- NiDCOM launched the Diaspora Merit Award in 2023 to honour notable Nigerians making impact abroad and at home.
- Nigerian diaspora investments cut across healthcare, real estate, ICT, sports, oil and gas, education, and agriculture sectors.
President Bola Tinubu has said diaspora home remittances through official channels reached $20.93bn in 2024.
He said the figure was four times Nigeria’s total Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) within the same period.
Tinubu spoke on Friday in Abuja at the National Diaspora Day (NDD) celebration and National Diaspora Merit Award 2025 organised by the Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).
The theme of this year’s event was “Optimising Formidable Diaspora Potentials for National Development and Growth.”
He was represented by the secretary to the government of the federation, Senator George Akume.
The president praised NiDCOM’s efforts, including its flagship programmes such as the NDD celebrations, the National Diaspora Merit Award, and the Diaspora Mortgage Scheme.
He also commended the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit and the Diaspora Data Mapping project.
“It is gratifying to note that we have celebrated the achievements of our diaspora annually on July 25th, many of whom are our ambassadors-at-large, uplifting the image of Nigeria in their host countries,” he said.
“Nigerians in the diaspora are also actively investing in our healthcare, agriculture, education, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), housing and real estate, sports, transportation, oil and gas, and other sectors.
“This is commendable and in our enlightened self-interest, as only Nigerians, both at home and abroad, can develop Nigeria,” he added.
He said the NDD celebrations have taken a new turn with the inclusion of the National Diaspora Merit Award since 2023.
Earlier, the chairman and chief executive officer of NiDCOM, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said the NDD was designed to recognise the efforts of over 20 million Nigerians living abroad.
“Our diaspora are known for hard work, resilience, and patriotism, and they are highly productive. They are also barrier breakers and pacesetters in their different fields of endeavour.”
“It, therefore, behoves us to celebrate our very best, not minding that a few do fall below standard,” she said.
She noted that NiDCOM has sustained consistency since its creation six years ago and has many achievements to show for it.
Dabiri-Erewa added that the commission had successfully organised the NDD Merit Awards, honouring individuals and associations supporting both Nigeria and their host nations.
She also highlighted the yearly Badagry Door of Return Festival held every October to honour descendants of Nigerian victims of the transatlantic slave trade.
The chief of mission of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Nigeria, Ms Sharon Dimanche, praised NiDCOM for its accomplishments and long-standing commitment.
She said the Nigerian diaspora had proven to be a catalyst for inclusive and sustainable development.
According to her, members of the diaspora had shown resilience, innovation, and patriotism over the years.
She said, “According to the World Bank, in 2024, global official remittances were 905 billion dollars, with Sub-Saharan Africa receiving 56 billion dollars.”
“Of this, Nigeria recorded a significant inflow of 20.93 billion dollars, an 8.9 percent increase from the previous year, as reported by the Central Bank of Nigeria.”
“These remittances serve as a vital economic buffer, supporting households, education, healthcare, and livelihoods across the country,” she said.
She noted that the diaspora’s value went beyond monetary contributions.
“Nigerian professionals in health, technology, education, arts, finance, and public administration are transforming institutions globally while maintaining deep ties to their homeland.”
“This transnational connection represents an untapped wealth of knowledge, skills, and networks critical to national transformation.”
She added, “The youth in the diaspora—innovative, digitally savvy, and globally connected—hold enormous potential to drive entrepreneurship, civic participation, and technological advancement in Nigeria.”