Nigerians in Diaspora have remitted about $90 billion in the last five years to shore up the economy for national development.
Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NIDCOM, Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa, disclosed this at the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research, NISER, Workshop in Abuja.
A statement by Gabriel Odu of the Media and Protocol Unit of NIDCOM, said the workshop had as its theme: “A Six-Continent Survey of Nigerian Professionals in Diaspora: Policy Measures for Harnessing Contributions to National Development.”
The statement noted that the engagement workshop brought together government officials, policymakers, researchers, private sector representatives, and Nigerian professionals in the diaspora to deliberate on actionable strategies for enhancing Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
Speaking further, Dabiri-Erewa emphasised the need for accurate and sufficient data to provide a deeper understanding of the contributions, challenges, and opportunities within the Nigerian professional community in the diaspora.
She noted that the theme of the Diaspora Study Stakeholders Workshop is highly relevant, as it will help map out key skills, identify emerging talents, and establish effective ways to engage them.
According to her, “by leveraging the derived data, NiDCOM can implement targeted policies that facilitate robust diaspora engagement, foster stronger ties with Nigeria, and maximise their invaluable contributions to national development.”
She also commended NISER’s management for spearheading the initiative and expressed optimism about further collaborations between the two institutions.
Also speaking, the Director-General of NISER, Prof. Antonia Simbine, told participants that the study aims to move beyond remittances and ensure all-round diaspora participation in Nigeria’s development.
Simbine noted with over 17 million Nigerians in the diaspora, the insights from this research will provide a foundation for strategic policies that leverage diaspora expertise and investments for national growth.
She expressed gratitude to the NiDCOM boss for her support towards the event and her efforts in engaging the diaspora for the country’s growth and development.
On his part, the Director of Economic Trade and Investment, Amb. Bolaji Akinremi, who represented the Minister of Foreign Affairs, noted that Nigeria boasts as one of the most dynamic and influential diaspora populations globally.
Akinremi stressed that the workshop serves as a crucial platform to align the study’s design and implementation with national objectives and global best practices.
He reaffirmed that its success will enhance diaspora engagement and reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to integrating its global citizens into national development.
Also speaking, the Chairman, House Committee on Diaspora, Hon. Tochukwu Okere, described the Workshop, being the first of its kind from NiDCOM and NISER, as noteworthy.
Okere expressed optimism that data from the Study will produce low-hanging fruits in the long term in promoting a stronger relationship with Nigeria and its diaspora citizens.
Chairman, House Committee on National Planning and Economy, Hon. Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, the noted Nigerians in the diaspora contribute significantly to the economy, with remittances growing between $17.2 billion and $20 billion in recent years.
According to him, Nigerians in the diaspora must not be relegated to the side but participate as co-partners in developing the country.
Isiaka, referencing the Central Bank of Nigeria’s plan to issue a diaspora bond, enjoined all Ministries, Departments and Agencies to create platforms to effectively engage with the diaspora, to benefit primarily from their expertise and investments.
He commended the Commission and Institute for their key roles in shaping Nigeria’s economic future, describing both organisations as essential to harnessing research, policy, and global engagement for national development.
While appealing for greater support and funding for NiDCOM and NISER, Isiaka urged the Government to strengthen partnerships between the two agencies, to ensure diaspora investments, remittances, and research-backed policies translate into tangible development.
