Foreign Affairs Minister Calls for Stronger Diaspora Partnership in Nigeria’s Development

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has called on Nigerians living abroad to play a stronger role in the development of the country by contributing their expertise, investments, networks and international experience.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu made the call during a town-hall meeting with Nigerians in the Diaspora in New York on Wednesday, held on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly. Vice President Kashim Shettima also attended the engagement.

The minister said the Federal Government considers Nigerians abroad important partners in national development and foreign policy, stressing that their contribution should not be viewed only through the financial remittances they send home.

She described Nigerians in the Diaspora as professionals, entrepreneurs, academics and innovators who can help strengthen the country through knowledge, investment and connections with institutions and businesses around the world.

According to her, stronger cooperation between the government and Nigerians abroad could create opportunities in areas such as investment, innovation, knowledge transfer, mentorship and international business partnerships.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu also reaffirmed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' commitment to Citizens Diplomacy, which places the welfare and legitimate interests of Nigerian citizens at the centre of the country's diplomatic engagements.

She directed Nigerian embassies, high commissions and consulates to remain accessible and responsive to Nigerians within their respective jurisdictions, particularly when citizens require legitimate consular assistance.

The minister said the welfare of Nigerians abroad should remain a priority and urged diplomatic missions to listen to citizens and assist them within the limits of international law and the laws of their host countries.

At the same time, she called on Nigerians in the Diaspora to reciprocate by respecting the laws of their host countries and conducting themselves in ways that protect Nigeria's reputation internationally.

She encouraged Nigerians abroad to mentor young people in the country, support innovation, establish partnerships with Nigerian institutions and help connect Nigerian businesses and entrepreneurs to opportunities in international markets.

The minister said effective Diaspora engagement should be based on trust, openness and sustained communication between the government and citizens living outside the country.

She also said Nigeria's image abroad is shaped not only by its diplomats but by the achievements, professionalism and conduct of Nigerians around the world.

The Federal Government's broader Diaspora policy similarly identifies investment, entrepreneurship, knowledge transfer and skills exchange as areas through which Nigerians abroad can contribute to national development. The policy also recognises challenges including infrastructure, coordination, knowledge transfer and the cost of remittances.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu assured Nigerians in the Diaspora that the government would continue strengthening mechanisms for engagement, consular support and collaboration while creating opportunities for citizens abroad to contribute to Nigeria's development.