The Nigerian Diaspora Commission has urged Nigerians living abroad to prioritize investments in their home country, cautioning them about the implications of United States President Donald Trump’s policies, which could result in their abrupt return to Nigeria.
Speaking on behalf of NiDCOM’s Chairman, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, at a sensitization programme in Bauchi on Monday, Engr. Sule Yakubu emphasized the importance of maintaining ties with Nigeria, noting that diasporans remain first-class citizens only in their country of origin.
“You will never be a first-class citizen in your country of destination, even if you stay there for a hundred years. It is here [Nigeria] that they are first-class citizens,” Yakubu said.
Yakubu lauded Nigerians abroad for remitting over $90 billion to the country in the last five years. He highlighted the potential of their resources, skills, and global networks to catalyze development back home.
“Don’t kid yourself; one dollar is equivalent to N1,700. By the time you have $500, if you come back here, you are already earning a million,” he explained, stressing the value of diaspora resources.
Yakubu also warned that the policies of President Trump could lead to deportations. “When you are with President Trump, you better be careful. Because you could be on the next plane to Lagos or Abuja. So we need to remind them that home is home,” he said.
Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, also addressed the gathering, stating the importance of engaging the Nigerian diaspora for the state’s development.
“As a government, we acknowledge the importance of the Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission as a gateway to diaspora ideas, knowledge, experience, and expertise,” the governor said.
Governor Mohammed announced the appointment of a Diaspora Focal Point Officer to strengthen the state’s collaboration with NiDCOM and tap into the vast investment potential of Nigerians abroad.
