The Senate has named Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio made the announcement during plenary on Tuesday, alongside other committee appointments.
Following her appointment, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan pledged to prioritize the welfare of Nigerians abroad while ensuring that the country maximizes the benefits of their technological expertise and financial contributions.
She expressed concern that Nigeria has not fully capitalized on the knowledge and innovations of its diaspora community, despite their immense contributions.
“No country has received as much foreign inflow as Nigeria in the last decade. Amidst the ongoing ‘JAPA’ wave, Nigeria’s foreign inflows, currently at $25 billion, are expected to rise,” she stated.
She further emphasized the need to reduce the cost of remittances from 7.5% to 3% and explore the possibility of establishing a Diaspora Bank, similar to Ghana’s initiative, to facilitate easier and cheaper transactions for Nigerians abroad.
In addition to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s appointment, the Senate also named Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (APC-Abia) – Chairman, South-East Development Commission, Senator Babangida Hussaini (APC-Jigawa) – Chairman, North-West Development Commission, Senator Mohammed Dandutse (APC-Katsina) – Vice Chairman, North-West Development Commission, Senator Ken Eze (APC-Ebonyi) – Vice Chairman, South-East Development Commission
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed optimism that her leadership of the Diaspora Committee would bring significant benefits to both Nigeria and its global diaspora community.
With Nigeria’s diaspora community playing a pivotal role in economic growth, the Senate’s focus on policy reforms and financial incentives under Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s leadership could unlock new opportunities for both Nigerians abroad and the nation’s economy.