Minister urges Diaspora Nigerians to drive country’s development

Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, has called on Nigerians living abroad to utilize their skills, investments, networks and global expertise to contribute to Nigeria's development. She emphasized the importance of Nigerians in the Diaspora at a Town Hall Meeting in New York, held in conjunction with the United Nations General Assembly.

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, also attended the event, which highlighted the Federal Government's focus on the welfare and contributions of Nigerians living abroad. Odumegwu-Ojukwu described the Diaspora as a crucial pillar of Nigeria's foreign policy, emphasizing that they should be seen as strategic partners, not just remittance senders.

She urged the Nigerian Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates to remain accessible and responsive to the needs of Nigerians overseas, while also emphasizing that the citizens should respect the laws of their host countries. The minister encouraged collaboration between the Federal Government and the Nigerian Diaspora in areas such as investment, innovation, knowledge transfer, mentorship and international business linkages.