Mercy Okpe, Abuja .
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the newly appointed Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora, has highlighted a significant opportunity for Nigeria to enhance its foreign inflow, currently estimated at $25 billion, by tapping into the $53 billion in remittances flowing to Sub-Saharan Africa. She advocates for a reduction in remittance fees from the current 7.5% to 3% and the establishment of a diaspora bank to facilitate smoother transactions.
In her first statement following her appointment by Senate President Goodwill Akpabio, Akpoti-Uduaghan emphasized the critical role of the Nigerian diaspora in contributing to the nation’s economy. “No country has received as much foreign inflow as Nigeria in the last decade. With the ongoing ‘JAPA’ trend, we can expect our foreign inflow to rise,” she stated.
According to Akpoti-Uduaghan, in 2024, remittance flows to Sub-Saharan Africa reached $54 billion, with Nigeria accounting for a substantial 35.19%. “This figure could increase significantly if we reduce the cost of sending money and consider establishing a diaspora bank similar to what Ghana has done,” she noted.
The senator, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, reiterated the importance of making it easier and more affordable for Nigerians abroad to send money back home. She pledged to prioritize the welfare of Nigerians in the diaspora through proactive engagement both domestically and internationally.
Furthermore, Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed her commitment to leveraging the expertise of the diaspora community to enhance Nigeria’s access to global technological advancements. She is optimistic that her leadership of the committee will yield substantial benefits for both Nigeria and its diaspora.
In related developments, the Senate has appointed Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (APC-Abia) and Senator Babangida Hussaini (APC-Jigawa) as Chairmen of the Senate Committees on the South-East Development Commission and North-West Development Commission, respectively. Senator Mohammed Dandutse (APC-Katsina) and Senator Ken Eze (APC-Ebonyi) have been named Vice Chairmen of these committees.
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