'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER – Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), in a move underscoring the critical role of the Nigerian diaspora in national development has praised the immense contributions of Nigerians living abroad to the country’s economy. Speaking at the *Africa Diaspora Day on the Hill*, held in the U.S. Capitol during the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference in Washington DC, Dabiri-Erewa emphasized the diaspora's pivotal impact on both their host countries and Nigeria's economic development.
A statement today by Gabriel Odu of the Commission's media unit disclosed that Dabiri-Erewa stressed that the annual remittances from Nigerians in the diaspora have amounted to nearly $20 billion, which accounts for approximately 6.1% of Nigeria’s GDP. She highlighted how these remittances contribute to household incomes, business investments, and national infrastructure, reinforcing the strategic importance of the diaspora in shaping the country's economic landscape.
Harnessing Diaspora Resources for National Development
During her presentation, Dabiri-Erewa outlined NiDCOM’s ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with the Nigerian diaspora, particularly through the implementation of the National Diaspora Policy. This policy serves as a framework for engaging Nigerians living abroad and leveraging their skills, investments, and expertise to propel national development.
In line with this objective, NiDCOM has initiated several programs, including the Diaspora Data Mapping/Registration Portal, which allows Nigerians abroad to register and provide data on their skills and capacity, the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS), and the Diaspora Mortgage Scheme, which aims to facilitate real estate investments back home.
Global Recognition of Diaspora Contributions
Dabiri-Erewa also celebrated the success stories of Nigerian professionals and entrepreneurs across various sectors worldwide, highlighting their roles as strategic partners in advancing Nigeria's growth. "Our citizens in the diaspora are excelling across the globe, contributing not only to Nigeria but also significantly to the economies of their host countries," she said.
Her participation in the high-profile event facilitated discussions with several global leaders, including Gina Paige, President & CEO of African Ancestry, and His Royal Majesty Mouhammad-Nabil Mforifoum Mbombo Njoya, the Sultan King of Bamoun in Cameroon. These interactions underscored the importance of cross-continental collaborations in fostering a shared economic future for Africa, the Caribbean, and the U.S.
Strengthening U.S.-Africa-Caribbean Relations
The event, themed "The Rise of Global Africa: Forging a New U.S. Economic Partnership with Africa and the Caribbean," served as a significant platform for fostering deeper economic and political relationships between the U.S. and African nations, with a focus on the transformative role of the African diaspora. U.S. Representatives Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Jonathan Jackson, and Sydney Kamlager-Dove, along with Senator Tim Kaine, also graced the occasion, signaling robust U.S. support for stronger ties with Africa and the Caribbean.
Commitment to Future Growth
In closing, Dabiri-Erewa reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to engaging its diaspora community and collaborating with international partners to drive sustained economic growth. "The future of Africa and Nigeria lies in the hands of its global citizens. As we continue to engage with the diaspora, we strengthen not just our economy but our place on the world stage," she noted.
The Africa Diaspora Day on the Hill marks another milestone in fostering international cooperation and enhancing the visibility of Africa’s vast potential, especially through the contributions of its global diaspora.
