Nigeria ranks as one of the top ten countries in the world with the most international migrants, so says President Bola Tinubu
Citing figures from the United Nations, President Tinubu challenged Nigerians to let the figure reflect in the economic development of Nigeria.
He made the call at the 2024 National Diaspora Day Celebrations in Abuja,
The theme centred on the “Japa” phenomenon and its implications for national development.” “Japa”. a term popular among Nigerian youth connotes migration for greener pasture.
President Bola Tinubu, who spoke through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, acknowledged the complexity and scale of migration among Nigerians.
According to him, out of 169 million international migrant workers who have left their countries of origin primarily seeking work, Nigeria contributes a significant percentage to this global diaspora population.
Drawing instance from his sojourn in the United States, President Tinubu says his return to Nigeria was hastened by the intent to contribute to national growth.
Chairman and CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, revealed that Nigerian diaspora remittances have reached an impressive $99 billion over the past five years.
She revealed that the much-expected diaspora voting Bill, which is being sponsored by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Tajudeen Abbas has already scaled the first reading stage in the House of Representatives..
Corroborating Dabiri, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House of Reps speaker Tajudeen Abbas say Nigerian Government was committed to Diaspora Engagement for National Development.
The National Diaspora Day 2024 provided a platform for Nigerians in the diaspora to engage with the government and discuss ways to drive national development.
Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie
