NDD 2025: President Tinubu, NiDCOM Celebrate Nigerians Abroad, Call for Stronger Engagement
Maryam Aminu
The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening partnerships with Nigerians in the diaspora, describing them as key allies in driving national growth, investment, and global de influence.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, made this declaration on Thursday at the 2025 edition of National Diaspora Day, held in Abuja and organized by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).
In his address, the President praised the immense contributions of over 20 million Nigerians living and working abroad, noting their impact across technology, health, education, sports, finance, and the creative industries. He said their exploits have not only brought pride to the nation but have also helped to reshape global perceptions about Nigeria.
“The Nigerian diaspora remains a vital component of our nation’s success story,” the President said. “Your skills, sacrifices, remittances, and relentless drive are helping to power national development in ways that go far beyond numbers. You are our global ambassadors.”
While expressing gratitude, President Tinubu emphasized that the government is not taking the diaspora for granted and assured that efforts would be intensified to strengthen the legal and institutional frameworks that protect diaspora interests and encourage active engagement.
This year’s celebration, themed “Consolidating Diaspora Engagement for National Development,” drew participants from across the world and focused on showcasing the contributions of Nigerians abroad while identifying new pathways for inclusion in national development policies.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, Hon. (Dr.) Abike Dabiri-Erewa, used the occasion to give a compelling account of the Commission’s work since its establishment in 2019. She noted that the Nigerian diaspora had remitted over $99 billion into the country within this period, describing it as a major driver of the economy and a testimony to the patriotism and commitment of Nigerians abroad.
Dr. Dabiri-Erewa stated that the diaspora had gone beyond financial contributions, pointing to successful interventions in health missions, academic exchanges, technology transfers, and disaster relief operations. She said many Nigerian professionals, especially in the health and legal sectors, have remained actively involved in community development efforts back home.
However, she also expressed concern about certain institutional limitations. She called for the establishment of liaison offices across key continents to better serve Nigerians abroad and advocated for the allocation of permanent office space for NiDCOM. She further appealed for the inclusion of diaspora voting in the electoral process, stating that every Nigerian, regardless of location, deserves a say in the democratic journey of the country.
“The diaspora should not only be seen as sources of remittances but as partners in building a stronger, more prosperous Nigeria,” she said. “From supporting our economy to flying the flag high across global institutions, their loyalty and sacrifice must be matched by our political will to fully integrate them into our development architecture.”
Dr. Dabiri-Erewa also announced that the theme for National Diaspora Day 2026 will focus on healthcare, reflecting the ongoing impact of Nigerian health professionals abroad and the need for sustainable collaboration to strengthen Nigeria’s health system.
The event will also featured the Diaspora Merit Awards, which honored distinguished Nigerians abroad who have made exceptional contributions to their host countries and to Nigeria. Representatives of diaspora groups with ancestral ties to Nigeria through DNA tracing were also present, underscoring the expanding definition of who belongs in the Nigerian global family.
The Chairman expressed renewed optimism on the growing recognition of the diaspora’s power, noting that the National Diaspora Day 2025 was not just a celebration, it was a clear signal that Nigeria is ready to embrace its global citizens more intentionally.
