From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye and Okwe Obi, Abuja
Vice President Kashim Shettima has applauded the invaluable contributions of Nigerian immigrants to the global economy, saying Nigeria accounts for the highest Diaspora remittances in West Africa.
Shettima, who spoke yesterday in Abuja, at the 2024 National Migration Dialogue, with the theme, ‘Beyond Borders: Celebrating Migrants’ Legacy, Protecting their Rights,’ and organised by the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), revealed that in 2022, Nigeria accounted for about $21.9 billion, which represented 64 percent of all remittances in the sub-region.
“Migration is not just a crossover from one geography to another. It is a critical driver of global and national development. In 2022 alone, Nigeria accounted for $21.9 billion in diaspora remittances, representing 64 percent of all remittances in West Africa. This is a testament to the invaluable economic contributions of Nigerian migrants.
“Beyond financial remittances, our migrants have become global ambassadors, excelling in such fields as technology, medicine, sports, and the creative arts. Nigerian startups founded by migrants attracted over $800 million in investments in 2022, underscoring the transformative potential of our people across the globe.
Apart from diaspora remittances, he said Nigerian migrants had become global ambassadors, who excel in technology, medicine, sports, creative arts, and other human endeavours.
Senator Shettima observed that while the annual national migration dialogue coincides with the commemoration of the International Migrants Day, the theme of the dialogue sparks solemn reflection on the dual essence of migration, its remarkable contributions to society and the enduring need to safeguard the rights of those who undertake these journeys.
Noting that Nigeria is both a country of origin and a destination for migrants, with over 1.3 million international migrants living within, he cautioned against the constant challenges of irregular migration, even as he regretted that the nation returned about 10,000 of its citizens detained for sundry migration offences in 2024 alone.
“However, we must acknowledge that irregular migration remains a persistent challenge. In 2024, we have already returned and reintegrated about 10,000 Nigerians, who had been detained for immigration offences in African and European countries.
“These figures highlight the vulnerabilities that come with migration and emphasise the need for coordinated efforts to address the challenges, while harnessing migration’s potential for economic growth and resilience,” the VP warned.
He assured that the administration of President Bola Tinubu was committed to tackling the challenges of migration, a resolve he said the President reaffirmed at this year’s United Nations General Assembly.
The Vice President flayed South Africa and Leader of the British Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, for denigrating Nigeria, stating that no nation should take the country to the cleaners.
Badenoch had once described Nigeria as a ‘living hell.’ In another forum, she once said: “I don’t want this country to turn into the one I ran away from.”
He regretted that it was unfortunate that despite the role Nigeria played in opposing the apartheid regime, some South Africans still have strong aversion for the country.
He said Badenoch was at liberty to remove ‘Kemi’ from her name, adding that despite her uncomplimentary remarks, the country would always stand tall in the comity of nations.
“Kemi Badenoch, Leader of the Conservative Party, in the United Kingdom, we are proud of her, despite denigrating her nation of origin.
“She is entitled to her own opinion. She has every right to remove the ‘Kemi’ from her name. But that does not underscore the fact that the greatest black nation on earth is the nation called Nigeria.
“By 2050, Nigeria will surpass the United States to become the third most populous nation on earth. I am a Nigerian. I am a proud Nigerian. Kemi Badenoch is entitled to her own opinion.
“Definitely, her opinion is not the sacred truth. Nigeria is a country of origin and a destination for migrants with over 1.3 million migrants.
“However, we must acknowledge that irregular migration remains a persistent challenge.
“In 2024, we have returned and reintegrated no fewer than 10,000 Nigerians who have been detained for migration offences in Africa and European countries.
“These figures highlight the vulnerability that comes with migration. The government response has been multifaceted involving several agencies and robust partnerships.
“It is sad to note that some South Africans are clamouring for the impeachment of their president for enhancing the rights of Nigeria.
“Maybe they are suffering from amnesia. Nigeria, more than any other country, contributed to the liberation of Southern Africa. We are not complaining; we are just reminding them.
“Nigerians are not going to other parts of the nation to become beggars. Yes, we have the market. Nigerians are very proud and productive people. So, let no one take us for granted. Let no nation take us to the cleaners. I urge us all to focus on practical solutions.”
Also, Honourable Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons, (NCFRMI), Aliyu Tijani, said Nigeria currently houses 100,000 refugees and asylum seekers.
“Nigeria faces a monumental challenge, with displacement figures now exceeding 6 million internally displaced persons.
“This includes individuals uprooted by armed banditry, Boko Haram insurgency, climate change induced displacement as a result of environmental factors such as erosion, desertification, landslides, floods, droughts and heat waves as well as those affected by flooding in the South-East, South-South and south west regions.
“In response, we are unwavering in our determination to address these pressing issues.
“Our efforts are focused on developing strategies for providing durable solutions to the displaced, in close collaboration with relevant stakeholders.”
The Vice President also flayed South Africa and leader of the British Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, for denigrating Nigeria, stating that no nation should take the country to the cleaners.
Badenoch had once described Nigeria as a ‘living hell.’ In another forum, she once said: “I don’t want this country to turn into the one I ran away from.”
He regretted that it was unfortunate that despite the role Nigeria played in opposing the apartheid regime, some South Africans still have strong aversion for the country.
He said Badenoch was at liberty to remove ‘Kemi’ from her name, adding that despite her uncomplimentary remarks, the country would always stand tall in the comity of nations.
“Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party in the United Kingdom, we are proud of her, despite denigrating her nation of origin.
“She is entitled to her own opinion. She has every right to remove the ‘Kemi’ from her name. But, that does not underscore the fact that the greatest black nation on earth is the nation called Nigeria.
“By 2050, Nigeria will surpass the United States to become the third most populous nation on earth. I am a Nigerian. I am a proud Nigerian. Kemi Badenoch is entitled to her own opinion.
“Definitely, her opinion is not the sacred truth. Nigeria is a country of origin and a destination for migrants with over 1.3 million migrants.
“However, we must acknowledge that irregular migration remains a persistent challenge.
“In 2024, we have returned and reintegrated about 10,000 Nigerians who have been detained for migration offences in Africa and European countries.
“These figures highlight the vulnerability that comes with migration. The government response has been multifaceted involving several agencies and robust partnerships.
“It is sad to note that some South Africans are clamouring for the impeachment of their president for enhancing the rights of Nigeria.
“Maybe, they are suffering from amnesia. Nigeria, more than any other country, contributed to the liberation of Southern Africa. We are not complaining; we are just reminding them.
“Nigerians are not going to other parts of the nation to become beggars. Yes, we have the market. Nigerians are very proud and productive people. So, let no one take us for granted. Let no nation take us to the cleaners. I urge us all to focus on practical solutions.”
Also, Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Aliyu Tijani, said Nigeria currently houses 100,000 refugees and asylum seekers.
Tijani added: “Nigeria faces a monumental challenge, with displacement figures now exceeding six million internally displaced persons.
“This includes individuals uprooted by armed banditry, Boko Haram insurgency, climate change induced displacement as a result of environmental factors, such as erosion, desertification, landslides, floods, droughts and heat waves, as well as those affected by flooding in the South-East, South-South and South West regions.
“In response, we are unwavering in our determination to address these pressing issues.
“Our efforts are focused on developing strategies for providing durable solutions to the displaced, in close collaboration with relevant stakeholders.”