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Odumegwu-Ojukwu says Nigerians in diaspora indispensable to country’s future
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The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has said Nigerians in the diaspora are indispensable partners in Nigeria’s development.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu urged Nigerians in the diaspora to deploy their expertise, investments, networks, and global experience towards the advancement of the country.
The minister made the call at a town hall meeting with Nigerians in the diaspora in New York on Wednesday evening.
The meeting, which held on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), was attended by Vice-President Kashim Shettima.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu, in a statement issued by her media aide, Magnus Eze, stated that the presence of the vice president at the engagement underscored the importance the federal government attached to Nigerians living abroad, their welfare, concerns and contributions to national development.
She also said the diaspora remained an important pillar of Nigeria’s foreign policy and stressed that Nigerians abroad should be regarded as strategic partners rather than solely as contributors to the country’s economy through remittances.
“Nigerians abroad are more than a source of remittances. You are professionals, entrepreneurs, academics, innovators and important bridges between Nigeria and the international community,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.
The minister further reaffirmed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ commitment to citizen diplomacy, which placed the Nigerian citizen at the centre of the country’s diplomatic engagements.
She directed attention to the responsibility of Nigeria’s embassies, high commissions, and consulates to remain accessible and responsive to Nigerians within their respective jurisdictions, particularly when citizens require legitimate consular assistance.
“The welfare of Nigerians abroad must remain a priority. Our missions must listen, engage and assist our citizens within the limits of international law and the laws of host countries,” she added.
The minister also urged Nigerians in the diaspora to reciprocate the efforts by respecting the laws of their host countries and conducting themselves in ways that uphold the dignity and good name of Nigeria.
She called for a stronger partnership between the federal government and the Nigerian diaspora, particularly in the areas of investment, innovation, knowledge transfer, mentorship, and international business linkages.
“Your knowledge and international exposure are invaluable assets to our country. We want a stronger partnership with our diaspora,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu also said.
She encouraged Nigerians abroad to mentor young Nigerians, support innovation, establish partnerships with Nigerian institutions, and help connect Nigerian businesses and entrepreneurs to opportunities in international markets.
The minister described the town hall meeting as an important component of the government’s continuing dialogue with Nigerians abroad, noting that effective diaspora engagement must be based on trust, openness, and sustained communication.
She assured the gathering that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would continue to work closely with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Nigeria’s diplomatic missions, and other relevant institutions to strengthen engagement with Nigerians overseas and advance their legitimate interests.
“Wherever you may reside, Nigeria remains our common heritage. Distance does not diminish citizenship. Where there are challenges, let us work together to address them; where there are opportunities, let us seize them together,” she stated.
The minister further noted that Nigeria’s representation on the international stage extends beyond its diplomats, pointing to the millions of Nigerians whose achievements, professionalism, and conduct contribute to the country’s global standing.
“Nigeria is represented internationally not only by its diplomats but also by millions of Nigerians whose achievements, professionalism, and character speak for our nation every day,” she added.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu concluded by assuring Nigerians in the diaspora that the Federal Government would continue to strengthen mechanisms for engagement, consular support, and collaboration, while creating opportunities for the diaspora to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s national development.
“You are an important part of Nigeria’s story, and you are indispensable to Nigeria’s future,” she concluded.
