The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) recently launched its Sensitisation and Advocacy Programme aimed at promoting diaspora investment throughout Nigeria, with Enugu State serving as the inaugural host in the South East region. This initiative has led to the establishment of Diaspora Desks in all Local Governments within the state.
During the programme’s commencement, the State Government underscored the vital role of the Nigerian Diaspora in fostering economic growth and development.
The Governor, Peter Mbah, represented by Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, highlighted in his welcome address the substantial contributions made by the diaspora through remittances, expertise, and innovation.
Mbah emphasized the necessity of leveraging these resources for mutual advantage, stating that Enugu aims to elevate its GDP from $4.4 billion to $30 billion by fostering an environment conducive to investment.
In her opening remarks, the Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, stressed the importance of decentralizing diaspora engagement to inspire Nigerians abroad, who are recognized for their global accomplishments, to invest back home, particularly in their respective states.
L-R: Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, NiDCOM, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, Reresenting Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu state and Barr Olangwa Ezekwu Special Advisor to Enugu state Governor on Diaspora Matters during the Zonal Sensitisation and Advocacy Programme on Promotion of Diaspora Investment in Enugu state.
A statement issued by the Director, Media and Public Relations and Protocol Unit NiDCOM, Abuja, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, quoted Dabiri-Erewa to have also pointed out NiDCOM’s ongoing initiatives, such as the Nigerian Diaspora Day (NDD), the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS), and the Badagry Door of Return Festival, as key platforms for sustaining effective engagement with the diaspora.
She praised the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, for his exemplary hospitality and leadership in enhancing the socio-economic conditions of the citizens of Enugu.
Additionally, Barr. Olangwa Ezekwu, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Diaspora Matters, reported that remittances recorded by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) amounted to $4.22 billion from January to October 2024, with over ₦60 billion sent back home in December.
She emphasized the importance of the South-East effectively directing resources, especially as an increasing number of individuals seek to invest locally.
The program, which drew both in-person and virtual participants, represents a significant step towards harnessing the economic potential of diaspora contributions to the South-East and Nigeria as a whole, paving the way for collaborative national prosperity.
It is worth noting that a similar summit was held in Lagos for the South West zone on Tuesday, where various stakeholders participated in the initiative.
