Feyi Ogunbiyi
The Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has revealed that Nigerians living abroad contribute over $90 billion annually in remittances, making the country one of the highest recipients in Africa.
She described the diaspora community as a vital asset for national development and urged them to remain connected to their roots.
Dabiri-Erewa made this call while delivering a Ramadan Lecture organized by No Dull Moment in Islam (NDMI) on the theme, “The Intricacies of Japa Syndrome.”
While acknowledging that migration is a fundamental human right and a long-standing global phenomenon, she emphasized that the focus should not be on discouraging migration but on ensuring that Nigerians abroad make meaningful contributions to their home country.
“Migration is not wrong. Even Prophet Muhammad (SAW) migrated from Makkah to Madinah for a better life but returned to rebuild his homeland,” she said.
She urged Nigerians in the diaspora to emulate this example by giving back through investments, mentorship programmes, and community development projects, rather than seeing migration as a complete departure from their homeland.
The NiDCOM boss highlighted the outstanding achievements of Nigerians in the diaspora, stating that 70 percent of Black doctors abroad are of Nigerian origin.
She also noted the remarkable success of Nigerians in various fields, including technology, business, sports, and entertainment.
She cited recent examples such as Morotoluwa Ojomoh, a Nigerian who won the Super Bowl Championship in the United States and returned home to a grand reception by the Nigerian government.
Similarly, world boxing champion Anthony Joshua returned to his hometown, Sagamu, in December 2024, reconnecting with his roots amid a warm reception.
Quoting Ojomoh’s words, she said, “The grass is greener where you nurture it.”
Dabiri-Erewa acknowledged growing concerns about brain drain but advocated for a shift in perspective towards brain circulation.
She urged Nigerians abroad to leverage their acquired skills, knowledge, and networks to contribute to Nigeria’s development.
She also advised Nigerians living in foreign countries to be law-abiding and familiarize themselves with the laws, cultures, and societal norms of their host nations.
“No matter where you go, come back home. The younger generation has a lot to offer Nigeria. Let us change the narrative from Japa to Impact,” she said.
Drawing from the spiritual significance of Ramadan, Dabiri-Erewa stressed the values of patience, hope, and giving back.
She called on the diaspora community to invest in Nigeria, not just financially but through knowledge transfer and social impact initiatives.
“Nigeria is our home. We all have a role to play in making it a place of sanctuary, not just for ourselves but for future generations,” she concluded.
Her remarks come at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with economic challenges and a rising wave of migration, commonly referred to as Japa syndrome.
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