FG WOOS DIASPORA NIGERIANS FOR INVESTMENTS, KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER

The Federal Government has urged Nigerians living abroad to channel their expertise, investments, networks and international experience towards Nigeria’s development.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made the call during a town hall meeting with Nigerians in the Diaspora in New York on Wednesday.

The meeting, held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the minister’s Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Magnus Eze, Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the presence of the Vice President demonstrated the importance the Federal Government attaches to Nigerians living abroad.

She described the Diaspora as an important pillar of Nigeria’s foreign policy, stressing that Nigerians abroad should be seen as strategic partners rather than primarily as sources of remittances.

The minister said Nigerians in the Diaspora included professionals, entrepreneurs, academics and innovators who could serve as links between Nigeria and the international community.

She reaffirmed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ commitment to citizens diplomacy, which places the welfare and interests of Nigerians at the centre of the country’s diplomatic engagements.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu directed Nigeria’s embassies, high commissions and consulates to remain accessible and responsive to Nigerians in their respective jurisdictions, particularly when citizens require legitimate consular assistance.

She said the welfare of Nigerians abroad must remain a priority while urging diplomatic missions to listen to, engage with and assist citizens within the limits of international and host-country laws.

The minister, however, urged Nigerians in the Diaspora to obey the laws of their host countries and conduct themselves in ways that protect Nigeria’s reputation.

She called for stronger collaboration between the government and Nigerians abroad in areas including investment, innovation, knowledge transfer, mentorship and international business partnerships.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu encouraged Nigerians in the Diaspora to mentor young Nigerians, support innovation, establish partnerships with local institutions and connect Nigerian businesses and entrepreneurs with opportunities in international markets.

She described the New York town hall as part of the government’s ongoing engagement with Nigerians abroad, saying effective Diaspora relations should be based on trust, openness and continuous communication.

The minister said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would continue working with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Nigerian diplomatic missions and other relevant institutions to strengthen engagement with citizens overseas.

She also emphasised that Nigeria’s international image was shaped not only by its diplomats but also by the achievements, professionalism and conduct of Nigerians living around the world.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu assured Nigerians in the Diaspora that the Federal Government would continue to strengthen mechanisms for engagement and consular support while creating opportunities for them to contribute to national development.

She described Nigerians abroad as an important part of the country’s development and urged them to work with the government in addressing challenges and taking advantage of opportunities for national progress.