Nigerian leader, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has revealed that his administration will continue to provide an enabling platform for effective policies for the Diaspora with the view to galvanizing more support for his administration and concretizing the country’s democracy, while optimizing the potentials of Nigerians in Diaspora and setting a good example for other African countries to emulate.
He described his administration as diaspora friendly.
President Tinubu also said his government is primed to strengthen engagement with Nigerians in the diaspora, recognizing their strategic role in national development.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of Federation (SGF), George Akume, at the 2025 National Diaspora Day celebration, held on Monday, in Abuja, the president alluded that Nigerians in the diaspora have been active in investing in the country’s health care, agriculture, education, information, communication, technology, housing and real estate, sports, transportation, oil and gas sectors, amongst others in the country.
“This, I must say, is commendable and in our enlightened self interest as only Nigerians, both at home and abroad, can develop Nigeria”.
He also unveiled the ‘Home and Abroad Housing Platform’, aimed at making property ownership more accessible to Nigerians in the Diaspora.
It is also designed to remove the risks and barriers often associated with acquiring homes in Nigeria from abroad, ensuring transparency, affordability, and accountability.
Chief Executive and Chairman of the Nigerian in Diaspora (NiDCOM) described Nigerians in overseas as highly productive, barrier breakers and pacesetters in their different fields of endeavors.
“It therefore behooves on all of us to celebrate our very best, not minding that a few do fall below standard” she said.
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa also listed some of the activities carried out by NiDCOM since its formation that include National Diaspora Merit Award, Badagry Door of Returns Festival, Diaspora Mortgage Scheme, Diaspora Investment Trust Fund, Diaspora Data Mapping/Creation of Data Portal, Diaspora Housing Scheme, Nigerian Diaspora Investment Summit, Diaspora Weekly TV, amongst others.
Ms. Sharon Dimanche, Chief of Mission, IOM, Nigeria said Nigerian diaspora has consistently demonstrated resilience, innovation, and patriotism and according to the World Bank, in 2024, global official remittances amounted to USD 905 billion, with Sub-Saharan Africa receiving USD 56 billion.
Of this, Nigeria recorded a significant inflow of USD 20.93 billion—an 8.9% increase from the previous year—as reported by the Central Bank of Nigeria.
“These remittances serve as a vital economic buffer, supporting households, education, health care, and livelihoods across the country”, she said.
Also, from the Nigerian parliament, the Chairman, House Committee on Diaspora Matters, Hon. Tochukwu Okere, emphasized on the resilience and innovative prowess, across all sectors, shown by Nigerians abroad. He said they inspire hope and progress back home, while Chairman, Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organizations, Senator Aniekan Bassey underscored the need for stronger diaspora institutions and platforms to harness the full potentials of Nigerians abroad.
At the event, there were cultural displays, panel discussions on diaspora investments, and goodwill messages from ambassadors, development partners, and related stakeholders.