President Bola Tinubu mentioned Thursday that Nigeria has been ranked among the many prime 10 nations globally with probably the most worldwide migrants, citing figures from the United Nations.
This got here in the course of the opening of the 2024 Nationwide Diaspora Day Celebrations in Abuja, the place the theme centered on the “Japa Phenomena and its Implications for Nationwide Improvement.”
Talking by means of the Secretary to the Authorities of the Federation Senator George Akume, Tinubu acknowledged the complexity and scale of migration amongst Nigerians.
He highlighted that out of 169 million worldwide migrant staff who’ve left their nations of origin primarily searching for work, Nigeria contributes a good portion to this international diaspora inhabitants.
The president emphasised the substantial impression of Nigerian residents dwelling overseas on the nation’s improvement.
Drawing from his private expertise of dwelling in the US earlier than returning to Nigeria, Tinubu inspired expatriate Nigerians to carry their experiences again residence to contribute to nationwide progress.
Chairman and CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Fee (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, mentioned Nigerian diaspora remittances had reached $100 billion over the previous 5 years. In 2023 alone, Nigeria acquired $21.9 billion in remittances, underlining the financial significance of its international residents, she mentioned.
The federal government’s recognition of the diaspora’s significance was additional emphasised by initiatives geared toward participating abroad Nigerians in nationwide improvement.
These embody the institution of the Nigerian Diaspora Fee and presidential city corridor conferences with diaspora communities.
No fewer than 1,000 contributors are anticipated on the two-day 2024 diaspora day celebrations.