The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has revealed that remittances from Nigerians in the diaspora exceeded $20 billion in 2024, describing the contribution as a vital boost to the nation’s economy.
Tuggar disclosed this on Monday during a working visit to the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) in Abuja, where he commended the leadership of the commission’s Chairperson, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, for advancing the interests of Nigerians living abroad.
The minister said the figure underscored the economic significance of the diaspora, noting that more than 17 million Nigerians reside across different continents, excelling in diverse fields such as medicine, engineering, entrepreneurship, academia, sports, and the creative industry.
“In 2024 alone, remittances from Nigerians abroad amounted to over $20 billion. This is not just a financial figure; it is a lifeline to our economy and a testament to their enduring commitment to national development,” Tuggar stated.
He emphasised that beyond economic input, Nigerians abroad serve as cultural ambassadors who project the country’s heritage, resilience, and innovation, thereby shaping positive perceptions of Nigeria globally.
The minister reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s “four Ds” foreign policy doctrine—Development, Demography, Diaspora, and Democracy—stressing that diaspora engagement is central to NiDCOM’s mandate.
Tuggar urged NiDCOM to design structured programmes that would deepen the relationship between Nigerians abroad and their homeland, including initiatives to enhance knowledge of the nation’s history, culture, and aspirations.
“Such sustained engagement will ensure that our diaspora youth remain connected to the heartbeat of the nation, proud of their heritage, and committed to Nigeria’s progress, regardless of where they reside,” he added.
In her response, Dabiri-Erewa praised the diaspora community for their investments in critical sectors, citing the establishment of a state-of-the-art stroke centre in Imo State and a cancer hospital in Lagos as notable contributions.
She revealed that NiDCOM had embarked on a diaspora data mapping project to capture accurate information on Nigerians abroad, their locations, and their contributions, while urging them to register on the commission’s official portal at www.nidcom.ng.gov.
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