Former Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari, has passed away in a London hospital.
His former spokesperson, Mallam Garba Shehu, confirmed the news on Sunday afternoon, stating that the former leader died at about 4:30 p.m. following a prolonged illness.
Shehu’s statement read, “The family of the former president has announced the passing on of the former president, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, this afternoon in a clinic in London.
Beyond his domestic policies, Buhari is remembered for his administration’s structured approach to diaspora engagement, which brought Nigerian citizens abroad closer to the affairs of the nation.
Creation of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM)
One of the landmark achievements of Buhari’s presidency in relation to the diaspora was the establishment of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) in 2019.
The commission was created to serve as a dedicated agency for managing the affairs, concerns, and contributions of Nigerians living outside the country.
Led by Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, NIDCOM coordinated the government’s engagement with the diaspora community through policy advocacy, crisis intervention, and investment facilitation.
This was the first time Nigeria had a fully operational institution specifically tasked with managing diaspora relations, and it marked a significant step in recognizing the strategic importance of citizens abroad.
Promotion of Diaspora Investment
Buhari’s administration actively promoted diaspora contributions to national development through organized investment platforms.
In 2018, his government initiated the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS), an annual forum that connects Nigerian professionals and investors abroad with business opportunities at home.
The summit facilitated projects in sectors such as agriculture, real estate, education, health, and information technology.
It also provided a structured space for diaspora-led startups and returnee entrepreneurs to contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.
Diaspora Remittances
During Buhari’s presidency, Nigeria consistently ranked among the top African countries in diaspora remittance inflows.
According to World Bank data, Nigerians abroad sent home an average of $20 billion annually, making remittances a major contributor to the nation’s economy.
His government formally recognized these financial contributions and supported policies to ensure smoother remittance flows through official channels.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) under his administration also introduced the “Naira 4 Dollar” scheme to incentivize remittances via licensed Operators
Support During Crises Abroad
Through NIDCOM and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Buhari’s administration responded to several emergencies involving Nigerians overseas.
His government coordinated the safe evacuation of Nigerian students and citizens from conflict zones such as Ukraine during the Russia-Ukraine war and facilitated returns from Libya and other crisis-hit regions.
The administration also initiated diaspora town hall meetings in various countries to foster two-way communication and respond to concerns directly.
