TINUBU COMMENDS NIGERIANS IN DIASPORA, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO DEEPENING DIASPORA ENGAGEMENT

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By: Sefiu Ajape

President Bola Tinubu has commended the over 20 million Nigerians living abroad for their significant contributions to national development, while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening diaspora engagement through strategic policies and programmes.

Speaking through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, at the opening ceremony of the 2025 National Diaspora Day held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, the President described the Nigerian diaspora as a powerful force for national growth, in line with this year’s theme.

According to Tinubu, diaspora remittances through official channels reached an impressive $20.93 billion in 2024, a figure he noted was over four times higher than the country’s foreign direct investment (FDI) inflow.

“The vibrancy of our interactions with the Diaspora in Paris, France, Canada, and other countries has been both nostalgic and promising. We look forward to more of such engagements,” he stated.

The President also applauded the leadership of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) under Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, for promoting “dynamic, inclusive, and impactful Diaspora policies and programmes.”

He reiterated that the Diaspora remains a central pillar in his administration’s Renewed Hope foreign policy agenda, known as the 4D Agenda, and assured that more platforms would be created to enable deeper diaspora involvement in nation-building.

Tinubu further extended his congratulations to all Nigerians in the diaspora for their outstanding contributions and commended the recipients of the 2025 National Diaspora Merit Award, noting that the honour would inspire greater patriotism and engagement.

In her welcome address, NiDCOM Chairman/CEO, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, described Nigerians abroad as “resilient, patriotic, and highly productive individuals setting records globally.” She emphasized the Federal Government’s sustained commitment to harnessing diaspora potential for national development.

She highlighted that the National Diaspora Day, now in its sixth edition under NiDCOM, has evolved into a major platform for recognizing and strengthening diaspora ties, held annually on July 25 and 26.

While presenting a wrap-up of the Commission’s achievements, Dabiri-Erewa proposed the creation of a Diaspora Presidential Fellowship Programme to facilitate short-term sabbaticals and knowledge exchange. She also announced the launch of the Home and Abroad digital platform designed to deepen diaspora participation in Nigeria’s development.

Despite progress, she expressed concern over funding constraints, lack of office infrastructure, and the absence of continental offices abroad, which she said continue to hinder the Commission’s effectiveness.

“We must sustain the momentum. Our diaspora is not just sending money back home. They are building, innovating, and solving problems. This is the time to deepen engagement and create lasting structures,” she said.

In his goodwill message, Dr. Greg Nnamdi Optua, who served as the Father of the Day, praised the Nigerian diaspora for distinguishing themselves globally and urged them to invest in their homeland.

“To optimise the potentials of the Diaspora, we must move beyond praise to innovation, tourism and practical investment opportunities,” he said.

Also speaking, Ms. Almaz Negash, Founder of the African Diaspora Network, USA, urged the diaspora community to rally behind NiDCOM’s leadership and initiatives.

“Africa is not a continent to give aid. The Diaspora has the power to remove aid through investments. Each contribution has the power to make impact,” she stated.

Negash added that Nigerians in the U.S. are “the most educated, always present and actively contributing to every sector while consistently breaking barriers and redefining excellence.”

The two-day event continues with sessions focused on investment, innovation, and diaspora inclusion in governance and development.