NDIS SUMMIT 2024: President Tinubu Urges Global Partnerships to Propel Nigeria’s Development 

Maryam Aminu

In a passionate call to action at the 7th Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS) in Abuja, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Nigerians in the diaspora to actively engage in national development, emphasizing their pivotal role in building a resilient economy.

Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, President Tinubu noted that this year’s summit theme, “Adapting Stability through Diaspora Investment: Navigating the Path to Prosperity,” aligns with his administration’s goal of fostering prosperity for all Nigerians, both at home and abroad.

Commending the diaspora’s immense contributions, Senator Akume celebrated their “excellence, innovation, and resilience,” calling them “torchbearers” for Nigeria’s future.

“Your achievements are a source of pride, and your potential to shape Nigeria’s future is undeniable,” he stated, underscoring the importance of harnessing the diaspora’s expertise and global networks.

President Tinubu’s administration, Akume stressed, remains dedicated to implementing transformational reforms. Notably, the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of the foreign exchange market were cited as bold steps towards achieving economic stability.

“Strategic actions are necessary to place our nation on the right path, and we are committed to seeing this through,” he added.

Earlier speaking, Senator Victor Umeh, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora, NGOs, and Civil Societies, highlighted the invaluable contributions of diaspora investments, noting that the skills and expertise of Nigerians abroad are essential to national development.

He reassured summit participants of the National Assembly’s support through legislative backing for diaspora-focused initiatives.

Hon. Sir Tochukwu Okere, Chairman of the House Committee on Diaspora Affairs, recognized the diaspora’s substantial economic impact, with remittances exceeding $24 billion annually, second only to oil and gas.

He emphasized the importance of increased sponsorship and collaboration with diaspora professionals to address Nigeria’s challenges.

Also speaking, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, represented by Ambassador Bolaji Akinremi, Director of Economic Cooperations, urged robust engagement between the Nigerian government and the diaspora.

He encouraged participants to leverage the Global Health Desk and Nigerian Global Business Match Initiative as platforms for connecting local businesses with international investors.

Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman and CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), delivered an impassioned address that resonated with her enduring commitment to empowering Nigerians abroad.

Welcoming participants, she expressed heartfelt gratitude to diaspora members who continue to invest in Nigeria’s future across diverse sectors, from technology to healthcare.

“Your dedication to Nigeria, even while excelling abroad, shows the strength of our national spirit,” Dabiri-Erewa stated, recognizing the challenges many face in making a difference back home.

She recounted several inspiring stories of Nigerian diasporans who have achieved significant success abroad while keeping strong ties to Nigeria, using their resources and skills to support communities and drive development initiatives.

“You represent the best of us, bridging the gap between Nigeria and the world, and each one of your contributions serves as a beacon of hope and progress,” she added, commending their impact on education, healthcare, and entrepreneurial ventures.

Dabiri-Erewa highlighted the importance of the summit as a platform where these success stories can not only inspire but also create partnerships and new investments.

“The Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit has grown into more than just a gathering it’s now a powerful network for creating solutions,” she noted.

She praised the summit’s evolution, underscoring its role in fostering collaborative projects that have benefited the Nigerian economy, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs) which serve as the backbone of local industries.

Dabiri-Erewa urged summit participants to take full advantage of the event’s opportunities, including policy discussions, investment matchmaking, and sector-specific panels, which she described as “a launching pad for transformative partnerships.”

In her remarks, the NDIS Summit Coordinator Dr. Badewa Adejugbe-Williams applauded the summit’s evolution into a vitals bridge between the diaspora and Nigeria, marking it as a powerful catalyst for national advancement.

She emphasized the central role of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the country’s economic fabric and encouraged attendees to explore the abundant investment opportunities presented by the summit.

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