Yusuf Tuggar, minister of foreign affairs, says Nigerians
abroad contributed over $20 billion to the country’s economy in 2024.

Tuggar spoke in Abuja on Monday when he paid a working visit
to Abike Dabiri-Erewa, chairperson of the Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission
(NiDCOM).

The minister commended Dabiri-Erewa for her leadership in
championing the interests of Nigerians in the diaspora, describing their
contributions as significant.

Tuggar said he was at the commission to reinforce the
importance of aligning its work with President Bola Tinubu’s four Ds doctrine
of diplomacy.

The minister listed the doctrines as development,
demography, diaspora, and democracy.

According to him, for NIDCOM, the “diaspora” pillar is not
just a component of the doctrine; it is the commission’s core mandate.

“Nigeria’s diaspora community is one of the most vibrant in
the world—over 17 million Nigerians are spread across every continent,” he
said.

“They are doctors, engineers, entrepreneurs, academics,
athletes, creatives, and leaders in their fields. In 2024 alone, remittances
from Nigerians abroad amounted to over $20 billion.

“This represents a vital lifeline to our economy and a
testament to the enduring commitment of our diaspora to national development.”

The minister said beyond the figures, Nigerians abroad are
also cultural ambassadors who project the nation’s rich heritage, innovation
and resilience on the global stage.

“Their successes open doors for others, change perceptions,
and build goodwill for Nigeria across borders,” he said.

“I urge NIDCOM to continue championing these wins and to
deepen efforts to integrate the Nigerian diaspora more fully into the national
economy.

“This means not only celebrating their achievements but also
creating deliberate pathways for them to invest, innovate and contribute their
skills to strategic national projects.”

Tuggar proposed that NiDCOM consider establishing dedicated
programmes aimed at deepening the bond between Nigerians abroad and their
ancestral homeland.

He said such initiatives should be designed to enhance their
knowledge, appreciation and understanding of Nigeria’s history, culture, values
and aspirations.

“In doing so, they will serve as compelling
counter-narratives to the weaponised disinformation occasionally propagated by
individuals who seek to distort our image for personal or political gain,” he
said.

“Sustained engagement of this nature will ensure that our
diaspora youth remain firmly connected to the heartbeat of the nation, proud of
their heritage and committed to Nigeria’s progress, wherever in the world they
may reside.”

Dabiri-Erewa commended Nigerians in the diaspora for
bridging gaps in the country through notable investments, citing “the best
stroke centre” in Imo and “the cancer hospital” in Lagos as significant
examples.

She said the commission has established a diaspora data
mapping to identify and analyse the characteristics, location, and
contributions of Nigerians living outside the country.

The NiDCOM chair urged Nigerians in the diaspora to register
at www.nidcom.ng.gov.

  Yusuf Tuggar, minister of foreign affairs, says Nigerians
abroad contributed over $20 billion to the country’s economy in 2024. Tuggar spoke in Abuja on Monday when he paid a working visit
to Abike Dabiri-Erewa, chairperson of the Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission
(NiDCOM). The minister commended Dabiri-Erewa for her leadership in
championing the interests of Nigerians in the diaspora, describing their
contributions as significant. Tuggar said he was at the commission to reinforce the
importance of aligning its work with President Bola Tinubu’s four Ds doctrine
of diplomacy. The minister listed the doctrines as development,
demography, diaspora, and democracy. According to him, for NIDCOM, the “diaspora” pillar is not
just a component of the doctrine; it is the commission’s core mandate. “Nigeria’s diaspora community is one of the most vibrant in
the world—over 17 million Nigerians are spread across every continent,” he
said. “They are doctors, engineers, entrepreneurs, academics,
athletes, creatives, and leaders in their fields. In 2024 alone, remittances
from Nigerians abroad amounted to over $20 billion. “This represents a vital lifeline to our economy and a
testament to the enduring commitment of our diaspora to national development.” The minister said beyond the figures, Nigerians abroad are
also cultural ambassadors who project the nation’s rich heritage, innovation
and resilience on the global stage. “Their successes open doors for others, change perceptions,
and build goodwill for Nigeria across borders,” he said.  “I urge NIDCOM to continue championing these wins and to
deepen efforts to integrate the Nigerian diaspora more fully into the national
economy. “This means not only celebrating their achievements but also
creating deliberate pathways for them to invest, innovate and contribute their
skills to strategic national projects.” Tuggar proposed that NiDCOM consider establishing dedicated
programmes aimed at deepening the bond between Nigerians abroad and their
ancestral homeland. He said such initiatives should be designed to enhance their
knowledge, appreciation and understanding of Nigeria’s history, culture, values
and aspirations. “In doing so, they will serve as compelling
counter-narratives to the weaponised disinformation occasionally propagated by
individuals who seek to distort our image for personal or political gain,” he
said. “Sustained engagement of this nature will ensure that our
diaspora youth remain firmly connected to the heartbeat of the nation, proud of
their heritage and committed to Nigeria’s progress, wherever in the world they
may reside.” Dabiri-Erewa commended Nigerians in the diaspora for
bridging gaps in the country through notable investments, citing “the best
stroke centre” in Imo and “the cancer hospital” in Lagos as significant
examples. She said the commission has established a diaspora data
mapping to identify and analyse the characteristics, location, and
contributions of Nigerians living outside the country. The NiDCOM chair urged Nigerians in the diaspora to register
at www.nidcom.ng.gov.