NIDCOM, Others To Harness $20bn Diaspora Remittances

Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) and other stakeholders have mapped out strategies to harness the over $20 billion remittances from Nigerians in the Diaspora and channel them to critical sectors of the economy for national development.

The chairman/CEO of NIDCOM, Dr Abike Dabiri-Erewa, made this known during a press conference in Abuja on Monday ahead of the 2025 National Diaspora Day (NDD) and the 3rd National Diaspora Merit Awards (NDMA) taking place from July 25-26, 2025, in Abuja, with both physical and virtual participation worldwide.

According to the NIDCOM boss, this year’s theme, “Optimising Formidable Diaspora Potential for National Development and Growth”, is more than a conversation starter, adding that it is a national imperative.

“It challenges us to move beyond rhetoric and act with clear purpose in harnessing the full value of our over 20 million diaspora community globally.

“In 2024 alone, remittances from Nigerians abroad exceeded $20 billion, surpassing foreign direct investment. But beyond these figures lies an armoury of knowledge, skills, networks, and goodwill; resources which, if strategically engaged, can catalyse transformative development across all regions of our country, she added.

The former lawmaker pointed out that over the years, Nigerians in the diaspora have proven themselves resilient change-makers, solution providers, and proud ambassadors of our great nation.

She said that from medicine to education, technology to tourism, business to sports, arts to governance, Nigerians in the Diaspora have continued to influence global conversations and spearhead innovation, development and growth.

“Undeniably, they are among Nigeria’s greatest exports, yet remain one of our most underutilised assets for national development.

“Looking back, we have made tangible progress in deepening diaspora engagement. For instance, the deployment of state diaspora focal point officers ensures diaspora matters are now part of national development planning, even at the grassroots.

“Diaspora Nigerians are now more actively involved in areas like policy, housing, health, education and mentorship. With initiatives such as the National Diaspora Policy, Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit and the Data Mapping Project, engagement is no longer theoretical, but feasible, practical and impactful.”

She emphasised that this year’s celebration is both a renewed commitment and an elevated platform, stressing that it is about moving beyond sentiments and statistics to sustainable frameworks and building a Nigeria where the diaspora community is seen, heard and harnessed; not just celebrated occasionally, but embedded structurally.

Dr Dabiri-Erewa noted that optimising Diaspora potential means creating real structures that will allow Nigerians abroad to co-own the country’s development journey, not just with remittances but also intellectual capital, policy influence, business partnerships, the launch of the Diaspora home and abroad housing platform, and generational wealth creation through investments.

This year’s event will be held at the State Conference Centre, Presidential Villa, Abuja. As usual, it will be a hybrid event, welcoming participants from across the globe. So, participants from Lagos, London, Los Angeles, Lyon, Longjing or Lisbon will all be valued and celebrated.

Across the two-day event, there will be thematic sessions, panel discussions, youth mentorship programmes, strategic partnership dialogues, networking opportunities, and, of course, the National Diaspora Merit Awards, which recognise distinguished Nigerians in the Diaspora who continue to uplift the nation with courage, integrity, and excellence.

Registration is currently open for both physical and virtual participation. Prospective participants are advised to visit: www.nidcom.gov.ng/diasporaday.