TheCable

Abike Dabiri-Erewa, chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has urged the federal government to partner with citizens in the diaspora for effective national development.

Dabiri-Erewa spoke on Monday in Abuja at the 6th edition of the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS) with the theme: “New vistas, new aspirations, new opportunities: The diaspora and national development”.

The summit, according to NiDCOM, is held to demonstrate that engaging the diaspora is a more effective and sustainable strategy for attracting inward investment into the emerging diversified Nigerian economy.

While delivering her remarks at the summit’s opening ceremony, Dabiri-Erewa said many Nigerians living abroad have expressed a desire to invest in the country’s key sectors.

“In the quest of the federal government to go far in repositioning the economy, there is a need to partner with the diaspora in achieving these goals,” she said.

“This is why the summit is very appropriate because it creates innovative platforms of partnerships, between the government and the diaspora, in attracting investment into local businesses and thus enhancing foreign direct investment in the country.

“Also, facilitating economic transformation through research and the local development of new energy solutions, which is expected to boost cross-sectoral investment cooperation.”

The NiDCOM chairperson also urged Nigerians in the diaspora to take advantage of the summit and pitch their business ideas to potential investors, adding that the forum had created an avenue for multiple successful locally-supported jobs.

“It is about how you can get money for your businesses and we have those in the diaspora who are employing people here. You do not have to be physically present. Some people are earning money online through them,” she said.

“As we look forward to that, we are saying we want to have diaspora direct investment. You know, it is slow and steady but we are still doing it. You can see the passion in the country.

“Diasporans are investing already, particularly in the health care industry, ICT, food business, and education. So we are happy with what we have seen here today.”

Also in attendance, Peter Ryan, ambassador of the Republic of Ireland to Nigeria, pledged full support to the summit, adding that the many Nigerian talents need the right incentives to thrive.