The escalating phenomenon of Nigerians emigrating, often referred to as the “Japa” syndrome, has sparked concern within the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations. This committee, now under the leadership of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, recognizes the urgency of addressing this issue and aims to implement strategies to bolster the national economy and mitigate the mass exodus of citizens seeking better opportunities abroad. The committee views this outward migration as a significant challenge that needs to be tackled head-on to ensure the nation’s growth and development. The core of their strategy revolves around fostering a stronger sense of national pride and belonging among Nigerians, especially the youth, thereby reducing the allure of seeking greener pastures elsewhere.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan emphasizes that patriotism cannot be mandated but must be earned through concrete actions that demonstrate the value and potential within Nigeria. The committee plans to focus on building a robust economy that provides opportunities and a conducive environment for its citizens, thereby making emigration a choice rather than a necessity. This involves learning from the successes of other nations, such as India, Pakistan, and Egypt, in cultivating their internal capacities and creating attractive environments for their populations. By studying these models, the committee seeks to identify actionable steps that can be implemented in Nigeria to encourage its citizens to remain and contribute to the nation’s progress. This includes exploring sectors where Nigeria can develop expertise and create a niche for itself in the global market, thereby generating employment opportunities and boosting economic growth.
A key aspect of the committee’s strategy involves establishing a comprehensive database of Nigerians in the diaspora, categorized by country of residence. This database will serve as a vital resource for understanding the scale and scope of the “Japa” phenomenon and will also facilitate targeted engagement with diaspora communities. By collaborating with international organizations, the committee aims to identify specific areas of focus that can incentivize the return of Nigerians living abroad. This collaboration will involve exploring skill transfer initiatives, investment opportunities, and other programs that can leverage the expertise and resources of the diaspora for national development. The committee believes that engaging with the diaspora and understanding their motivations for leaving is crucial to creating a more appealing environment for their return.
The committee highlights the success story of India in reversing a similar brain drain trend by becoming a global hub for Information and Communication Technology (ICT), thereby creating a wealth of job opportunities for its citizens. This example illustrates the potential for Nigeria to strategically develop specific sectors to attract and retain its skilled workforce. By fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within these sectors, the committee envisions creating a vibrant ecosystem that offers competitive opportunities and encourages Nigerians to contribute their talents within the country. This approach emphasizes the importance of investing in human capital and creating an environment that fosters innovation and growth.
Senator Victor Umeh, the former chairman of the committee, expressed strong confidence in Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s leadership and her ability to effectively steer the committee towards achieving its objectives. He commended her for possessing the requisite skills to galvanize efforts and tap into the vast potential of Nigeria’s diaspora communities. This endorsement underscores the importance of strong leadership in driving the committee’s agenda and ensuring its effectiveness in addressing the complex issue of the “Japa” syndrome. The committee recognizes that reversing this trend requires a concerted effort and collaboration among various stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector organizations, and diaspora communities themselves.
In conclusion, the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations, under the new leadership of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, is committed to tackling the “Japa” syndrome head-on. Their strategy revolves around fostering patriotism by creating a more attractive economic environment within Nigeria, learning from successful models in other countries, establishing a comprehensive database of Nigerians in the diaspora, collaborating with international organizations, and leveraging the expertise and resources of diaspora communities. The committee believes that by implementing these strategies, they can effectively reverse the trend of mass emigration and harness the potential of its citizens to contribute to the nation’s growth and development. The success of this endeavor hinges on the collective effort of all stakeholders to create a Nigeria where opportunities abound and citizens feel a strong sense of belonging and purpose.
