The Senate has declared it would obtain the database of Nigerians in Diaspora, country by country, in a move aimed at halting the mass exit of youths from the country, a situation that has been on an all-time highest in recent times.
The Red Chamber said it would collaborate with various International organizations on areas of focus that can attract many Diaspora Nigerians back home.
It revealed this, Wednesday, at the maiden meeting of the new Chairman of the Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO), Senator Natasha Akpoti – Uduaghan.
During the meeting which took place at the National Assembly in Abuja, the Committee pledged to also collaborate with relevant stakeholders in the area of making Nigerians, particularly youth, think less of leaving the country, and believe more in their country.
According to Senator Natasha, “Patriotism is earned and not enforced or forced, making us 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 here on how they have grown their capacities and making their countries attractive for a larger percentage of 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 organizations 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 ICT capacity hub of the world with attendant jobs for its citizens.”
In his remarks, former chairman of the Committee, Senator Victor Umeh (APGA, Anambra Central), noted that Senator Natasha is capable of taking the committee to greater heights.
This is as he proposed tapping required resources from Nigerians in Diaspora, as well as making the country attractive, through required collaboration, for those at home.
He said, “I knew that a great success has come on board for this committee with Senator Natasha on board as Chairman.
“She has what it takes to break into the grounds and then galvanize all efforts towards tapping the potentials of Nigeria’s Diaspora communities.and also collaborate with other stakeholders on reversing the Japa Syndrome.”
