Photo: Abike Dabiri-Erewa, NiDCOM CEO
Nigerians living abroad have sent over $90 billion to Nigeria in the past five years to support the country’s development, according to Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM.
She shared this at a workshop organized by NISER and NiDCOM in Abuja, focused on how Nigerians in the diaspora contribute to the economy.
Dabiri-Erewa, according to a report by online media, Nairametrics, emphasized the importance of collecting accurate data to improve policies and better engage the diaspora, saying it would help strengthen ties with Nigeria and maximize their contributions to national development.
Prof. Antonia Taiye Simbine, Director-General of NISER, explained that with over 17 million Nigerians living abroad, the research would help create policies to leverage their expertise and investments. She praised NiDCOM’s efforts in engaging with the diaspora.
Hon. Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, Chairman of the House Committee on National Planning and Economy, highlighted that remittances from the diaspora range between $17.2 billion and $20 billion annually.
He urged the government to involve Nigerians abroad as partners in the country’s development and called for platforms to engage them effectively.
Diaspora remittances play a significant role in many developing countries, often supporting families and community projects. In December 2024, Nairametrics reported that Nigerians abroad spent about N60 billion during visits to Nigeria.
Dabiri-Erewa also proposed creating a “Diaspora Plaza” to engage with Nigerians abroad and mentioned efforts to secure funding strategies with the National Assembly to boost NiDCOM’s resources.
