President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has encouraged all Nigerians in the Diaspora to come back home and invest in Nigeria just as the government is providing enabling environment for such to thrive.
Declaring open a two-day National Diaspora Day organised by Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) in Abuja, the President said Nigeria has all it takes to make the country great using its natural and human resources within and outside the country.
Represented by Sen. George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Tinubu said the aptness of this year’s theme, “Japa Phenomena and its Implications for National Development ” is relevant to the challenges confronting the country.
He stated that Nigeria which ranks as the 46th position of most immigrants with over 18 million citizens, have helped in so many ways particularly in enhancing economic growth for the country through the increment in annual remittances.
According to him, Nigeria as at 2023 had its diaspora home remittances through official channels marked at $21.9bn, over four times the value of the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
Tinubu added that Nigerians in the Diaspora are actively investing in various sectors, such as: Healthcare, Agriculture, Education, Information, Communication and Technology (ICT), Housing and Real Estate, Sports, Transportation, Oil and Gas and other sectors.
He added that the country in recognition of the efforts of the Diaspora led to the creation of July 25 as National Diaspora Day in Nigeria.
Also, in order to engage more with Nigerians living abroad, NIDCOM created a townhall meeting where the President interacts with all Nigerians anytime he is outside the country on official engagement.
The President, however, expressed his pleasure on the numerous achievements and trailblazing feats done by many Nigerians in the Diaspora, thus urging them to invest their economic, social and intellectual expertise back home in Nigeria.
President Tinubu lauded the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, under the leadership of Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa for her continuous stride in forming stronger engagements with the Diaspora.
He noted that the National Diaspora Merit Awards has since last year gained a significant recognition and momentum across the globe, propelling individuals and Diaspora associations to give back to the nation in one way or the other.
Over 3,000 participants attended the event virtually and physically across the the five continents including the representatives of the Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas among others.
