President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment and favourable policies to boost the involvement of Nigerians in the diaspora in national development.
Speaking through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, at the 2025 National Diaspora Day celebration held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Tinubu described diaspora Nigerians as crucial partners in the country’s progress.
“With over 20 million Nigerians abroad, we recognise the immense potential of the diaspora to support our democracy, drive economic growth, and set a positive example for the continent,” Tinubu said.
This year’s theme, “Optimizing Formidable Diaspora Potentials for National Development and Growth,” underscored the administration’s intention to harness diaspora expertise and resources.
Tinubu highlighted the increasing value of remittances, revealing that Nigerians abroad sent home $20.9 billion in 2024—over four times the country’s foreign direct investment within the same period. He added that diaspora citizens are also investing significantly across critical sectors including healthcare, education, ICT, agriculture, and real estate.
He pledged to address challenges facing the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), with the aim of maximising the benefits of migration for national growth.
Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in his goodwill message, described diaspora Nigerians as global achievers who are “breaking ceilings and turning them into springboards.” He noted that the $21 billion remitted by the diaspora in 2024 compares closely to Nigeria’s oil earnings of $32.91 billion, emphasizing the economic weight of Nigerians abroad.
“The power of economic transformation lies significantly within the diaspora,” Tunji-Ojo said, adding that the administration’s current reforms are laying the groundwork for long-term prosperity.
He also reassured diaspora Nigerians of the government’s readiness to protect their investments and foster deeper engagement: “Under this administration, you will never regret investing in Nigeria.”
NiDCOM Chairman, Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, unveiled plans for a Diaspora Presidential Fellowship Programme, which will allow skilled professionals abroad to undertake six-month sabbaticals in Nigeria, contributing to innovation and knowledge transfer.
She also announced the launch of a Diaspora Home and Abroad Housing Platform designed to offer secure real estate opportunities for Nigerians looking to invest back home.
The 2025 National Diaspora Day served as a rallying call for deeper collaboration between the government and its citizens abroad in building a stronger, more prosperous Nigeria.
