By Clement Adeyi, Associate Editor, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has has lauded Nigerians in the diaspora for their staggering contributions to Nigeria’s development.
The president, who also described them as “ambassadors at large,” stressed that they play vital roles in reshaping the country’s global image and advancing its growth.
Tinubu who reaffirmed his administration’s strong commitment to them, added that their economic, intellectual and social contributions were pivotal to the nation’s development agenda.
He spoke through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr. George Akume, at the 2025 National Diaspora Day celebration held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Friday on the theme: “Optimising Formidable Diaspora Potentials for National Development and Growth.”
“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,” he said.
“Only Nigerians both at home and abroad can develop Nigeria,” the president added.
The annual event was held with a view to engaging the diaspora as one of the pillars of Nigeria’s development strategies.
Tinubu who commended the increasing potentials of diaspora remittances, disclosed that in 2024 alone, “Nigerians abroad sent home $20.9 billion through official channels—more than four times the value of the country’s foreign direct investment.”
The president who also appreciated other strategic areas of Nigerians in the diaspora contributions to Nation building, noted: “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.”
The president pledged that his administration would continue to prioritise diaspora-related policies and remove their contribution barriers.
“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,” the president stressed.
The Minister of Interior Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, while delivering his goodwill message, reaffirmed the President’s stance.
He called on the diaspora community to look beyond negative narratives and recognise their power to transform Nigeria’s future.
“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.
The minister also emphasised the economic potential of diaspora remittances—comparing Nigeria’s $21bn in 2024 remittances to $32.91bn in oil earnings and India’s $135.46bn diaspora inflows.
He noted that the figures reveal the untapped potentials of Nigerians 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.
Tunji-Ojo who also addressed widespread public worries about the state of the economy, noted that government was laying the foundation for long-term national prosperity, even if short-term sacrifices are required.
“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 who also provided updates from his ministry, particularly around reforms in immigration and the protection of critical national infrastructure, called on the diaspora to trust 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.
The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, stressed the critical role of Nigerians living abroad in the country’s development.
Dabiri-Erewa who also described their contributions as crucial to national growth, highlighted the value of the diaspora community’s academic, professional, and global exposure.
She noting that their broad experiences had positioned them properly to contribute meaningfully to national discussions and policies.
“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.
Dabiri-Erewa also announced a proposed Diaspora Presidential Fellowship Programme.
According to her, the initiative would allow professionals in the diaspora to participate in six-month sabbaticals in Nigeria with a view to promoting knowledge transfer and innovation across sectors.
“It will strengthen their roles in nation-building and serve as a knowledge-driven giveback to the fatherland,” Dabiri-Erewa stressed.
