By Emmanuel Obisue
In recent years, the Federal Government of Nigeria has increasingly emphasized the need for Nigerians in the Diaspora to invest in the country as part of efforts to promote nation-building and stimulate economic growth.
Nigerians living abroad are now beginning to understand the importance of this call and are taking advantage of the abundant opportunities available back home.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja over the weekend, shortly after the official launch of Lahor Luxury Apartments in Bwari, Engr. PrincePaul Agbonlahor shared that many Nigerians abroad including himself, are investing in the country’s booming hospitality sector in a deliberate decision to “give back to society”. He said, “For me, it’s a pleasure to come back home and contribute to the grassroots where we come from”.
Nigerian Pilot recalls that Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), revealed that remittances from Nigerians abroad have exceeded $90 billion in the past five years. She described this development as a testament to the growing impact of the Diaspora on Nigeria’s economy. Additionally, she noted that Nigerians living abroad spent approximately N60 billion during their visits to the country in December last year.
In response to questions about how the government and security agencies can identify Nigerians who might use the guise of hospitality investments to engage in criminal activities, Agbonlahor advised government representatives and security agencies to engage with these individuals regularly, beginning from the construction phase of proposed investment sites.
The CEO also emphasized that one of his motivations for investing in the sector was to provide Nigerians, especially those at the nearby Nigerian Law School, with “comfort, luxury, and security”.
The US-based engineer, who is also involved in providing solutions for mental health and behavioral issues, called on other Nigerians in the Diaspora to invest back home in support of nation-building.
