President Muhammadu Buhari has urged Nigerians in the
diaspora to support the country’s post-COVID-19 economic recovery efforts.
Buhari made the appeal in a video message to commemorate the
2020 Diaspora Day themed “Leveraging Diaspora Resources for National
Development in a COVID-19 Era”.
He also commended Nigerians abroad, estimated to be more
than 17 million, for their remittances to the country.
An analysis by SBM Intelligence had shown that Nigerians
abroad are unlikely to send home much money as the COVID-19 pandemic has taken
a toll on their income.
Speaking during the event, Buhari, however, urged them not
to abandon Nigeria, but continue to offer support in ways they could.
“Over the past three years, Nigerians in the diaspora have
brought in over $25 billion annually as home remittances to the Nigerian
economy through official and non-formal channels,” he said.
”This is about 6.0% of our annual GDP and upwards of 80% of
our annual budget. This has impacted on livelihoods of Nigerians in terms of
education, health, housing and estate development, industry, trade and
investments, agriculture and technology/skills transfer.
“In terms of diaspora home remittances, Nigeria is rated as
number one in sub-Saharan Africa and this is still growing especially with the
advocacy and mobilisation programmes of the newly established Nigerians in
Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).
“Nigerians in the diaspora are also known to be engaged in
skill transfer in ICT and industry. They
are also active in our universities as lecturers, and in carrying out medical
missions.
“It is, therefore, my sincere hope that even with the
depressed economy under stress in the year 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic,
Nigerians in the diaspora will rise up to the occasion of not abandoning their
country of origin, but be active in our post-COVID-19 economic recovery
efforts.
“You are our ambassadors-at-large by your behaviour and
character in your host countries. Whatever legitimate endeavour you choose, you
must excel and be the best.
“Do not forget home, Nigeria, by giving back and engaging in
its development.”
Abike Dabiri, chairman of NiDCOM, on her part said the
agency, since its creation a year ago, has recorded much success.
She added that the commission was working with the national
assembly to make diaspora voting a reality, as well as partnering with the OPS
WASH — the umbrella body for private engagement — to support the declaration to
end open defecation in Nigeria by 2024.
“We plan to mobilise millions of Nigerians in the diaspora
to fund a toilet per household. A global project will soon be launched and we
look forward to all Nigerians in the diaspora to participate in this most
needed project,” Dabiri said.
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The one you people have looted from the treasury is not enough. You still want to loot from hard earned money of people who fled the country because of your government and past governments, even when you know that they are struggling over there. Haba! This is heartless. Should Nigerians in Diaspora be doing your job for the nation and its people?
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