President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has acknowledged Nigeria as one of the top 10 countries with the highest number of international migrants, highlighting the complexity and scale of Nigerian migration globally.
Japa: Nigeria ranks among top 10 globally- Tinubu
This was revealed during his Presidential address on Thursday at the 2024 National Diaspora Day Celebrations and National Diaspora Merit Award in Abuja.
The event, themed “Japa Phenomena and its Implications for National Development,” saw Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, reference the United Nations’ ranking. He emphasized Nigeria’s significant diaspora population and its implications for national development.
Sharing his personal experience of living in the United States before returning to Nigeria, the President encouraged citizens to contribute their international experiences to national growth.
He provided a historical context of migration, from the transatlantic slave trade to current global competition for talent and skills.
Citing data, Tinubu noted that 169 million international migrant workers left their home countries primarily in search of work, with Nigeria having a substantial share of this diaspora.
He emphasized the positive impacts of global migration, including significant remittances, with Nigeria receiving $21.9 billion in 2023.
The President highlighted initiatives such as the Nigerian Diaspora Commission and presidential town hall meetings with diaspora communities, aimed at engaging the diaspora in national development.
He also announced the second edition of the National Diaspora Marriage Initiative, encouraging further engagement and participation in national progress.
Tinubu celebrated the Central Bank’s reforms, which have increased Forex officiate channels and stabilized the currency. He urged Nigerians abroad to continue contributing to critical sectors of the economy and not to forget their homeland.
Similarly, Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, represented by Deputy Speaker Hon. Benjamin Kalu, emphasized the importance of cooperation between the government and the diaspora.
He acknowledged the diaspora’s significant contributions to areas such as education, agriculture, ICT, transportation, and healthcare.
He also announced plans to explore granting voting rights to Nigerians in the diaspora, with a constitutional amendment bill already presented to the House of Representatives.
Senate President Sen. Godswill Akpabio addressed the brain drain phenomenon, where talented youth seek opportunities abroad.
He emphasized the need to create an environment that fosters technological growth and attracts skilled professionals back home.
Akpabio assured that the National Assembly is ready to enact necessary laws to support the return of skilled professionals and urged the diaspora to invest in local initiatives.
Meanwhile, Chairman of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in her welcome address, explained that the National Diaspora Day Celebrations are prescribed by the National Diaspora Policy to recognize and celebrate the over 20 million Nigerians in the diaspora who are contributing immensely to national development.
She lauded the diaspora for their hard work, productivity, patriotism, and resilience, despite a few falling below standards.
The 2024 National Diaspora Day provided a platform for Nigerians abroad to engage with the government and discuss ways to drive national development.
The event underscored the government’s commitment to diaspora engagement and recognized the community’s significant contributions to Nigeria’s growth.
