₦airaland Forum

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.

frenzzy2:
So where is the money and what are you guys using it to do

LegendHero:
Make sense.

I want that to be like $70bn next year. We can do this.

LegendHero:
This is the money people abroad send to their families or for investments back home.

helinues:
Good news everywhere. Nigerians in abroad ate also contributing their quota

lexy2014:
who are the "we"?

how much you contribute for inside the 20billion?

if the standard of living in nigeria is good, will there be need for such remitances?

ottersberger:
Since Tinubu is busy stealing everything he can get his hands on, we are now forced to pay for basic life support for friends and family, from daily meals to hospital treatment and prescription drugs. His supporters will encourage more remittances so that they can steal more.

Goodvibes007:
Yes ooo. We are very much contributing our quota, and would continue to do more.

But our Obidients people go dey call us APC 20k monthly earner

ottersberger:
Since Tinubu is busy stealing everything he can get his hands on, we are now forced to pay for basic life support for friends and family, from daily meals to hospital treatment and prescription drugs. His supporters will encourage more remittances so that they can steal more.

lexy2014:
"investments"?

how did conclude that diaspora remittances is for investments?

LegendHero:
This is my LemFi. I still send almost $1k last week.

Oya let’s see your own.

Even if standard of living in Nigeria is good, it won’t stop remittance and it will actually increase it. People will send more money home to invest and build real estate.

China, India, and etc get mad remittance too.

chopnaira:
Before Tinubu, I have been sending money and after Tinubu, I will continue to send. I still sent money for a church program in Nigeria yesterday.

In 2019, Tinubu wasnt even president yet Nigerians sent 25 billion dollars home.

I have been sending several home simce the GEJ and Yaradua era as well.

lexy2014:
are the questions not simple enough?

1. who are the "we"?

2. how much you contribute for inside the 20billion?

3. if the standard of living in nigeria is good, will there be need for $20b remitances?

4. how will good standard of living in nigeria increase remittances?

LegendHero:
Lol if the dollar rate is what is controlling the price, why do you think you are sending more?

Your $100 before was N700+, now it’s like N1530. It will level up my guy.

The major reason why we are seeing more remittance is because those IMTOs are now using the regular channels because of the stability of naira.

LegendHero:
First show me your own contribution like I showed mine, then I will answer your jamb question.

You know time is money.

LegendHero:
Make sense.

I want that to be like $70bn next year. We can do this.

helinues:
Good news everywhere. Nigerians in abroad ate also contributing their quota

chopnaira:
Before Tinubu, I have been sending money and after Tinubu, I will continue to send. I still sent money for a church program in Nigeria yesterday.

In 2019, Tinubu wasnt even president yet Nigerians sent 25 billion dollars home.

I have been sending several home simce the GEJ and Yaradua era as well.

ottersberger:
This is not about exchange rates or remittance methods. Life is hard in Nigeria. We have hyperinflation, unpaid salaries, youth unemployment at 53 percent, petrol at over 900 naira per liter, and so on.

Nigeria earns in the region of 18 billion dollars from crude sales and 21 billion dollars from diaspora remittances, but we are still struggling. It goes without saying that the economy would have collapsed without diaspora like you and me investing and supporting a grossly corrupt and inefficient government in Nigeria. Period!

LegendHero:
Make sense.

I want that to be like $70bn next year. We can do this.