Dr Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), don talk say diaspora remittances be the highest source of foreign exchange to Naija. She talk dis one for Ado Ekiti during the Afe Babalola University Convocation, where she give lecture titled “Diaspora engagements for National Development”.
Dabiri-Erewa say Nigerians wey dey abroad dey contribute big time to Naija economy, either as individuals or groups. She mention say many commercial initiatives by Nigerians in diaspora worth millions of dollars dey add to Naija’s GDP and national development.
According to her, “diaspora remittances be the highest source of foreign exchange to Nigeria and contribute more to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic than oil”. She quote Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) say for July 2024, Naija record $553m diaspora remittance, which be the highest ever.
Dabiri-Erewa advise against unnecessary migration from Naija in the name of ‘Japa’, saying there be no point in travelling out of frustration. She say NIDCOM dey address diaspora engagements challenges, including trust deficit among Nigerians in diaspora, those in Naija, and the government.
She call on Nigerians in diaspora to join hands with NIDCOM to help government achieve sustainable development. She also suggest collaboration between Nigerian universities and citizens in diaspora on staff and student exchange programmes, especially targeting second and third generation of Nigerians in diaspora.
Dabiri-Erewa praise Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) over their linkage with Kings College London, which allow ABUAD students to liaise with other world universities. She encourage the university to establish a Diaspora Centre of Excellence for courses and research on diaspora-related issues.
