the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations is acting.
At its first meeting held in the Senate wing of the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, the committee, led by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi State, said the country must stop the exodus of Nigerians seeking better opportunities abroad.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central on the platform of PDP, said patriotism is not something that can be imposed, it has to be cultivated through concrete policies and opportunities that make staying in Nigeria an attractive option.
According to her, the country must create an environment where citizens particularly the youth feel motivated to stay and contribute to national development.
To address the issue, she outlined a strategy which includes working with stakeholders to change the perception of Nigeria as a country to escape from rather than a land of opportunities.
She mentioned India, Pakistan and Egypt as countries that have successfully tapped into their diaspora to strengthen their economies.
Nigeria can study their models and develop policies that will encourage skilled professionals and entrepreneurs to stay in the country and create incentives for those abroad to come back and invest.
A critical part of the committee’s plan is to compile a comprehensive database of Nigerians living abroad, by country, to know their skills and potential contributions.
Partnerships with international organisations will be explored to identify areas that will attract skilled Nigerians back home.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan cited India’s success in the ICT sector as a model to emulate, as the country transformed itself into a global tech hub, created millions of jobs that reduced the need for its citizens to seek opportunities elsewhere.
Supports
Supporting the new chairman’s vision, Senator Victor Umeh who was the previous chairman, expressed confidence in her leadership.
He described her appointment as a big step forward, and believes she can unlock the potential of Nigeria’s diaspora and lead initiatives that will slow down the ‘Japa’ movement.
He said coordinated effort among policymakers, industry leaders and international partners is key to finding sustainable solutions.
Now that the conversation is on, the committee’s work will be key to the policies that will make Nigeria a home to live and work.
But the question is, how do we convert this to reality?
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