President Bola Tinubu’s administration has underscored its unwavering commitment to the Nigerian diaspora, recognizing their pivotal role in the nation’s development trajectory. Speaking at the 2025 National Diaspora Day celebration in Abuja, the President, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr. George Akume, lauded the diaspora’s significant economic, intellectual, and social contributions, describing them as “ambassadors at large” who are instrumental in shaping Nigeria’s global image and driving its growth. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between Nigerians at home and abroad, asserting that only through such unified efforts can the nation truly achieve its full potential. The event, themed “Optimising Formidable Diaspora Potentials for National Development and Growth,” served as a platform to reaffirm the strategic importance of engaging the diaspora as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s development strategy.
President Tinubu highlighted the remarkable impact of diaspora remittances, revealing that in 2024 alone, Nigerians abroad channeled $20.9 billion back home through official channels, exceeding four times the value of foreign direct investment. This substantial financial inflow, he noted, significantly bolsters the Nigerian economy. Beyond remittances, the President acknowledged the diaspora’s active involvement in various sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, education, ICT, housing, real estate, sports, transportation, and oil and gas, commending their investment and entrepreneurial spirit as beneficial to national development. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to prioritize diaspora-related policies and dismantle any obstacles hindering their meaningful contributions to the nation’s progress. This commitment is reflected in the administration’s foreign policy, which identifies the diaspora as a fourth pillar, alongside democracy, demography, and development.
Echoing the President’s sentiments, the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, implored the diaspora community to transcend negative narratives and embrace their transformative power to shape Nigeria’s future. He celebrated the Nigerian spirit of excellence and ambition, emphasizing that these qualities enable Nigerians to excel globally, breaking barriers and reaching new heights of achievement. Tunji-Ojo drew attention to the economic potential of diaspora remittances, comparing Nigeria’s $21 billion in 2024 remittances to its $32.91 billion in oil earnings, and further highlighting India’s impressive $135.46 billion in diaspora inflows. This comparison, he argued, underscores the immense untapped potential of the Nigerian diaspora to contribute to national economic growth and empowerment.
Addressing public concerns about the state of the economy, Tunji-Ojo provided context for the administration’s reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the restructuring of national finances. These measures, he explained, are necessary to lay a solid foundation for long-term national prosperity, even if they entail short-term sacrifices. He expressed confidence in the administration’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, asserting that it is already yielding positive results in terms of economic stability. The Minister also shared updates on his ministry’s reforms, particularly in immigration and the protection of critical national infrastructure, urging the diaspora to trust in President Tinubu’s leadership and the direction of the country. He assured potential investors of a favorable investment climate, emphasizing Nigeria’s readiness for investment and the government’s commitment to creating a supportive environment for businesses to thrive.
Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), further reinforced the importance of the diaspora in national development, highlighting their valuable academic, professional, and global experience. She emphasized their unique position to contribute meaningfully to national dialogues and policy formulation. Dabiri-Erewa stressed the aptness of the event’s theme, as it acknowledges the collaborative efforts of both the government and the diaspora community in nation-building and explores avenues for enhancing diaspora engagement for greater national development.
To further facilitate diaspora engagement, Dabiri-Erewa announced the proposed Diaspora Presidential Fellowship Programme. This initiative will offer diaspora professionals the opportunity to participate in six-month sabbaticals in Nigeria, fostering knowledge transfer and innovation across various sectors. This program, she explained, will not only strengthen the diaspora’s role in nation-building but also serve as a knowledge-driven contribution to their homeland, solidifying the vital partnership between Nigeria and its diaspora community for mutual growth and progress. The celebration of National Diaspora Day, therefore, served as a powerful testament to the enduring bond between Nigeria and its diaspora, recognizing their invaluable contributions to the nation’s present and future.
