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Nigeria's Economy: Buhari Praises 17 Million Nigerians In Diaspora

President Muhammadu Buhari praised the contribution of 17 million Nigerians in the Migrant Community to national development, pointing out that they have contributed to Nigeria's growing prominence worldwide. 


The President said this on Monday during the 16th edition of the Nigerian National Migrant Community Day Celebration 2022, and the 4th organized by the Nigerian Migrant Communities Committee (NiDCOM) with the theme : “Community participation in difficult global times for national development. "

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Represented by his Chief of Staff, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, the President acknowledged the contribution of the Diaspora including direct remittances worth $20 billion in 2021, to the country`s economic development. 


He stressed that this year`s theme was apt for the celebration, “considering our experiences with COVID-19 pandemic, the ongoing Russian Ukrainian war and the insecurity we were experiencing, not only in Nigeria, but across the globe.” 


The President reiterated that his administration has held and will continue to hold Nigerian citizens in the Diaspora in the highest esteem.  He said: “This is evident in the following: the passage of the Nigerians in diaspora commission establishment in 2017; the establishment and takeoff of the Nigerians in Diaspora commission in 2019; the approval and adoption of the National Diaspora Policy in 2021, the presentation of the compendium of the `plus 600 Diaspora icons at 60` which remains a historic record of the work of our compatriots globally.

He noted the willingness of his administration to support NIDCOM in fulfilling its mandate, holistically through consideration for the establishment of the Nigerian Diaspora Investment Trust Fund as well as the intervention fund to support the activities of NiDCOM engagement with Nigerians in the Diaspora.  

Buhari said his constant engagements through the Presidential town hall meetings which are held with Nigerians in the Diaspora during all his official trips outside Nigeria, was part of recognizing their important roles in national development.  He said it was gratifying to know that every July 25th, the achievement of these Diasporans, many of whom are the country`s goodwill ambassadors contributing immensely and excelling globally, uplifting the image of Nigeria as well as continuing to develop Nigeria, through their resources, talents, skills, and global exposure. 

"These are  appreciated by my administration and Nigeria in general, as you all work together to make us proud at home." about  the value of our foreign direct investment. Moreover, many of our  compatriots abroad are actively investing in  healthcare, agriculture, education, information, communication technology, ICT, housing and real estate, transportation, oil  gas, other services, etc. “That, I must say, is commendable. And for our enlightened collective good, because only Nigerians at home and abroad can develop Nigeria. Personally, I'm proud. 

The President reiterated his commitment to free and reliable elections by 2023. which he said would be exemplary in Africa and  serve as a reference point on the continent and hope to prevent unconstitutional changes of government in the sub-region and other parts of the African continent. 


Buhari said, “As you  all know, the processes leading up to our national elections in 2023 have continued to progress smoothly and in accordance with the laws of our country and the Constitution. our law.

"I have repeatedly reassured myself of my own commitment, and that of my administration, to ensure that  processes continue to be transparent, trustworthy, free and fair, leading up to elections. and smooth communication, to transition to the next government. 


"This is the only way to strengthen democracy in Nigeria and set a good example for the rest of Africa and hopefully end dependence on unconstitutional change of government in our sub-region and other parts of the African continent." 

Abike Dabiri-Erewa of the Diaspora Nigerian Commission (NiDCOM) said, Diaspora Nigerians deserve it. honored because they are successful people and good ambassadors who give their best in everything they do contributing to development in Nigeria 


“Achieving community success stories This Diaspora community is linked to the existing NiDCOM platform  which has led several African countries to visit Nigeria to learn how to engage and manage the community. their Diaspora globally, noting the huge potential of the Diaspora community and the impact of their remittances on Ms. 


She informed that the  Diaspora Community Focal Point Officers (SDFPO) in the United States had established the necessary network and were in constant communication with NiDCOM through the annual summit. "This has led to more investment in the states and  diaspora involvement in projects in their states."

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