Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, newly appointed Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Diaspora, has called for a strategic approach to harnessing the financial and intellectual contributions of Nigerians abroad.
Speaking after her appointment by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Tuesday’s plenary session, Akpoti-Uduaghan emphasized that Nigeria’s growing diaspora community remains a vital asset for national development.
She noted that remittances from Nigerians abroad, currently estimated at $25 billion annually, have played a crucial role in stabilizing the economy. However, she argued that beyond financial contributions, the country must also tap into the technological and entrepreneurial expertise of its diaspora.
“Nigerians abroad are not just sending money home; they are innovators, professionals, and investors who can transform key sectors if we create the right policies,” she stated.
Akpoti-Uduaghan proposed policy reforms, including reducing remittance transfer costs and establishing a Diaspora Bank to facilitate investments from Nigerians overseas. She also called for better engagement between the government and the diaspora community to drive sustainable development.
With Nigeria experiencing a surge in migration under the ‘Japa’ wave, she expressed optimism that structured diaspora engagement could unlock new economic opportunities and position the country for long-term growth.
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