Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has urged Nigerians living abroad to deploy their expertise, investments, networks and international experience towards advancing Nigeria’s development.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu made the call at a town hall meeting with Nigerians in the Diaspora in New York on Wednesday evening, held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The minister’s call was contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday by her Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Magnus Eze.
According to the statement, Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the Vice President’s presence at the engagement demonstrated the importance the Federal Government attaches to Nigerians living abroad, their welfare, concerns and contributions to national development.
She described the Diaspora as an important pillar of Nigeria’s foreign policy, stressing that Nigerians abroad should be regarded as strategic partners rather than merely as sources of remittances.
“Nigerians abroad are more than a source of remittances. You are professionals, entrepreneurs, academics, innovators and important bridges between Nigeria and the international community,” she said.
The minister reaffirmed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ commitment to citizens’ diplomacy, which places Nigerians at the centre of the country’s diplomatic engagements.
She also directed Nigeria’s embassies, high commissions and consulates to remain accessible and responsive to Nigerians within their respective jurisdictions, particularly when citizens require legitimate consular assistance.
“The welfare of Nigerians abroad must remain a priority. Our missions must listen, engage and assist our citizens within the limits of international law and the laws of host countries,” she stated.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu, however, urged Nigerians in the Diaspora to respect the laws of their host countries and conduct themselves in ways that uphold Nigeria’s dignity and reputation.
She called for stronger collaboration between the Federal Government and Nigerians abroad in areas including investment, innovation, knowledge transfer, mentorship and international business linkages.
“Your knowledge and international exposure are invaluable assets to our country. We want a stronger partnership with our Diaspora,” the minister said.
She encouraged Nigerians abroad to mentor young Nigerians, support innovation, establish partnerships with Nigerian institutions and connect Nigerian businesses and entrepreneurs with opportunities in international markets.
The minister described the town hall meeting as an important part of the government’s ongoing dialogue with Nigerians overseas, noting that effective Diaspora engagement should be built on trust, openness and sustained communication.
She assured the gathering that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would continue to work with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Nigeria’s diplomatic missions and other relevant institutions to strengthen engagement with Nigerians overseas and advance their legitimate interests.
“Wherever you may reside, Nigeria remains our common heritage. Distance does not diminish citizenship. Where there are challenges, let us work together to address them; where there are opportunities, let us seize them together,” she said.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu further noted that Nigeria’s representation on the international stage extended beyond its diplomats, pointing to millions of Nigerians whose achievements, professionalism and conduct contribute to the country’s global standing.
“Nigeria is represented internationally not only by its diplomats, but also by millions of Nigerians whose achievements, professionalism and character speak for our nation every day,” she said.
The minister assured Nigerians in the Diaspora that the Federal Government would continue to strengthen mechanisms for engagement, consular support and collaboration while creating opportunities for them to contribute meaningfully to national development.
“You are an important part of Nigeria’s story, and you are indispensable to Nigeria’s future,” she told the gathering.
