Tuggar: Remittances from Nigerians abroad surpassed $20bn in 2024

Yusuf Tuggar, minister of foreign affairs, says Nigerians abroad contributed over $20 billion to the country’s economy in 2024.

Tuggar spoke in Abuja on Monday when he paid a working visit to Abike Dabiri-Erewa, chairperson of the Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).

The minister commended Dabiri-Erewa for her leadership in championing the interests of Nigerians in the diaspora, describing their contributions as significant.

Tuggar said he was at the commission to reinforce the importance of aligning its work with President Bola Tinubu’s four Ds doctrine of diplomacy.

The minister listed the doctrines as development, demography, diaspora, and democracy.

According to him, for NIDCOM, the “diaspora” pillar is not just a component of the doctrine; it is the commission’s core mandate.

“Nigeria’s diaspora community is one of the most vibrant in the world—over 17 million Nigerians are spread across every continent,” he said.

“They are doctors, engineers, entrepreneurs, academics, athletes, creatives, and leaders in their fields. In 2024 alone, remittances from Nigerians abroad amounted to over $20 billion.

“This represents a vital lifeline to our economy and a testament to the enduring commitment of our diaspora to national development.”

The minister said beyond the figures, Nigerians abroad are also cultural ambassadors who project the nation’s rich heritage, innovation and resilience on the global stage.

“Their successes open doors for others, change perceptions, and build goodwill for Nigeria across borders,” he said.

“I urge NIDCOM to continue championing these wins and to deepen efforts to integrate the Nigerian diaspora more fully into the national economy.

“This means not only celebrating their achievements but also creating deliberate pathways for them to invest, innovate and contribute their skills to strategic national projects.”

Tuggar proposed that NiDCOM consider establishing dedicated programmes aimed at deepening the bond between Nigerians abroad and their ancestral homeland.

He said such initiatives should be designed to enhance their knowledge, appreciation and understanding of Nigeria’s history, culture, values and aspirations.

“In doing so, they will serve as compelling counter-narratives to the weaponised disinformation occasionally propagated by individuals who seek to distort our image for personal or political gain,” he said.

“Sustained engagement of this nature will ensure that our diaspora youth remain firmly connected to the heartbeat of the nation, proud of their heritage and committed to Nigeria’s progress, wherever in the world they may reside.”

Dabiri-Erewa commended Nigerians in the diaspora for bridging gaps in the country through notable investments, citing “the best stroke centre” in Imo and “the cancer hospital” in Lagos as significant examples.

She said the commission has established a diaspora data mapping to identify and analyse the characteristics, location, and contributions of Nigerians living outside the country.

The NiDCOM chair urged Nigerians in the diaspora to register at www.nidcom.ng.gov.