DGGWI says diaspora remittances sustain millions of households, warns against political statements that could strain family ties and undermine local economies….
A coalition of civil society organisations has criticised former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi over his reported call for Nigerians living abroad to stop sending money to relatives at home, warning that such a position could worsen the hardship faced by vulnerable households.
The Democracy and Good Governance Watch Initiative (DGGWI), in a statement issued in Lagos and signed by its leaders, Gbenga Soloki, Nelson Ekujumi and Michael Popoola Ajayi, described the reported remarks as irresponsible and economically dangerous.
The group warned that political statements should not undermine family relationships or discourage financial support on which millions of Nigerians depend.
It expressed concern that a former governor and presidential candidate could make such a recommendation, arguing that it raised questions about his understanding of household economics, family relationships and the role of diaspora remittances in national development.
According to DGGWI, political competition should not encourage statements capable of deepening economic hardship or creating tensions between Nigerians living abroad and their relatives at home.
The organisation acknowledged that constructive opposition remains essential to democracy but maintained that political criticism must be informed by sound economic reasoning, responsible communication and an appreciation of the potential consequences of public pronouncements.
Citing the World Bank’s Migration and Development Brief 40, the group said remittance flows to low- and middle-income countries reached an estimated 656 billion dollars in 2023 before rising to approximately 685 billion dollars in 2024.
It said the figures demonstrated the importance of international money transfers to household welfare and economic stability, particularly in developing countries.
DGGWI explained that money sent home by Nigerians in the diaspora helps families pay school fees, access healthcare, purchase food, secure accommodation, establish small businesses and cope with unexpected financial emergencies.
Beyond individual households, the organisation said remittances also stimulate economic activity in local communities, as recipients spend the money on goods and services, supporting traders, transport operators, artisans and small businesses.
For Nigeria, the group argued, diaspora remittances provide an important financial lifeline by supplementing household incomes, supporting education and healthcare, financing entrepreneurial activities and helping families cope with rising living costs.
The organisation also stressed the need to distinguish personal remittances sent to relatives from statutory revenue transfers and other funds legally due to government institutions.
It warned that calls for non-remittance without a clear explanation of the funds involved, the applicable legal framework and the likely consequences could mislead the public and create unnecessary economic uncertainty.
DGGWI further questioned the reported advice to Nigerians in the United Kingdom to stop sending money to relatives requesting assistance, arguing that such a position failed to adequately consider the realities facing families struggling with unemployment, inflation and inadequate social protection.
The group maintained that while Nigerians have every right to demand accountable leadership, responsible public spending and an economy that provides decent employment, withdrawing family assistance without viable alternatives could expose vulnerable people to further hardship.
It noted that many households depend on relatives abroad to pay school fees, purchase medicines, feed children and support elderly parents, adding that such assistance is often essential to their survival.
“Economic hardship should not be compounded by political rhetoric that could question family support without providing a viable alternative. The answer to poverty is not to abandon vulnerable relatives but to create an economy in which families can earn sufficient incomes, businesses can thrive and citizens can live with dignity,” the statement said.
DGGWI maintained that diaspora remittances remain a significant contributor to household welfare and the wider economy, arguing that their importance should be recognised in discussions about Nigeria’s economic future.
The organisation urged Obi to reconsider his approach to politics and develop a deeper understanding of the economic and social realities confronting Nigerian families before seeking to lead the country.
It argued that the ability to criticise government policies or make economic recommendations does not automatically demonstrate the competence required to manage a complex national economy.
According to the group, presidential leadership requires a comprehensive understanding of public finance, monetary and fiscal policy, trade, investment, employment, social protection and industrial development, as well as the relationship between domestic and international economic activities.
It challenged Obi to explain how his reported position would protect vulnerable households, strengthen family relationships, stimulate local economic activity and address the underlying causes of poverty.
“If Mr. Obi believes that his political message is the solution to Nigeria’s economic problems, he owes Nigerians a convincing explanation of how that message will translate into jobs, affordable food, accessible healthcare, quality education and improved living standards,” the organisation said.
The group added that political leaders should focus on presenting credible economic policies and practical solutions rather than making statements it believes could strain relationships between Nigerians at home and their relatives abroad.
DGGWI also called on presidential aspirants, political leaders and public commentators to exercise restraint when addressing issues that directly affect the livelihoods of ordinary citizens.
It acknowledged that Nigerians living abroad have the right to determine how they spend their earnings, including whether and to what extent they provide financial assistance to relatives.
However, the organisation maintained that encouraging financial accountability should be distinguished from advocating a blanket withdrawal of support from vulnerable family members.
It urged Nigerians in the diaspora to make informed personal decisions about financial assistance while continuing to demand accountability from public officials and supporting policies that promote employment, self-reliance and sustainable economic growth.
The statement was signed by Gbenga Soloki, Nelson Ekujumi and Michael Popoola Ajayi, who called for responsible political communication and greater attention to the economic realities of Nigerian households.
