President Bola Tinubu speaks at the 17th meeting of the Global South and the Emerging Economies bloc, BRICS, on Saturday in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
In a remarkable achievement, President Bola Tinubu has announced that remittances from Nigerians abroad reached an impressive $20.93 billion in 2024, dwarfing the nation’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) by a factor of four.
Speaking at the National Diaspora Day (NDD) celebrations and National Merit Award 2025 in Abuja, hosted by the Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Tinubu highlighted the pivotal role of the diaspora in driving Nigeria’s development.
The event, themed “ _Optimising Formidable Diaspora Potentials for National Development and Growth,”_ was attended by Sen. George Akume, representing the President.
Tinubu praised NiDCOM’s innovative initiatives, including the NDD celebrations, National Diaspora Merit Award, Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit, Diaspora Mortgage Scheme, and Diaspora Data Mapping project.
He emphasized the importance of engaging Nigerians abroad through presidential diaspora town-hall meetings held during international trips, noting their contributions as “Ambassadors at large” who elevate Nigeria’s global image.
The President also celebrated the diaspora’s investments in key sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education, ICT, housing, sports, transportation, and energy.
“Only Nigerians, both at home and abroad, can truly develop Nigeria,” he stated, underscoring the significance of their efforts in the nation’s progress.
NiDCOM Chairman/CEO, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, highlighted the contributions of over 20 million Nigerians abroad, describing them as hardworking, resilient, and patriotic trailblazers.
She noted that the NDD, observed annually on July 25, recognizes their role in national development.
Since NiDCOM’s inception six years ago, it has honored outstanding individuals and groups through the National Diaspora Merit Award, launched in 2023.
Dabiri-Erewa also spotlighted the Badagry Door of Return Festival, held every October to honor Nigerian descendants of the slave trade era and commemorate the historical significance of Badagry.
Chief of Mission at the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Nigeria, Ms. Sharon Dimanche, lauded NiDCOM’s efforts and the diaspora’s impact.
She cited World Bank data showing global remittances reached $905 billion in 2024, with Sub-Saharan Africa receiving $56 billion. Nigeria’s $20.93 billion in remittances, an 8.9% increase from the previous year according to the Central Bank of Nigeria, has provided critical support for households, education, healthcare, and livelihoods.
Beyond financial contributions, Dimanche emphasized the diaspora’s influence in fields like health, technology, education, arts, finance, and public administration. She also highlighted the potential of Nigeria’s globally connected, tech-savvy diaspora youth to drive entrepreneurship and innovation.
“Their transnational ties represent a wealth of knowledge and networks vital for Nigeria’s transformation,” she said.
The 2025 NDD celebrations underscored the Nigerian diaspora’s unwavering commitment to their homeland, positioning them as key partners in building a prosperous and sustainable future for the nation.
