President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said Nigeria is among the top 10 countries with the most international migrants, acknowledging the complexity and scale of Nigerian migration globally
Tinubu disclosed this in his Presidential address on Thursday at the 2024 National Diaspora Day Celebrations and National Diaspora Merit Award in Abuja.
The 2024 National Diaspora Day Celebrations and National Diaspora Merit Award themed Japa Phenomena and its Implications for National Development”
Tinubu, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen George Akume, cited the United Nations’ ranking and said Nigeria is among the top 10 countries with the most international migrants.
The President shared personal experience, having lived in the United States before returning to Nigeria, and encouraged citizens to bring back their experiences to contribute to national development.
He highlighted the historical context of migration, from the transatlantic slave trade to the current global mobility competing for talent and skills.
Citing data, the President noted that 169 million international migrant workers left their countries of origin primarily to seek work, with Nigeria having a significant diaspora population.
He acknowledged the implications of this phenomenon for collective growth and urged citizens not to forget their homeland.
The President highlighted initiatives such as the Nigerian Diaspora Commission and presidential town hall meetings with diaspora communities, aimed at engaging the diaspora in national development.
He celebrated the positive effects of global immigration, including huge remittances of funds to middle-income countries, with Nigeria receiving $21.9 billion in 2023.
The President also encouraged Nigerians in the diaspora to continue contributing to critical sectors of the economy and commended the Central Bank’s reforms, which have increased Forex official channels and stabilised the currency. He announced the second edition of the National Diaspora Marriage Initiative, aimed at encouraging more engagement and participation in national development.
The President emphasised the importance of Nigerians, both at home and abroad, in developing their country and encouraged participation in programmes with tremendous impact.
Similarly, the Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, emphasised the importance of cooperation between the government and the diaspora, citing the positive results achieved so far.
The Speaker, who was represented by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, said the government acknowledged the significant contributions of Nigerians in the diaspora to the country’s development, particularly in areas such as education, agriculture, ICT, transportation, and healthcare.
He also announced plans to explore ways to grant voting rights to Nigerians in the diaspora, recognising their relevance to nation-building.
“A constitutional amendment bill has been presented to the House of Representatives, and the government is committed to making progress on this issue.”
He also highlighted the importance of collaboration between the government and the diaspora community to achieve greater results for national development.
“The diaspora community is in safe hands, and I encourage you to continue contributing to the country’s growth.”
Also, the Senate President, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, acknowledged the brain drain phenomenon, where talented youth seek opportunities abroad, and emphasised the need to create an environment that fosters technological growth and entices skilled professionals to return home.
“The government is committed to investing in education, healthcare, and infrastructure to retain skilled workers and attract those who have ventured abroad.”
“The National Assembly stands ready to enact necessary laws to support the return of skilled professionals, contribute to the country’s growth, and implore those in the diaspora to remain committed to Nigeria’s progress and invest in local initiatives.” He added.
Meanwhile, Chairman of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, explained in her welcome address that the National Diaspora Day Celebrations prescribed by the National Diaspora Policy are set aside to recognise, acknowledge, and celebrate the over 20 million Nigerians in the Diaspora (both the modern and historic Diaspora) who are contributing immensely to national development.
“Our Diaspora is known to be hard-working, highly productive, patriotic, and resilient. They are also pacesetters in their different fields of endeavour. It therefore falls on us to celebrate our very best, not minding that a few do fall below standard.”
“Since its establishment five years ago, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has had so much to celebrate. This is because the passion and consistency that led to the establishment of the Commission have been well sustained by the legacy team that built it.”
National Diaspora Day 2024 provided a platform for Nigerians in the diaspora to engage with the government and discuss ways to drive national development. The event underscored the government’s commitment to diaspora engagement and its recognition of the community’s significant contributions to Nigeria’s growth.
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