Nigerians living overseas have contributed more than $90 billion to the country’s economy in the past five years, according to Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).
During her appearance at the 2025 budget defence before the National Assembly Joint Committee on Diaspora, Dabiri-Erewa highlighted the significant financial impact of the diaspora, including the ₦60 billion spent during their December 2024 visits.
“These remittances underscore the immense value of our diaspora population,” Dabiri-Erewa stated. “With an estimated 17 million Nigerians living abroad, their financial contributions and active involvement in nation-building cannot be overstated.”
She pointed out that the surge in visits by Nigerians from abroad last December was not accidental but a reflection of years of deliberate engagement with the diaspora community. She described the ₦60 billion expenditure during the festive season as a glimpse of the untapped potential that could be unlocked with continued collaboration.
“The remittances and investments from Nigerians abroad are a testament to their enduring connection to the country,” she added. “While we’ve made progress, we are only beginning to explore the full scope of what the diaspora can offer.”
Senator Victor Umeh, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora, echoed these sentiments, calling for greater financial support for NiDCOM to sustain its work with the diaspora. He assured that the committee would advocate for increased budgetary allocations to enable the commission to maximize the benefits of this vital demographic.
“Nigerians living abroad bring not only resources but also ideas and innovations from advanced economies,” Umeh said. “We need to continue fostering these relationships to support Nigeria’s growth and development.”