The Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) said Nigerians in Diaspora have in recent years shown to be resilient change-makers, solution providers, and proud ambassadors of the country.
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa also revealed that Diaspora Nigerians are now more actively involved in areas like policy, housing, health, education and mentorship, with initiatives like the National Diaspora Policy, Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit and the Data Mapping Project, engagement no longer theoretical, but feasible, practical and impactful.
“From medicine to education, technology to tourism, business to sports, arts to governance, our diaspora continues to influence global conversations and spearhead innovation, development and growth”, Dabiri-Erewa said in a press conference on Monday, in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, ahead of the National Diaspora Day (NDD) and the 3rd National Diaspora Merit Awards (NDMA).
She however, said the country’s greatest exports remain one of the most underutilised assets for national development, referencing the 2024 remittances from Nigerians abroad that exceeded $20 billion, surpassing the country’s foreign direct investment.
“Beyond these figures lies an armoury of knowledge, skills, networks, and goodwill; resources which, if strategically engaged, can catalyse transformative development across all regions of our country”, the NIDCOM boss said.
She further alluded that tangible progress has been made in deepening diaspora engagement, citing the deployment of State Diaspora Focal Point Officers that ensures diaspora matters are part of national development planning, even at the grassroots.
The National Diaspora Day (NDD) and the 3rd National Diaspora Merit Awards (NDMA) slated for 25th and 26th July, 2025, is themed ‘Optimising Formidable Diaspora Potentials for National Development and Growth’.
Across the two-day event, will be thematic sessions, panel discussions, youth mentorship programmes, strategic partnership dialogues, networking opportunities, colourful cultural displays, amongst others, including the National Diaspora Merit Awards that aims to recognise distinguished, courageous Nigerian diaspora that have represented the country with integrity and excellence.
The hybrid event expects to welcome participants across the globe, including the cities of Lagos, London, Los Angeles, Lyon, Lisbon, and others.