Experts have emphasised the untapped potential of the Nigerian diaspora in driving the country’s development.
They spoke at the 2025 International Conference, which was organised by the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Centre for Excellence in Migration and Global Studies (CEMGS).
The workshop was organised under the theme “Immigration and Sustainable Development: Problems and Prospects.”
They underscored the need for stronger collaboration between Nigeria and its global diaspora communities.
The chairman of the occasion, the minister of state for humanitarian affairs and poverty reduction, Dr Yusuf Tanko Sununu, said that Nigeria must be able to swing the tide so that it can maximally benefit from the positive impact of migration while mitigating its negative impact.
“There are a lot of challenges which we must address at this conference. We know that migration is a source of cultural shock in any country because it’s either people admitted into their home country, or they are moving to another state.
“And therefore, there will be a lot of cultural challenges, which we think can either be positive or negative. Not only that, migration can also serve as an employment activity, and it has a lot of rewards, perhaps more than what is shared by the diaspora colleagues who are there and have not shared from their activities.
“Well, let me say that as a ministry, we continue to support all efforts that will ensure that migrants and internally displaced persons are also given their due consideration,” he added.
On his part, the vice-chancellor of NOUN, Professor Olufemi Peters, said migration has brought both tremendous benefits and formidable challenges to countries, communities, and individuals.
According to him, while migration can enhance economic growth, cultural exchange, and innovation, it also presents significant problems that, even if ignored before, now confront us.
He said adopting a holistic, human-centred approach is the key to addressing migration challenges. “This means creating systems that provide safe, legal pathways for migration, protecting the rights of migrants, and addressing the root causes that compel people to leave their homes in the first place.”
“It also means fostering cooperation and partnerships between countries, international organisations, civil society, and the private sector. The opportunity is to create a future in which migration is not seen as a threat but as a potential driver of innovation, growth, and progress.”
“The problems associated with migration are complex and challenging, but the prospects are equally promising. It is up to the government, institutions, communities, and individuals to shape policies that promote the potential of migration as a tool for sustainable development,” the VC added.
Also, the chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said, “We are trying to bring diaspora issues to the front burner.
“When the minister of health said people are coming to Nigeria for medical treatment, some people said, ‘What is he talking about?’ I can testify.
“Nigerian doctors in the diaspora are bringing hospitals back home. I know about 10 in the last few years. And guess what? People indeed are coming.
“I’m hoping to work with your centre to put more of that together. Then we have a lot of programmes, such as Diaspora Day, where we come together and celebrate our diaspora. The Diaspora Investment Summit, where we gather together and show them where they can invest, and that is beginning to happen.
“The diaspora data mapping, because data is key. We’re mapping our data of the diaspora. Diaspora mapping is key,” she said.
The centre’s director, Prof. Gloria Anetor, said it was established five years ago with a seed fund from TETFund.
She said the centre’s vision is to serve as a bridge between humanity and the future, and its mission is to provide sustainable leverage for interdisciplinary research in migration and global studies.
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