President Tinubu Highlights Nigeria’s Top 10 Status in Global Migration at National Diaspora Day
Maryam Aminu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has revealed that Nigeria ranks among the top 10 countries with the highest number of international migrants.
This announcement was made during his Presidential address at the 2024 National Diaspora Day Celebrations and National Diaspora Merit Award held in Abuja on Thursday 25th July, 2024.
The event, themed “Japa Phenomena and its Implications for National Development,” saw Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, emphasizing the complexity and scale of Nigerian migration.
Citing United Nations data, the President noted that Nigeria is significantly impacted by global migration trends.
Drawing from his personal experience of living in the United States before returning to Nigeria, Tinubu encouraged citizens to leverage their international experiences to contribute to national development.
Tinubu provided data showing that 169 million international migrant workers left their home countries primarily for employment opportunities, with Nigeria boasting a substantial diaspora population.
He acknowledged the positive and negative implications of this migration phenomenon for Nigeria’s collective growth.
The President underscored initiatives such as the Nigerian Diaspora Commission and presidential town hall meetings with diaspora communities, aimed at fostering engagement in national development.
He celebrated the substantial remittances from global immigration, noting that Nigeria received $21.9 billion in 2023 alone.
Furthermore, Tinubu announced the second edition of the National Diaspora Mortgage Initiative, designed to increase diaspora engagement in national development.
He also praised the Central Bank’s reforms, which have enhanced Forex official channels and stabilized the currency.
Echoing the President’s sentiments, the Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, represented by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, highlighted the importance of collaboration between the government and the diaspora.
Abbas acknowledged the diaspora’s significant contributions in sectors such as education, agriculture, ICT, transportation, and healthcare.
He also announced plans to explore granting voting rights to Nigerians in the diaspora, underscoring their role in nation-building.
Senate President, Sen. Godswill Akpabio represented by the former governor of Niger State Abubakar addressed the brain drain phenomenon, emphasizing the need for an environment that encourages technological growth and attracts skilled professionals back to Nigeria.
He assured that the National Assembly is ready to enact laws to support the return of skilled professionals and contribute to the country’s growth.
Chairman of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in her welcome address, celebrated the contributions of the over 20 million Nigerians in the diaspora to national development.
She praised the hard work, productivity, patriotism, and resilience of the diaspora community, acknowledging their significant impact across various fields.
She reminded that the Commission was created to facilitate the engagement of Nigerians abroad in the country’s policies and development projects.
Dabiri-Erewa highlighted NiDCOM’s numerous successes, key programs and activities
“They include National Diaspora Day Celebrations, National Diaspora Merit Award, Badagry Door of Return Festival, Diaspora Mortgage Scheme
Others include:Diaspora Investment Trust Fund, Diaspora Data Mapping/Creation of Data Portal
Diaspora Housing Scheme, Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit, State Diaspora Focal Point Officer’s Summit, Diaspora Research Centre among others
She decried that despite these achievements, NiDCOM faces challenges such as poor funding, lack of a befitting office space, and the need to establish continental offices.
“Addressing these issues would enhance NiDCOM’s capacity to engage effectively with the Diaspora.” She added
National Diaspora Day 2024 served as a platform for the diaspora to engage with the government and discuss strategies for national development.
The event highlighted the government’s commitment to diaspora engagement and recognized the community’s critical contributions to Nigeria’s growth.
