Minister urges Nigerians in the Diaspora to drive national development

Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu has urged Nigerians living abroad to use their expertise, investments, networks and international experience to support Nigeria’s development.

Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu

She made the call on Wednesday evening at a town hall meeting with Nigerians in the Diaspora in New York. The meeting was held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly and attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

According to a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by Magnus Eze, the minister’s Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the Vice President’s participation underscored the Federal Government’s commitment to the welfare, concerns and contributions of Nigerians abroad.

The minister described the Diaspora as an important pillar of Nigeria’s foreign policy, stressing that Nigerians overseas should be seen as strategic partners in national development rather than solely as sources of remittances.

“Nigerians abroad are more than a source of remittances. You are professionals, entrepreneurs, academics, innovators and important bridges between Nigeria and the international community,” she said.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ commitment to Citizens Diplomacy, an approach that places the welfare and interests of Nigerian citizens at the centre of the country’s diplomatic engagements.

She directed Nigeria’s embassies, high commissions and consulates to remain accessible and responsive to Nigerians within their jurisdictions, particularly when they require legitimate consular assistance.

“The welfare of Nigerians abroad must remain a priority. Our missions must listen, engage and assist our citizens within the limits of international law and the laws of host countries,” the minister said.

She, however, urged Nigerians in the Diaspora to reciprocate by respecting the laws of their host countries and conducting themselves in ways that uphold Nigeria’s dignity and reputation.

The minister called for stronger collaboration between the Federal Government and Nigerians abroad in investment, innovation, knowledge transfer, mentorship and international business partnerships.

“Your knowledge and international exposure are invaluable assets to our country. We want a stronger partnership with our Diaspora,” she said.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu encouraged Nigerians abroad to mentor young people in the country, support innovation, establish partnerships with Nigerian institutions and connect local businesses and entrepreneurs to opportunities in international markets.

She described the town hall meeting as an important part of the government’s continuing dialogue with Nigerians overseas, noting that effective Diaspora engagement must be built on trust, openness and sustained communication.

The minister assured participants that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would continue working with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Nigeria’s diplomatic missions and other relevant institutions to strengthen engagement, improve consular support and advance the legitimate interests of Nigerians abroad.

“Wherever you may reside, Nigeria remains our common heritage. Distance does not diminish citizenship. Where there are challenges, let us work together to address them; where there are opportunities, let us seize them together,” she said.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu also noted that Nigeria’s international image was shaped not only by its diplomats but also by the millions of Nigerians whose achievements, professionalism and conduct influence how the country is perceived globally.

“Nigeria is represented internationally not only by its diplomats, but also by millions of Nigerians whose achievements, professionalism and character speak for our nation every day,” she said.

She added that the Federal Government would continue to strengthen mechanisms for engagement, consular assistance and collaboration while creating opportunities for Nigerians in the Diaspora to contribute meaningfully to national development.

“You are an important part of Nigeria’s story, and you are indispensable to Nigeria’s future,” the minister told the gathering.