The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has called on Nigerians living abroad to prioritize investing in their home country, citing the unpredictability of immigration policies in their host nations, including the United States under former President Donald Trump....CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING.>>
Engr. Sule Yakubu, representing NiDCOM Chairperson Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, made the remarks on Monday, January 27, during a sensitization and advocacy program in Bauchi aimed at promoting diaspora investment opportunities in Northeast Nigeria.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Addressing the gathering, Yakubu highlighted the importance of Nigerians in the diaspora reconnecting with their roots and contributing to the development of their homeland.
“You cannot talk about people in the diaspora without reminding them that they didn’t just find themselves there by accident. They have a root, a country of origin, and they are in their host countries as countries of destination,” Yakubu stated.
He emphasized the value of home, noting, “You will never be a first-class citizen in your country of destination, even if you stay there for a hundred years. It is here in Nigeria that they are first-class citizens. To develop Nigeria, we need both those at home and those in the diaspora.”
Yakubu outlined five critical contributions from the diaspora community: financial resources, skills, talent, global exposure, and networks. He explained that these elements are essential for Nigeria’s development.
“Don’t underestimate the impact of their resources. One dollar is equivalent to N1,700, and with $500, you’re already earning a significant amount back home. These resources, coupled with their skills and global connections, can catalyze Nigeria’s growth,” he said.
Yakubu also urged Nigerians abroad to be cautious, referencing the strict immigration policies under President Trump. “When you are with President Trump, you better be careful because you could be on the next plane to Lagos or Abuja. This is why we must remind them that home is home.”
The NiDCOM official stressed the need for continuous sensitization to unlock the potential of the diaspora in leveraging Nigeria’s rich human, material, and agricultural resources for development.
“By tapping into these resources, we can achieve the progress we desire as a nation,” Yakubu concluded.
