The Senate, through its Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations, on Wednesday declared that the mass migration, otherwise known as ‘Japa’, by Nigerians to overseas countries on a daily basis must be reversed.

The committee, now chaired by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, made the declaration at its maiden meeting held in Hearing Room 305 of the Senate wing of the National Assembly.

Senator Natasha, at the well-attended meeting, said the reversal of the ‘Japa’ syndrome would be a priority for the committee, as the tide must be stemmed.

“This committee will do this by collaborating with relevant stakeholders to encourage Nigerians, particularly the youth, to believe more in their country and not adopt the mindset of wanting to rush out,” she said.

“Patriotism is earned, not enforced or forced, and this will guide us in identifying steps to build our economy here using the energy of our diaspora.

“We will look at countries like India, Pakistan, and even Egypt in Africa to see how they have grown their capacities and made their countries attractive for a larger percentage of their citizenry to stay.

“The committee will start this process by gathering a database of Nigerians in the diaspora, country by country, and collaborating with various international organisations to focus on areas that can attract many of them back home.

“India is a very good example of reversing the ‘Japa’ syndrome by becoming the ICT hub of the world, with attendant jobs for its citizens,” she said.

Earlier, the immediate past chairman of the committee, Senator Victor Umeh (APGA, Anambra Central), expressed hope in Senator Natasha’s ability to take the committee to greater heights in tapping the required resources from Nigerians in the diaspora, while also making the country attractive to those at home through necessary collaborations.

“I knew that a great success was in store for this committee with Senator Natasha as chairman,” he said.

“She has what it takes to break new ground and galvanise all efforts towards tapping the potentials of Nigeria’s diaspora communities and also collaborating with other stakeholders to reverse the ‘Japa’ syndrome.”