The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has urged Nigerians in the diaspora to return home not only physically but also economically, to invest their expertise and resources in critical sectors to drive transformation across the country.
Naijaonpoint reports that Shettima made the plea at the 8th Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS) in Abuja, with the theme, “Fast-Tracking Regional and National Development by Mobilising Diaspora Investment,” which aligns with the administration’s drive to build a prosperous Nigeria powered by the collective strength and ingenuity of its citizens at home and abroad.
Shettima, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dunoma Umar Ahmed, commended the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) under the leadership of Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa and the Nigeria Diaspora Summit Initiative (NDSI) for their consistent efforts in mobilising diaspora investments aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Shettima reaffirmed the Federal Government’s determination to create a conducive environment for investment through reforms and programmes such as the Home and Abroad Housing Platform, the proposed Diaspora Bond, the ₦75 billion MSME Intervention Fund, the FGN–ALAT Digital Skillnovation Programme, and massive infrastructure projects valued at over ₦4 trillion in roads, bridges, power, and digital connectivity.
In his speech, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs, Aniekan Bassey, represented by his Deputy, Senator Anthony Siyako Yaro, described diaspora investment as a catalyst for national progress, capable of bridging funding gaps, opening new markets, and stimulating innovation.
He proposed the establishment of a Diaspora Bank and Investment Trust Fund to mobilise diaspora savings, provide loans, finance entrepreneurship, and channel resources into key sectors such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and technology.
Bassey commended NiDCOM for establishing the State Diaspora Focal Point Officers (SDFPOs), a model that is already yielding positive results across states.
He assured that the National Assembly remains committed to providing legislative support through relevant bills, including the Social Development Amendment Bill, the Company and Allied Matters Amendment Bill, and the National Association of Chartered Evaluators Bill, to strengthen diaspora participation in national progress.
Similarly, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, described the summit as a movement of purpose uniting investors, innovators, and policymakers in shaping a forward-looking Nigeria.
She emphasised that Nigeria’s diaspora community, with over 17 million citizens contributing an estimated GDP of more than $1 trillion, remains a key asset for national transformation.
She noted that while remittances exceeded $25 billion in 2024, there is a need to channel such capital and expertise into structured investments that drive inclusive growth.
Dabiri-Erewa outlined opportunities in infrastructure, renewable energy, healthcare, education, and technology, while also acknowledging the challenges of regulatory bottlenecks and access to financing.
She called for strengthened institutional frameworks, improved business environments, and deeper partnerships between government, private sector, and diaspora communities.
In addition, the Chief of Mission of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), Sharon Dimanche, praised Nigeria’s progress in institutionalising diaspora engagement through policies, partnerships, and data-driven programmes.
She highlighted IOM’s collaboration with NiDCOM and state governments under the EU-funded Support to Migration Governance Programme, which focuses on diaspora mapping, policy frameworks, and investment partnerships in Cross River, Abia, and Lagos States.
Dimanche reaffirmed IOM’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in transforming diaspora potential into practice, noting that diaspora investment can strengthen agriculture, renewable energy, healthcare, education, and digital technology. She proposed three key priorities for action: creating an enabling environment, diversifying investment channels, and empowering regional and local governments to attract diaspora capital.
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