Diaspora key to national development, says Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s strong commitment to the Nigerian diaspora, hailing their economic, intellectual, and social contributions as central to the nation’s development agenda.

Speaking through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr. George Akume, at the 2025 National Diaspora Day celebration held in Abuja on Friday night, the President described Nigerians abroad as “ambassadors at large,” playing vital roles in reshaping the country’s global image and advancing its growth.

“It is a great delight to address our over 20 million Nigerians in the diaspora on this auspicious occasion of the celebration of our National Diaspora Day 2025.

“Only Nigerians both at home and abroad can develop Nigeria,” Tinubu stated.

Themed “Optimising Formidable Diaspora Potentials for National Development and Growth,” the event underscored the strategic importance of engaging the diaspora as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s development strategy.

Tinubu spotlighted the increasing scale of diaspora remittances, pointing out that in 2024 alone, “Nigerians abroad sent home $20.9 billion through official channels—more than four times the value of the country’s foreign direct investment.”

“The Nigerians in the diaspora are also actively investing in our health care, agriculture, education, information, communication technology, housing and real estate, sports, transportation, oil and gas, and other sectors.

“This, I must say, is commendable and in our enlightened self-interest,” he said.

The president pledged that his administration would continue to prioritise diaspora-related policies and remove barriers that limit their contributions.

“Our renewed hope for foreign policy recognises the diaspora as the fourth pillar for the agenda—namely democracy, demography, development, and diaspora.

“We will continue to provide an enabling platform for effective policies for the diaspora,” he assured.

In his goodwill message, the Minister of Interior Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, echoed the President’s stance and delivered a rousing call to the diaspora community to look beyond negative narratives and recognise their power to transform Nigeria’s future.

He described the Nigerian spirit as one defined by excellence and unrelenting ambition—traits, he said, that make Nigerians stand out globally.

“When you go to any part of the world, maybe in Asia, Africa, South America, you will see Nigerians excelling. Nigerians breaking barriers. Nigerians breaking ceilings. And Nigerians using ceilings as springboards to greatness,” he said.

He emphasised the economic potential of diaspora remittances—comparing Nigeria’s $21bn in 2024 remittances to $32.91bn in oil earnings and India’s $135.46bn diaspora inflows.

He said these numbers reveal the untapped potential of Nigerians abroad.

“What does that tell you? It tells you that the power of economic emancipation, a lot of this resides within you, beyond your own imagination,” he said.

The minister also addressed widespread public concerns about the state of the economy, offering context for reforms like the removal of fuel subsidies and the restructuring of national finances.

The minister emphasised that the administration is laying the foundation for long-term national prosperity, even if short-term sacrifices are required.

“You cannot cure a tumor by virtue of a paracetamol. It is important that the Renewed Hope agenda of Mr. President came into being. And today, we can see the results. We can see the economic stability of this country,” he said.

Tunji-Ojo also provided updates from his ministry, particularly around reforms in immigration and the protection of critical national infrastructure, and called on the diaspora to trust in the country’s direction under President Tinubu’s leadership.

“Nigeria has never been ready for investment more than now. We are ready for investment.

“I assure you, under the leadership of this President, you will never regret your investment. Nigeria loves you. Nigeria cares about you. And this particular administration cares about you,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, stressed the critical role of Nigerians living abroad in the country’s development, describing their contribution as vital to national growth.

She highlighted the value of the diaspora community’s academic, professional, and global exposure, noting that their broad experiences position them well to contribute meaningfully to national discussions and policies.

“The theme is apt to appreciate the efforts of both the government and the diaspora community in nation building and also to discuss how to make diaspora engagements better for national development,” she said.

As part of efforts to deepen this engagement, Dabiri-Erewa announced a proposed Diaspora Presidential Fellowship Programme. The initiative would allow professionals in the diaspora to take part in six-month sabbaticals in Nigeria, aimed at promoting knowledge transfer and innovation across sectors.

“It will strengthen their role in nation-building and serve as a knowledge-driven giveback to the fatherland,” she added.