President Bola Tinubu has described the Nigerian Diaspora as an indispensable asset and urged them to take an active role in propelling Nigeria’s economic transformation.
Speaking at the 7th Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit in Abuja on Tuesday, Tinubu emphasised that his administration’s sweeping reforms aim to pave the way for Diaspora-driven investments crucial for Nigeria’s prosperity.
“The Diaspora plays a critical role in any nation’s development. You, our brothers and sisters abroad, and an indispensable asset to our great nation.
“You are not only ambassadors of Nigeria but torch-bearers of excellence and innovation,” said Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
He urged the Diasporans to leverage their global expertise and resources to bridge Nigeria’s development gaps, stressing that the nation is at a critical juncture where such investments are more vital than ever.
With the summit’s theme, ‘Adapting Stability through Diaspora Investment: Navigating the Path to Prosperity,” the government called for collaborations to stabilize and boost key economic sectors.
“We recognise that by leveraging on your knowledge, expertise, and global connections, we can fuel our nation’s progress and thus bridge the developmental gap between Nigeria and the rest of the world.
“This is why the theme of this year’s Summit is not only relevant but underscores the role you can play in helping us secure a brighter future for all Nigerians,” he added.
Tinubu assured investors that Nigeria is actively restructuring areas such as finance, healthcare, energy, and ICT to foster a business-friendly climate.
The president also underscored his administration’s commitment to tackling longstanding issues, particularly economic reforms and security.
Major steps, including fuel subsidy removal and currency adjustments, were highlighted as part of efforts to stabilise the economy and reduce dependence on imports.
Security, Tinubu noted, is a cornerstone of the administration’s agenda, with the government’s multi-pronged approach showing significant impact.
He cited recent gains, including the release of over 4,600 hostages and the neutralization of thousands of militants, as proof of the administration’s resolve to address insecurity.
Tinubu concluded by stressing that the government’s bold reforms depend on strong support from the Diaspora.
“The Diaspora are our invaluable partners in this journey to national prosperity and unlocking the full potential of our initiatives, thus Diaspora involvement is not just welcomed; it is essential.
“We are well aware of the need to structurally engage and leverage on talent and resources of the Diaspora in achieving a prosperous nation,” he added.
The summit coordinator, Dr. Badewa Adejugbe-Williams, described it as a “movement” aimed at mobilising the Diaspora’s resources for long-term national growth.
The summit, organized by NIDCOM and the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit Initiative, drew leading entrepreneurs and Diasporan investors, showcasing investment opportunities across multiple sectors.
