About 60,000 Nigerians living in different parts of the world have so far registered on the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission Diaspora Data Mapping Portal.
The portal, which was launched on June 29, 2021, helps gather important information about Nigerians abroad, such as their jobs, education, and where they live. NiDCOM says the information will help the government include Nigerians in the diaspora in national planning and development.
According to data from NiDCOM’s Technology, Transfer, Innovation and Investment Department, many of those who registered work in the health sector.
“Nurses make up the largest group at 29.97 per cent, followed by pharmacists at 14 per cent and medical doctors at 12.03 per cent,” the data showed.
People in education also made up a big portion, with 12 per cent, while students made up 11 per cent of the total number.
Other professionals who registered include engineers (8 per cent), civil servants (7 per cent), and those in leadership or associate roles (1 per cent each). There were also people working in construction, airlines, international NGOs, and medical physiology, each making up 1 per cent.
The data shows that Nigerians living abroad are not only helping their host countries but can also contribute meaningfully to Nigeria if properly engaged.
In terms of country distribution, Cameroon had the highest number of Nigerians registered with 6.693 per cent, followed by Niger at 6.635 per cent, and Sudan at 6.070 per cent.
These figures reflect long-standing regional and cultural ties with neighbouring countries.
Other top countries include:
Ghana: nearly 5 per cent
United Kingdom: 4.83 per cent
United States: 4.58 per cent
Saudi Arabia: 4.58 per cent
Canada: 3.87 per cent
Egypt: 3.19 per cent
Germany and France: 2.94 per cent each
India: 2.90 per cent
Italy: 2.61 per cent
China: 2.51 per cent
South Africa: 2.38 per cent
Benin: 2.04 per cent
UAE: 1.65 per cent
Kenya: 1.63 per cent
Senegal: 1.54 per cent
Libya: 1.33 per cent
Brazil: 1.28 per cent
Congo: 1.26 per cent
Ethiopia: 1.25 per cent
Chad: 1.17 per cent
Ivory Coast: 1.16 per cent
Malaysia: 1.12 per cent
Qatar: 1.05 per cent
Central African Republic: 1 per cent
Sierra Leone: 0.88 per cent
Turkey: 0.83 per cent
The “others” category made up 19.13 per cent, showing that Nigerians are present in many more countries around the world.
NiDCOM says the portal is still open and more Nigerians abroad are encouraged to register to help improve national planning and strengthen ties between Nigeria and its citizens living overseas.
