Nigerians in the diaspora remitted over $20bn to the country in 2024, surpassing foreign direct investment (FDI) and affirming their role as a critical economic lifeline, according to the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa.
Speaking at an international press conference in Abuja ahead of the National Diaspora Day (NDD) and the National Diaspora Merit Awards (NDMA), scheduled for July 25-26, Erewa said this year's theme: "Optimising Formidable Diaspora Potentials for National Development and Growth" -- reflects an urgent national call to deepen collaboration with Nigeria's diaspora population.
She stressed the growing influence of Nigerians abroad in key sectors including medicine, education, innovation, business, and governance, describing them as "among Nigeria's greatest exports.
"In 2024 alone, remittances from Nigerians abroad exceeded $20 billion, surpassing foreign direct investment. "But beyond figures lies an armoury of knowledge, skills, networks, and goodwill," she said.
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Dabiri-Erewa also emphasised that financial remittances represent only a fraction of diaspora contributions, urging a shift from statistics to structured engagement.
"It is a national imperative. We must harness the full value of our over 20 million diaspora community globally."
Reviewing strides made by NiDCOM, she cited initiatives such as the deployment of State Diaspora Focal Point Officers, the implementation of the National Diaspora Policy, the annual Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit, and the Data Mapping Project as practical tools for effective diaspora integration into national planning.
"This year's celebration is about building a Nigeria where our diaspora community is not just celebrated occasionally, but embedded structurally," she said.
The 2025 NDD will feature hybrid participation, welcoming delegates both physically at the State Conference Centre, Presidential Villa, Abuja, and virtually from across the globe.
The programme will include thematic sessions, strategic dialogues, youth mentorship, and the NDMA ceremony, honouring distinguished diaspora Nigerians for their contributions.
Registration for the event is ongoing at www.nidcom.gov.ng/diasporaday, with Dabiri-Erewa affirming that Nigerians in diaspora--from Lagos to Lisbon--are "seen, valued and celebrated."
She extended appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his consistent support for diaspora engagement and called on all stakeholders to be part of "a collective national effort to reconnect, reimagine and rebuild."
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"Let this event be remembered not for its banners, but for the bridges it builds and the futures it unlocks," she added.
