DIASPORA REMITTANCE WINDFALL: Sanwo-Olu and Dabiri-Erewa Urge More Collaborations with Nigerians Abroad
By Sola Akingboye, 22 December 2024
Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), have expressed their excitement about the impressive achievements of Nigerians living abroad. This statement comes in light of recent diaspora remittance data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which showed an increase from $336.61 million in September 2024 to $402.38 million in October 2024.
In a press release signed by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols Unit (NIDCOM), it was noted that Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, attended the ConnectEDiaspora Fireside Chat 2024 in Lagos. During the event, he urged Nigerians in the diaspora to cherish their country and culture to help preserve their identity. He encouraged them to explore their surroundings, identify opportunities, and contribute to national development, sharing his personal experience of returning to Nigeria after a few years working in the United States.
Sanwo-Olu also advised Nigerians abroad to avoid spreading negative narratives about the country and to seek out opportunities, noting that many foreigners are thriving despite Nigeria’s challenges.
Similarly, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa encouraged Nigerians in the diaspora to continue contributing to the nation’s socio-economic development. She emphasized that addressing Nigeria’s challenges requires collaboration between citizens at home and abroad. She mentioned that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is actively working to tackle the nation’s issues through various proactive reforms and policies.
Dabiri-Erewa highlighted the purpose of the Diaspora Homestrings event, which was aimed at empowering Nigerian youth through innovation and impactful initiatives. She praised the 61.1 per cent growth in Nigeria’s diaspora remittances in the year from January to October 2024 and commended the effective policies implemented by the CBN. She also pointed out that Nigerians in the diaspora are investing back into the country, as highlighted during the recent Nigerian Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS).
The NIDCOM Chairman reiterated that the commission is dedicated to bridging the gap between Nigerians abroad and their home country, emphasizing their commitment to national development. She reminded the diaspora community that the Commission is ready to foster stronger relationships, explore new platforms, and create more opportunities, particularly for the younger generation.
The first Connected Diaspora event, which served as a networking gathering for younger Nigerians living abroad, was organized by NIDCOM’s Homestrings program in partnership with Connected Diaspora, led by Siji Abere and Nosa Okunsebor. They both committed to training young Nigerians in technology and the digital space through partnerships with Innovation hubs. Special guests at the event included award-winning actress Omotola Jalade Ekehinde, World Chess Champion Tunde Onakoya, DG of SMEDAN Charles Odii, Real Estate Mogul Yemi Edun, Head of the Lagos Diaspora Agency Jermaine Sanwoolu, among others.
An impressive lineup of panelists from the diaspora included Genevieve Nkiruka Wakeley-Jones (Vice Chair of the British Nigeria Law Forum), Dr. Joyce Omatseye (Founder of AYA NINI Health), and Lanre Vigo (Co-Founder and CEO of Inter Lagos FC and Head of Sports Management at the Plug).
