By Aaron Ossai
Nigerians living abroad spent about N60 billion during their visits to the country in December 2024, the Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has said.
The Chairman, who also disclosed that remittances alone in the last five years have exceeded $90 billion, described the expenditure as a testament to the diaspora’s growing impact on the nation’s economy.
She stated this when she appeared before the National Assembly Joint Committee on Diaspora to defend the commission’s 2025 budget.
While praising the contributions of diaspora Nigerians and growing interest in investing and engaging in nation-building, she noted that over the last five years, the commission has made significant strides by thinking outside the box and prioritizing the diaspora population.
“You know, we’ve reached a stage where in the last five years, we’ve shown that the diaspora is a powerful force, resource, and we cannot ignore them.
“And, you know, they are the number one ambassadors of our country. They will help us change the narrative of our country.
“And in fact, all over the world, everybody now wants to have a Nigerian as a friend. So let’s seize the moment. We can take over the world, and we will”, she added.
Speaking, Chairman, Senate Committee on Diaspora, Senator Victor Umeh, expressed reservations about Nigeria’s readiness for diaspora voting.
Responding to questions from journalist Umeh, representing Anambra Central, said Nigeria must first tackle the challenges confronting its own electoral process before thinking of extending such right to Nigerians in the Diaspora.
He warned that allowing Nigerians in the diaspora to vote without reliable data and systems in place could have grave consequences.
