- Diaspora Contributions Crucial to National Progress — Tinubu
- “Only Nigerians both at home and abroad can develop Nigeria” Tinubu stated.
- Tunji-Ojo described the Nigerian spirit as one marked by excellence
President Bola Tinubu has restated his administration’s firm commitment to Nigerians in the diaspora, acknowledging their economic, intellectual, and social impact as key to the country’s development goals.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the president represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr. George Akume, at the 2025 National Diaspora Day celebration in Abuja on Friday night, described Nigerians living abroad as “ambassadors at large” who play crucial roles in enhancing the nation’s global reputation and driving progress.
EDITOR’S PICK
- LASG Warns Against Impersonation Over Olu of Epe Stool
- Ebira Youth Leader Missing Months After DSS Arrest
- SDP State Chairmen Disown El-Rufai, Accuse Him of Destabilising Party
“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 highlighted the strategic value of involving the diaspora as a key pillar in Nigeria’s development efforts.
President Tinubu emphasized the growing impact of diaspora remittances, noting that in 2024 alone, Nigerians abroad sent $20.9 billion through official channels, an amount more than four times greater than 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 place high priority on diaspora-focused policies and work to eliminate obstacles hindering their contributions to national development.
“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 position and urged the diaspora community to rise above negative perceptions and embrace their power to shape Nigeria’s future.
He described the Nigerian spirit as one marked by excellence and unwavering ambition qualities that, he said, make Nigerians excel on the global stage.
“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 highlighted the economic significance of diaspora remittances, noting that Nigeria received $21 billion in 2024, compared to $32.91 billion from oil revenues, and referenced India’s $135.46 billion in diaspora inflows as a benchmark.
According to him, these figures underscore the vast and largely untapped potential of Nigerians living 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 responded to growing public concerns about the state of the economy, providing context for key reforms such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the restructuring of national finances.
He stressed that the administration is focused on building a solid foundation for long-term national prosperity, even if it demands short-term sacrifices.
“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 shared updates from the Ministry of Interior, highlighting ongoing reforms in immigration and efforts to safeguard critical national infrastructure.
He urged members of the diaspora to have confidence 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, emphasized the essential role of Nigerians abroad in the nation’s development, describing their contributions as crucial to national progress.
She underscored the importance of the diaspora community’s academic and professional achievements, as well as their global exposure, noting that their diverse experiences equip them to make meaningful inputs into national dialogue and policymaking.
“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 strengthen ties with the diaspora, Dabiri-Erewa announced plans for a proposed Diaspora Presidential Fellowship Programme.
The initiative will offer professionals abroad the opportunity to undertake six-month sabbaticals in Nigeria, designed to encourage knowledge transfer and foster innovation across various sectors.
“It will strengthen their role in nation-building and serve as a knowledge-driven giveback to the fatherland,” she added.
