The newly appointed president of the Diaspora Senate, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has advocated a functional government to address “Japa” syndrome, the massive emigration of Nigerians who seek better opportunities abroad.
Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the Committee, Sen Akpoti-Uduaghan emphasized that reverting this trend requires creating a conducive environment that encourages Nigerians to remain and invest in their country of origin.
He highlighted the urgent need for structural economic reforms to retain Nigerian talent and take advantage of the diaspora potential for national development.
“We cannot continue losing our best brains in other countries. However, the solution is not to force them to stay. People stay where opportunities are abundant, security is insured and governance is functional. Nigeria must provide these conditions to stop Japa syndrome, ”he said.
To address this, the senator proposed three key strategies to include the establishment of an investment and investment bank of the diaspora
She advocated the creation of a diaspora bank, where Nigerians abroad can invest their remittances in structured projects in Nigeria.
This bank, he said, would be administered by trusted professionals and would allow the contributions of the diaspora to be channeled to sectors such as medical care, infrastructure and technology.
“The diaspora remittances contribute more than $ 21 billion annually to the economy of Nigeria. We must create a system where this wealth can be strategically invest in sectors that drive economic growth, instead of being consumed only in daily expenses, ”he explained.
The second strategy is to expand economic opportunities and industry development.
He pointed out that countries like India and Ethiopia have successfully exploited their diaspora when establishing industries where citizens who return can work and contribute their experience.
Akpoti-Uduaghan asked for the development of high-tech areas, textile centers and manufacturing sectors, ensuring that qualified professionals can return home with viable work opportunities.
“Nigeria must take lessons from countries such as India, which dominates the global ICT sector, and Ethiopia, which has established more than 80 prosperous textile industries with the help of its diaspora. We must replicate these models, ”he said.
The third strategy he proposed is the creation of a comprehensive Nigerian diaspora database
The senator emphasized the importance of gathering precise data on Nigerians abroad to participate, integrate and properly support their participation in national development.
She proposed to work with embassies to compile data on Nigerians in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia and Africa, identifying their skills and possible contributions.
“How many Nigerians are in the United States? Canada? Europe? We need to know. Data drives decision making. We must also track how diaspora funds are used to guarantee transparency and responsibility, ”he said.
Akpoti-Uduaghan also emphasized the need to involve international organizations such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and other global NGOs that provide funds, training and technical experience for development projects.
In addition, he announced plans to organize a business summit of the Nigeria diaspora, where Nigerian professionals abroad can show their innovations, businesses and investment opportunities in the country.
“Our goal is to make Nigeria a center where our citizens, whether at home or abroad, feel safe to invest, return and build their future,” he concluded.
Former Senator Victor Umeh praised the leadership of Akpoti-Uduaghan and expressed his confidence in his ability to transform the diaspora's commitment agenda.
“She is energetic, visionary and ready to open new paths. I am optimistic that she will promote significant reforms to maximize the potential of the Nigeria diaspora community, ”said Umeh.
The meeting was attended by the outgoing president, Senator Victor Umeh, Vice President Anthony Harris and other members of the Committee.
The inaugural meeting marked the beginning of a new era for the commitment of Nigeria's diaspora, with Akpoti-Uduaghan promising to work closely with the presidency, international interested parties and Nigerian abroads abroad to guarantee a sustainable and inclusive national development strategy .
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