In a significant boost to Nigeria’s economy, Nigerians living abroad sent home more than $20 billion in remittances in 2024. This announcement was made by Yusuf Tuggar, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, during a recent visit to Abike Dabiri-Erewa, chairperson of the Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), in Abuja.
Tuggar praised Dabiri-Erewa for her leadership and the vital role of the diaspora in supporting the nation’s economic development. He stressed that the contributions from Nigerians abroad are a testament to their commitment to the country, highlighting that over 17 million Nigerians are spread across the globe, excelling as doctors, engineers, entrepreneurs, and cultural ambassadors.
“This remarkable remittance figure underscores our diaspora’s vital role in the economy,” Tuggar stated, emphasizing their success stories and the positive image they project for Nigeria internationally. He urged NiDCOM to further integrate the diaspora into national development, suggesting the establishment of tailored programs that deepen connections between Nigerians abroad and their homeland.
Dabiri-Erewa echoed these sentiments, noting the diaspora’s significant investments, including a leading stroke center in Imo and a cancer hospital in Lagos. She also highlighted the commission’s efforts to map the contributions and characteristics of Nigerians overseas, urging them to register at www.nidcom.ng.gov.
Together, the minister and the NiDCOM chairperson are championing a movement to ensure that the vibrant Nigerian diaspora not only continues to support the economy but also maintains a strong bond with their roots.
