Senate Moves to Reverse ‘Japa’ Syndrome, Plans to Harness Diaspora Energy

The Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations has expressed concern over the growing trend of Nigerians migrating abroad in search of better opportunities, commonly referred to as the “Japa” syndrome.

To address this issue, the committee, chaired by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi), plans to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to strengthen the nation’s economy and reduce mass emigration.

According to  Akpoti-Uduaghan, “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 the mindset of wanting to rush out of the country.” She emphasized that “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.”

The committee plans to study countries like India, Pakistan, and Egypt, which have successfully grown their capacities and made their countries attractive for citizens to stay. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan noted, “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.”

To achieve its goals, the committee will start by collecting data on Nigerians in the diaspora, country by country, and collaborating with international organizations to identify areas of focus that can attract Nigerians back home.

Senator Victor Umeh (APGA, Anambra), the former chairman of the committee, expressed confidence in Akpoti-Uduaghan’s leadership, stating, “With Senator Natasha as Chairman, I am confident that the committee will make significant strides in reversing the ‘Japa’ syndrome.”