The Senate Committee on Diaspora Affairs and Non-Governmental Organizations, chaired by Senator Victor Umeh, and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), led by Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, have joined forces to address the socio-economic impacts of mass migration, popularly referred to as “Japa”. The meeting, held at the National Assembly, aimed to find solutions to the negative effects of mass emigration on Nigeria’s human capital resources.
The delegation, comprising prominent Nigerians in the diaspora, including Senator Kelvin Parker, Professor Akolisa Ufodike, Assembly Woman Monique Chandler Waterman, and CEO Bobby Digi Olisa, emphasized the need for collaboration to explore opportunities in non-oil sectors, agriculture, and food production.
The discussions highlighted the importance of mutually beneficial immigration policies, knowledge repatriation, and trade between Nigeria and countries like the US and Canada. The need to break down barriers obstructing knowledge and understanding was also stressed.
The 2024 National Diaspora Day Celebration, themed “Japa Phenomenon and its Implications for National Development”, will feature the Diaspora Merit Award and aim to commemorate Nigeria’s diaspora while exploring the benefits and disadvantages of mass migration.