Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, has revealed that Nigerians living abroad remitted over $20 billion to the country’s economy in 2024, describing them as a vital force in national development.
Tuggar made this known during a working visit to the headquarters of the Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) in Abuja, where he met with the Commission’s chairperson, Abike Dabiri-Erewa.
Commending Dabiri-Erewa’s leadership in advancing the interests of Nigerians overseas, the minister said the contributions of the diaspora community extended far beyond financial remittances.
He stressed that their influence and achievements bolster Nigeria’s global image, acting as cultural ambassadors across the world.
“Nigeria’s diaspora community is one of the most vibrant in the world – over 17 million Nigerians are spread across every continent.
“They are doctors, engineers, entrepreneurs, academics, athletes, creatives, and leaders in their fields. In 2024 alone, remittances from Nigerians abroad amounted to over $20 billion. This represents a vital lifeline to our economy and a testament to their enduring commitment to national development”, Tuggar said.
The minister emphasised the need for NiDCOM’s work to align with President Bola Tinubu’s “Four Ds” doctrine of diplomacy, which focuses on development, demography, diaspora, and democracy.
He noted that the “diaspora” pillar is not just an aspect of the doctrine but its core mandate.
Tuggar called on the Commission to deepen efforts to integrate Nigerians abroad into the national economy by creating deliberate investment and innovation pathways.
He also proposed dedicated programmes to strengthen the bond between the diaspora and their homeland, enhancing their understanding of Nigeria’s history, culture, and aspirations.
Such engagement, he said, would help counter misinformation and ensure that diaspora youth remain connected to their heritage.
Dabiri-Erewa, in her response, praised Nigerians in the diaspora for bridging developmental gaps through significant investments, citing the establishment of a world-class stroke centre in Imo State and a cancer hospital in Lagos.
While, urging members of the diaspora to register on the Commission’s official platform, www.nidcom.ng.gov, she said that NiDCOM had initiated a diaspora data mapping project to identify, locate and analyse the contributions of Nigerians abroad.
