- N60 billion spent by diaspora Nigerians: Nigerians living abroad spent N60 billion during their visits to the country in December 2024.
- $90 billion remittances: Remittances from Nigerians abroad have exceeded $90 billion in the last five years.
- Diaspora’s growing impact: The diaspora community’s expenditure and remittances underscore their growing impact on the Nigerian economy.
- Diaspora voting concerns: Senator Victor Umeh expressed concerns about Nigeria’s readiness for diaspora voting, citing the need for reliable data and systems.
Nigerians living abroad spent a staggering N60 billion during their visits to the country in December 2024, according to Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM). This significant expenditure underscores the growing impact of the diaspora community on the Nigerian economy.
In the last five years, remittances from Nigerians abroad have exceeded $90 billion, demonstrating the substantial contribution of the diaspora to the country’s economic growth. The NIDCOM boss emphasized that the diaspora community is a powerful force and a valuable resource that cannot be ignored.
Dabiri-Erewa also highlighted the commission’s efforts to engage with the diaspora community, including exploring innovative funding strategies and proposing the establishment of a Diaspora Plaza. This plaza would serve as a hub for Nigerians abroad to connect with government officials, learn about investment opportunities, and engage in nation-building.
However, Senator Victor Umeh, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora, expressed concerns about Nigeria’s readiness for diaspora voting, citing the need for reliable data and systems. He emphasized that the country must first address the challenges confronting its electoral process before extending voting rights to Nigerians in the diaspora.
