President Bola Tinubu said Thursday that Nigeria has been ranked among the top 10 countries globally with the most international migrants, citing figures from the United Nations.
This came during the opening of the 2024 National Diaspora Day Celebrations in Abuja, where the theme centered on the “Japa Phenomena and its Implications for National Development”.
Speaking through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation Senator George Akume, President Tinubu acknowledged the complexity and scale of migration among Nigerians.
He highlighted that out of 169 million international migrant workers who have left their countries of origin primarily seeking work, Nigeria contributes a significant portion to this global diaspora population.
The president emphasised the substantial impact of Nigerian citizens living abroad on the country’s development.
Drawing from his personal experience of living in the United States before returning to Nigeria, President Tinubu encouraged expatriate Nigerians to bring their experiences back home to contribute to national growth.
Chairman and CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said Nigerian diaspora remittances had reached $100 billion over the past five years. In 2023 alone, Nigeria received $21.9 billion in remittances, underlining the economic significance of its global citizens, she said.
The government’s recognition of the diaspora’s importance was further emphasized by initiatives aimed at engaging overseas Nigerians in national development.
These include the establishment of the Nigerian Diaspora Commission and presidential town hall meetings with diaspora communities.
No fewer than 1,000 participants are expected at the two-day 2024 diaspora day celebrations.
