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Over the past five years, Nigerians in the diaspora have remitted more than $90 billion, playing a vital role in economic development and national transformation.
This was revealed by Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), during a workshop in Abuja organized by the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER) in collaboration with NiDCOM.
Harnessing Diaspora Contributions for National Development
The workshop, themed “A Six-Continent Survey of Nigerian Professionals in Diaspora: Policy Measures for Harnessing Contributions to National Development,” focused on the economic impact of the Nigerian diaspora and strategies to optimize their contributions.
Dabiri-Erewa emphasized the need for data-driven policies to strengthen engagement with Nigerians abroad and maximize their investments in the economy.
“By leveraging accurate 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 stated.
She also commended Prof. Antonia Taiye Simbine, Director-General of NISER, for spearheading research on Nigerian professionals in the diaspora and called for continued collaboration to drive sustainable economic policies.
Unleashing Diaspora Potential for Economic Growth
Prof. Simbine underscored the significance of Nigeria’s global diaspora, noting that with over 17 million Nigerians living abroad, strategic policies are crucial for harnessing their expertise and investments.
She acknowledged NiDCOM’s commitment to diaspora engagement and highlighted the importance of structured initiatives to encourage participation in national development.
Diaspora Remittances as a Catalyst for Economic Transformation
Hon. Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, Chairman of the House Committee on National Planning and Economy, highlighted that diaspora remittances contribute between $17.2 billion and $20 billion annually to Nigeria’s economy.
“Nigerians in the diaspora must not be relegated to the side but participate as co-partners in developing the country,” he stated.
Isiaka also referenced the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) plans to issue a diaspora bond, urging government agencies to establish structured platforms that actively engage Nigerians abroad. These platforms, he noted, will unlock the full potential of diaspora contributions in economic transformation and sustainable national growth.
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