The Federal Government has called for stronger collaboration with Nigerians living abroad, urging them to deploy their expertise, investments and international networks towards the country’s development.
Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu made the call during a town hall meeting with Nigerians in New York, held on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly and attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
According to a statement issued by the Minister’s Media Aide, Magnus Eze, Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Nigerians in the Diaspora should be viewed beyond their contribution through remittances.
She described them as professionals, entrepreneurs and important links between Nigeria and the international community.
The Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to Citizen Diplomacy and urged Nigerian diplomatic missions abroad to remain accessible and responsive to the needs of citizens.
She also encouraged Nigerians in the Diaspora to comply with the laws of their host countries while contributing to national development by mentoring young Nigerians and supporting investment and knowledge transfer.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would collaborate with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and Nigerian missions abroad to strengthen engagement with citizens and improve consular support.
The Minister said stronger cooperation between Nigeria and its Diaspora community would help create opportunities for skills development, investment and broader national development.
