Nigerians in the diaspora have remitted over $90 billion to the country’s economy in the last five years, significantly contributing to national development, the Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has revealed.
She made this known at a workshop organized by NiDCOM in collaboration with the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER) in Abuja, with the theme “A Six-Continent Survey of Nigerian Professionals in Diaspora: Policy Measures for Harnessing Contributions to National Development”.
Dabiri-Erewa emphasized the importance of accurate and sufficient data in understanding the contributions, challenges, and opportunities within the Nigerian diaspora community.
“By leveraging the derived data, NiDCOM can implement targeted policies that facilitate robust diaspora engagement, foster stronger ties with Nigeria, and maximize their invaluable contributions to national development,” she said.
Director-General of NISER, Prof. Antonia Taiye Simbine, stated that the study aimed to expand diaspora engagement beyond remittances by leveraging their expertise and investments for Nigeria’s growth.
Amb. Bolaji Akinremi, Director of Economic Trade and Investment at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stressed the importance of aligning the study with national objectives and global best practices to enhance diaspora contributions.
Hon. Tochukwu Okere, Chairman of the House Committee on Diaspora, and Hon. Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, Chairman of the House Committee on National Planning and Economy, both commended NiDCOM and NISER for the initiative. They called for stronger partnerships to ensure diaspora contributions translate into tangible national development.
The workshop brought together government officials, policymakers, researchers, private sector representatives, and Nigerian professionals in the diaspora to discuss strategies for harnessing diaspora contributions to national development.
