Nigerians living abroad contribute approximately $20 billion annually to their home country, representing 6.1 percent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), according to the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).
The commission’s chairperson, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, made this statement during the “Africa Diaspora Day on the Hill” event, held in the U.S. Capitol as part of the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C.
“Nigerians continue to contribute significantly to the Nigerian economy,” Dabiri-Erewa said, acknowledging the diaspora’s role in both Nigeria and their host countries.
She also highlighted NiDCOM’s initiatives to engage Nigerians abroad through the National Diaspora Policy, which seeks to utilize the skills and resources of expatriates for national development.
Some key programs aimed at enhancing diaspora involvement include the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit, Diaspora Data Mapping/Registration Portal, and the Diaspora Mortgage Scheme.
The event featured discussions with prominent figures, including Gina Paige, CEO of African Ancestry, and Dr. Sheila Walker, an anthropologist and filmmaker.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
