NiDCOM Confirms 20 Million Nigerians Living Overseas, Attracting $20 Billion in Annual Remittances

• Dabiri-Erewa highlighted the significant role of these 20 million Nigerian migrants in contributing to the country’s economy by attracting home yearly remittances of $20 billion in FDI
• Yilwatda affirmed Nigeria’s readiness to bring a fresh perspective to migration and irregular migration challenges.
• She emphasized that the influence of Nigerians in the diaspora spans multiple sectors

Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has confirmed that at least 20 million Nigerians, largely youths, reside overseas.

Eko Hot Blog reports that she disclosed this information at the First Thematic Meeting of the Rabat Process in Nigeria, comprising delegates from 57 European and African countries.

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The event, themed ‘Youth, Innovation and Education: Driving the Future of Migration,’ was co-chaired by Nigeria and the Kingdom of Spain and took place in Abuja.

Dabiri-Erewa highlighted the significant role of these 20 million Nigerian migrants in contributing to the country’s economy by attracting home yearly remittances of $20 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Her words: “The over 20 million Nigerians in the Diaspora are a major component of the overall development, and thus, are an economic force that cannot be ignored.

“This group of persons sends about $20 billion in Home Remittances to Nigeria yearly. This contribution is about 5.7 per cent of Nigeria’s GDP and eleven times the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for the year. They are well educated, resilient, resource-endowed, exposed to development, alternative development paradigm, exposed to global best practices and patriotic in terms of maintaining filial relationships with Nigeria.

She emphasized that the influence of Nigerians in the diaspora spans multiple sectors, including agriculture, education, health, ICT, real estate, transportation, sports, trade, and investments. Given their significant contributions, she urged the strengthening of laws and prosecution of human traffickers and other factors driving irregular migration.

Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, affirmed Nigeria’s readiness to bring a fresh perspective to migration and irregular migration challenges.

He noted that President Bola Tinubu has demonstrated dedication to steering the Rabat Process toward meaningful action and a people-first strategy. Yilwatda assured that Nigeria, as the Chair of the Rabat Process, “embraces this responsibility with a vision that is inclusive, development-focused and youth-centred.”

Speaking on the need for stakeholders to ensure that migration is not weaponised or used as an instrument of oppression, Head, EU Delegation to Nigeria and the ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, urged that migrants must not serve as scapegoats for crimes or economic shortcomings.

“Respect for human rights and the rule of law, including international laws, protection of migrants in particular the most vulnerable, against all forms of exploitation, trafficking and ensuring their basic rights, are not trampled”.

These are the essential principles and objectives that unite the members of the Rabat Process,” he said.Ambassador at Large for Migration Affairs, Kingdom of Spain, Pilar Jimenez, explained that her country expects to have observations from African professionals and leaders from diverse sectors and backgrounds, whose insightful remarks prompt Spain to improve its relationship with the continent.

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