Stakeholders Target 17m Citizens Abroad For Rebranding Nigeria Project

The Unveiling and Rebranding Nigeria Initiative (URNI) has partnered with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) to mobilise an estimated 17 million of the country’s citizens abroad to project her positive image and drive national development.

The collaboration was cemented during a visit by URNI’s delegation, led by its chairman, Board of Trustees, Brigadier General Buba Shajiaba (rtd) to NIDCOM headquarters in Abuja.

At the heart of the initiative is a commitment to reshape international narratives about Nigeria through cultural diplomacy, youth engagement and targeted diaspora mobilisation.

Shajiaba said, “Our core mission is to inspire deep patriotism and unity, while strategically projecting Nigeria’s immense strengths and achievements to a global audience. We are moving beyond talk to actionable partnerships.”

He highlighted URNI’s global outreach, particularly its partnership with the France-based Friends of Nigeria in Europe (FON), co-chaired by John Okoro.

“These collaborations are not merely symbolic; they are already strengthening cultural exchange and mobilising vital diaspora resources for developmental causes back home in Nigeria,” Shajiaba added.

The delegation presented NIDCOM with its maiden “Faces of Patriotism” book, a publication celebrating exemplary Nigerians and a roadmap for national rebranding.

Receiving the items on behalf of NIDCOM’s chairman, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the commission’s secretary, Dr Sule Yakubu Bassi, commended URNI’s efforts and emphasised the critical role of the diaspora.

“The Nigerian diaspora community represents a vast reservoir of potential. Their contributions in investment, innovation and diplomacy are increasingly vital to elevating our nation’s global standing.

“We encourage URNI to align its programmes with NIDCOM’s flagship initiatives. This partnership is a transformative step in building international confidence in Nigeria, while reinforcing unity and patriotism at home,” Bassi said.

The URNI delegation praised Dabiri-Erewa for her “visionary leadership in championing the welfare, protection and empowerment of Nigerians abroad,” noting that the commission’s work in diaspora investment and policy development resonates deeply with their goals.

Since its establishment in 2007, URNI has positioned itself as a grassroots driver of national pride. Both organisations reaffirmed their commitment to this cause, believing this latest collaboration will be a powerful catalyst to unite Nigerians everywhere in the shared mission of national rebranding.