NATIONAL DIASPORA DAY 2021: Chairman NiDCOM Commends Diasporas … Says Remittances serve as economic buffers and safety nets to families
Oru Leonard
the Chairman Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa has commended Nigerians in the diaspora for their support to the country’s economy through remittances, social responsibility and investments.
Hon Abike made the commendation while addressing Journalists with her management team, at a press briefing on Thursday at Abuja, in preparation of the 2021 National diaspora day.
The NiDCOM boss said that Diasporan remittances constitute 83% of the Nigerian budget which is about $25 billion US dollars annually. She said 14 editions have been celebrated since the diaspora day was instituted by the government on July 25 2006, though the celebration was virtual in 2020 due to the covid-19 Pandemic.
The huge contributions of this cross section of Nigerians which serve as economic buffers and safety nets to families for school fees, feeding, hospital bills and many other social support systems, it is necessary to celebrate them”, she noted.
On Areas of Social responsibility and Investment, Hon Abike disclosed that Diasporas have contributed to the economy to up to 6.1 % of the GDP, including health, real estate, commercial businesses and others.
“The fact that among those from diaspora are many professionals from diverse fields like engineering ,medicine,cutting edge technology, sports, the media and others giving Nigeria a positive profile out there”, she also noted.
With the theme, “Diaspora Integration for National Peace and Development”, this year’s National diaspora day is targeted at promoting networking, reunion and stock taking.
