The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has revealed that Nigerians living abroad spent approximately N60 billion during their visits to Nigeria in December 2024.
Speaking at the 2025 budget defense session before the National Assembly Joint Committee on Diaspora in Abuja, Dabiri-Erewa also highlighted the substantial role of remittances from the diaspora, which have surpassed $90 billion over the past five years.
According to the Central Bank of Nigeria, diaspora remittances processed through International Money Transfer Operators reached $4.22 billion between January and October 2024, nearly double the amount recorded during the same period in 2023.
She said:You know, we have reached a stage where over the last five years we have shown that the diaspora is a powerful force and resource that we cannot ignore.
“And you know, they are the most important ambassadors of our country. They will help us change the narrative of our country.
“And basically everyone around the world now wants to have a Nigerian as a friend. So let’s seize the moment. We can take over the world, and we will.
“President Bola Tinubu has introduced reforms that everyone should support. Addressing insecurity, building infrastructure, making the tough decisions that will make Nigeria a better place.
“We have 17 million. And how much has this contributed to the growth of the economy? Remittances in the past five years alone amounted to more than $90 billion.
“In December, of course, what they spent to come to Nigeria is not less than N60 billion. It could grow, but it’s just the beginning.”
Dabiri-Erewa attributed that the large influx of Nigerians from the diaspora in December 2024 was the result of years of consistent interaction and engagement with the community.
According to the helmsman of NiDCOM, the committee is exploring innovative financing strategies, including collaboration with the Committee on Diaspora of the National Assembly to enhance its financial capacity.
She proposed the establishment of a Diaspora Plaza, which she said would serve as a hub for Nigerians abroad to connect, interact with government officials and learn about opportunities in the country.
