Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has revealed that Nigerians in the diaspora contributed more than $20 billion to the nation’s economy in 2024 through remittances alone a figure he described as a “vital lifeline” for the country.
Tuggar made the remark during a working visit to the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) in Abuja on Monday, where he met with the commission’s chairperson, Abike Dabiri-Erewa.
Praising Dabiri-Erewa’s leadership, the minister emphasized the strategic importance of the diaspora to President Bola Tinubu’s “Four Ds” doctrine of diplomacy: Development, Demography, Diaspora, and Democracy. He noted that for NiDCOM, the “Diaspora” pillar isn’t just a policy focus it is its foundational mandate.
“Nigeria’s diaspora community is one of the most vibrant in the world, with over 17 million citizens across every continent,” Tuggar said.
“In 2024, they sent home over $20 billion a testament to their continued commitment to national development.”
He noted that the contributions go beyond financial inflows. Nigerians abroad, he said, are cultural ambassadors who help reshape global perceptions about the country, showcasing Nigeria’s creativity, resilience, and excellence.
Call for Stronger Diaspora Integration
Tuggar urged NiDCOM to deepen its efforts to integrate diaspora communities into Nigeria’s economic and development frameworks by creating targeted pathways for investment, innovation, and skills transfer.
He also proposed the development of programmes to reconnect second and third-generation Nigerians abroad with their roots initiatives that would deepen their understanding of the country’s history, culture, and aspirations, while also countering misinformation about Nigeria on global platforms.
“This kind of engagement will help ensure that younger generations of Nigerians abroad stay connected to their heritage, and remain proud ambassadors of the nation,” he said.
NiDCOM Chair Highlights Ongoing Initiatives
In her remarks, Dabiri-Erewa echoed the minister’s sentiments and applauded Nigerians in the diaspora for their growing role in national development.
She cited major health infrastructure projects, such as the best stroke centre in Imo State and a cancer hospital in Lagos, as examples of diaspora-driven investments with real local impact.
Dabiri-Erewa also mentioned that the commission has embarked on a diaspora data-mapping project, aimed at tracking the location, profiles, and contributions of Nigerians living abroad.
She encouraged Nigerians in the diaspora to register via the official platform: www.nidcom.gov.ng, to strengthen engagement and help inform future policies and programmes.
