From News Editor
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep appreciation to the over 20 million Nigerians in the Diaspora, acknowledging their significant contributions to national development, while pledging greater collaboration through enabling policies, programmes and strategic partnerships.
Declaring open the two-day 2025 National Diaspora Day celebration through the Secretary to Government of the Federation Sen. George Akume at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to optimise the formidable potentials of the Diaspora for sustainable national growth in tune with 2025 theme.
According to the President, Diaspora Home Remittances through official channels alone stood at an impressive $20.93 billion in 2024, more than four times the value of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
“The vibrancy of our interactions with the Diaspora in Paris, France, Canada, and other countries has been both nostalgic and promising. We look forward to more of such engagements,” the President stated.
He further applauded the leadership of NiDCOM under Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, for championing dynamic, inclusive, and impactful Diaspora policies and programmes.
Tinubu also reiterated that the administration’s Renewed Hope Foreign Policy which places the Diaspora as the fourth pillar in the 4D Agenda, pledging to provide more platforms for Diaspora participation in nation-building.
The President congratulated all Nigerians in the Diaspora for their outstanding contributions and extend special commendation to recipients of the 2025 National Diaspora Merit Award, stating that such recognition will boost morale and inspire greater patriotism and engagement.
In her welcome speech, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), says the Federal Government remains committed to unlocking the full potential of Nigerians abroad for national growth and development.
She described Nigerians in the diaspora as resilient, patriotic, and highly productive individuals setting records globally.
She noted that since the Commission’s establishment, the National Diaspora Day, held annually on July 25 and 26, has become a key platform to recognise and strengthen diaspora engagement, with this year marking the sixth edition under NiDCOM.
She used the opportunity to present a wrap up of the Commission’s achievements and outlined its plans moving forward.
On future plans, Dabiri-Erewa proposed a Diaspora Presidential Fellowship Programme to facilitate knowledge transfer through short-term sabbaticals and announced the launch of the Home and Abroad platform, a digital tool to deepen diaspora participation in national development.
While highlighting these achievements, she also raised concerns over limited funding, lack of office infrastructure, and the absence of continental offices abroad, which continue to slow down the Commission’s operations.
She expressed appreciation to strategic partners of the Commission who continue to support NiDCOM’s work as well as its programmes of activities.
“We must sustain the momentum. Our diaspora is not just sending money back home. They are building, innovating, and solving problems. This is the time to deepen engagement and create lasting structures,” she said.
Dr. Greg Nnamdi Optua, the Father of the day, in his special remarks, commended Nigerian Diaspora for distinguishing themselves globally, while he encouraged them to invest back home.
“To optimise the potentials of the Diaspora, we must move beyond praise to innovation, tourism and practical investment opportunities” he stated.
Ms. Almaz Negash, Founder, African Diaspora Network, USA, encouraged the Diaspora community to support the Chairman of NiDCOM through the numerous initiatives put in place for National development.
According to her, Africa is not a continent to give aid “the Diaspora has the power to remove aid through investments. Each contribution has the power to make impact,” she stated.
Negash describes Nigerians in the USA as the most educated, always present and actively contributing to every sector while consistently breaking barriers and redefining excellence.