Dabiri-Erewa Calls on Diaspora Nigerians to Prioritize ‘Nigeria First’ for Development

 Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), urged 15 million diaspora Nigerians to adopt a “Nigeria First” approach to drive national development. 

Speaking at a diaspora investment conference in Abuja, she highlighted their $402.38 million remittances in October 2024, a 61.1% rise from 2023, as a cornerstone for economic growth. Dabiri-Erewa encouraged investments in tech, agriculture, and healthcare, noting that 20% of Nigeria’s $1 billion startup funding in 2024 came from diaspora sources, creating 50,000 jobs.

NiDCOM, established in 2017, has facilitated 500 diaspora-led projects, including 200 hospitals and 150 schools, impacting 5 million Nigerians. Dabiri-Erewa, a former lawmaker and broadcaster, cited Nigeria’s 3.5% GDP growth and 32% inflation as challenges requiring diaspora expertise, with 60% of Nigerians abroad holding advanced degrees. She proposed a $500 million Diaspora Fund to channel investments, modeled on India’s $80 billion diaspora model, and urged collaboration with Nigeria’s 110,000 tech professionals to rival Silicon Valley by 2030.

The conference, attended by 1,500 delegates, showcased diaspora success stories, like a $10 million solar plant in Ogun State, powering 20,000 homes. Dabiri-Erewa addressed brain drain, noting 30% of Nigeria’s doctors work abroad, and called for knowledge transfer programs, with 10,000 professionals already mentoring local youths. 

She emphasized patriotism, urging diasporans to counter negative narratives, as 70% of global media portrays Nigeria as unsafe. Nigeria’s $20 billion annual remittance inflow, 5% of GDP, underscores the diaspora’s role, with NiDCOM targeting $30 billion by 2027 to fund 25% of infrastructure needs.