FG Applauds Diaspora's Commitment to National Development
The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially commended Nigerians residing in the United States for their unwavering commitment to the nation's growth and development, signaling a renewed pledge for stronger partnership. The commendation was delivered during a joint virtual meeting held on December 18, 2025, organized by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and the Nigeria Centre Washington.
Key government officials present at the virtual gathering included the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar. They lauded the resilience and patriotism of the diaspora community, acknowledging their significant contributions to Nigeria's progress.
Call for Unity Amidst National Challenges
During the meeting, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila urged the diaspora community to actively engage with national issues, particularly in light of recent developments within the country. He emphasized the critical need for 'concerted focused-driven efforts' to address violence in some parts of Nigeria, advocating for cooperation over blame. Gbajabiamila drew a parallel to how Americans united after the 9/11 crisis, calling on Nigerians to set aside ethnic or religious differences to combat insurgency.
Echoing this sentiment, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar addressed what he described as misleading claims of 'genocide,' clarifying that the nation's challenges are rooted in regional conflicts. He stressed that 'misdiagnosing' the issues would lead to ineffective solutions and highlighted contributing factors such as the collapse of Libya under Gaddafi and the failure of the EU–Sahel strategy.
Government's Renewed Engagement and 4D Agenda
Minister Tuggar further underscored the Tinubu administration's commitment to actualizing its 4D Agenda, which encompasses Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora. This agenda reflects a strategic focus on leveraging the diaspora's potential for national advancement.
The Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, who facilitated the virtual conference, emphasized the importance of such cooperation, stating that 'conversations always breed further comprehension.' NiDCOM has consistently worked towards strengthening ties with Nigerians abroad, with recent initiatives including assurances of easier and faster access to consular services at Nigerian missions and the unveiling of a mobile app designed to solve communication challenges for the diaspora.
Diaspora's Pledge and Future Collaboration
Representatives from approximately 15 diaspora groups across the United States participated in the forum, pledging their commitment to support Nigeria whenever called upon. They advocated for stronger collaboration between the global Nigerian community and the government to find lasting solutions to the nation's challenges. Stakeholders at the meeting called for the continuity of such forums, recommending clear identification of issues and strategic, Nigeria-focused lobbying mechanisms.
All discussions and recommendations from the virtual meeting are slated to be compiled and submitted to the President through the Minister of Foreign Affairs, ensuring that the diaspora's input directly informs national policy. This event reinforces the consistent message from the Nigerian government, including Vice President Kashim Shettima's assurances in September 2025 of robust engagement with Nigerians in the diaspora under the 'Renewed Hope Agenda.'
7 Comments
Leonardo
It's encouraging to see the government acknowledge the diaspora's role, but genuine policy changes are needed to move beyond mere commendation and foster true collaboration.
Raphael
A much-needed call for unity by Gbajabiamila. We need to come together as Nigerians.
Michelangelo
Ambassador Tuggar's clarification on regional conflicts is insightful, however, internal governance and socio-economic disparities also play a significant role and demand equal attention from the government.
Donatello
NiDCOM's efforts to bridge the gap are commendable, but the diaspora's input must translate into tangible policy influence and not just remain recommendations compiled for the President.
Raphael
This commitment to stronger partnership is a game-changer for national development. So proud!
paracelsus
While the emphasis on unity is crucial for national cohesion, the government also needs to demonstrate accountability and justice to build trust, especially in conflict-affected regions.
Bella Ciao
Finally, the government is listening! Great move to engage the diaspora.