Diaspora Nigerians Indispensable to Nigeria’s Future, Says Foreign Affairs Minister By Raymond Enoch
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has declared Nigerians in the Diaspora indispensable to Nigeria’s future, urging them to move beyond remittances and deploy their expertise, investments, networks and international experience to accelerate national development.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu made the call at a Town Hall Meeting with Nigerians in the Diaspora in New York on Wednesday, held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly and attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The Minister said the presence of the Vice President at the engagement demonstrated the importance the Federal Government attaches to Nigerians living abroad, including their welfare, concerns and contributions to the country.
She described the Diaspora as a strategic pillar of Nigeria’s foreign policy, stressing that Nigerians abroad should be viewed as development partners rather than merely a source of foreign exchange through remittances.
“Nigerians abroad are more than a source of remittances. You are professionals, entrepreneurs, academics, innovators and important bridges between Nigeria and the international community,” she said.
According to her, Nigeria stands to benefit significantly from the knowledge, professional expertise, global networks and international exposure accumulated by its citizens abroad.
She therefore called for deeper collaboration between the Federal Government and the Nigerian Diaspora in investment, innovation, knowledge transfer, mentorship and international business linkages.
The Minister urged Nigerians abroad to mentor young Nigerians, support innovative ventures, establish partnerships with Nigerian institutions and facilitate access for Nigerian businesses and entrepreneurs to international markets.
She also reaffirmed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ commitment to Citizens Diplomacy, which places the Nigerian citizen at the centre of the country’s diplomatic engagements.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu charged Nigeria’s embassies, high commissions and consulates to remain accessible and responsive to Nigerians within their respective jurisdictions, particularly citizens requiring legitimate consular assistance.
“The welfare of Nigerians abroad must remain a priority. Our Missions must listen, engage and assist our citizens within the limits of international law and the laws of host countries,” she said.
While calling for stronger institutional support for Nigerians abroad, the Minister equally urged members of the Diaspora to reciprocate by respecting the laws of their host countries and conducting themselves in ways that protect Nigeria’s reputation internationally.
She said effective Diaspora engagement must be anchored on trust, openness and sustained communication, describing the New York town hall as part of the government’s continuing dialogue with Nigerians overseas.
“Wherever you may reside, Nigeria remains our common heritage. Distance does not diminish citizenship. Where there are challenges, let us work together to address them; where there are opportunities, let us seize them together,” she said.
The Minister further stressed that Nigeria’s image abroad is shaped not only by its diplomats but also by the conduct and achievements of millions of Nigerians living and working across the world.
“Nigeria is represented internationally not only by its diplomats, but also by millions of Nigerians whose achievements, professionalism and character speak for our nation every day,” she added.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu assured the gathering that the Ministry would continue working with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, diplomatic missions and other relevant institutions to strengthen engagement with Nigerians overseas, improve consular support and advance their legitimate interests.
She said the Federal Government was committed to creating stronger mechanisms through which Nigerians abroad could contribute directly to national development.
“You are an important part of Nigeria’s story, and you are indispensable to Nigeria’s future,” the Minister told the gathering.
