The Nigerian government has issued a stark warning to its citizens living abroad: invest in the nation’s growth or risk facing deportation under foreign policies. This cautionary message came from the Nigerian Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), which has strongly encouraged Nigerians overseas to channel their resources, skills, and networks into homegrown development.
Speaking in Bauchi on Monday at a one-day sensitisation event aimed at promoting diaspora investment in the North-East region, Engr. Sule Yakubu, a senior NiDCOM official, delivered a pointed message on behalf of NiDCOM Chairman Abike Dabiri-Erewa. His words underscored a growing concern over Nigerian citizens abroad who might find themselves caught in the crossfire of stringent immigration policies, particularly those introduced by United States President Donald Trump.
A Call to Action for Diaspora Nigerians
Yakubu made it clear that despite the benefits Nigerians may enjoy abroad, “home is home,” and it is in Nigeria where they are first-class citizens. He further emphasised that no matter how long they may live in foreign countries, Nigerian citizens abroad will never fully attain the status of native citizens.
He remarked, “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 urged Nigerians in the diaspora to not only contribute to Nigeria’s growth but to also safeguard their futures by investing in the country. “We need their resources,” he stressed. “One dollar is equivalent to N1,700 in Nigeria. So, if you bring back $500, you are already earning a million.”
The NiDCOM official also highlighted the advantages that diaspora Nigerians bring with them: talent, skills, global exposure, and extensive networks. These, he argued, were vital to Nigeria’s economic and developmental progress.
The Trump Factor: A Stark Warning
The most alarming part of Yakubu’s message was his reference to US President Donald Trump’s policies, which have been widely seen as unfriendly towards immigrants. Yakubu cautioned that Nigerian citizens abroad, particularly in the US, should be aware that they could face deportation if they fail to focus on the development of their home country.
“When you are with President Trump, you better be careful,” he warned. “Because you could be on the next plane to Lagos or Abuja.” This statement serves as a reminder that, despite the opportunities available abroad, Nigerians must not lose sight of their responsibilities to Nigeria, their homeland.
Diaspora Remittances: A Source of National Pride
Despite the growing pressure, the Nigerian government has also acknowledged the significant financial contributions made by its citizens abroad. Over the last five years, Nigerians in the diaspora have sent home more than $90 billion in remittances, a figure that underscores the important role they play in the nation’s economy.
NiDCOM has long praised these remittances as a key source of foreign exchange for Nigeria, helping to stabilise the country’s economy and mitigate the effects of financial instability.
Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed also recognised the importance of diaspora involvement in local development. In a statement at the sensitisation event, he noted that his administration had appointed a Diaspora Focal Point Officer (DFPO) to facilitate partnerships between the state government and NiDCOM. This officer is tasked with building strong connections with the diaspora to tap into the untapped investment potential within the state.
Governor Mohammed stated, “As a government, we acknowledge the importance of the Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission, as a gateway to Diaspora ideas, knowledge, experience, and expertise.”
Bauchi’s Commitment to Diaspora Engagement
Bauchi State, along with other Nigerian states, has seen the importance of engaging the diaspora to catalyse growth. Governor Mohammed’s administration has shown its commitment to improving the state’s investment climate by leveraging the expertise and financial power of Nigerians abroad. The state aims to harness the wealth of knowledge and investment from the diaspora to drive sustainable development.
The Governor went on to outline that his state was ready to collaborate with NiDCOM to build lasting partnerships that would allow Bauchi to benefit from the diaspora’s vast potential. “I have directed the Diaspora Focal Point Officer (DFPO) of the State to establish a strong partnership with NiDCOM with a view to leveraging on the willingness to support states to tap from the huge Diaspora Investment potentials which have remained yet untapped,” he said.
Nigeria’s Diaspora Investment Potential: Untapped and Vital
Despite the significant remittances from the diaspora, Yakubu’s comments reflect a frustration with the underutilisation of the broader investment potential that Nigerians abroad could offer. He pointed out that, beyond money, the diaspora community has much to offer in terms of skills and expertise. However, he stressed that it is crucial for Nigerians to focus on their homeland’s growth, especially considering the global shift in immigration policies.
“These people have roots here,” Yakubu concluded. “And we need to remind them that this is home. It is time for them to contribute to the development of their country.”
A Thoughtful Reflection
While the warning to the diaspora may sound stern, it highlights a deeper issue: the importance of the Nigerian diaspora in shaping the future of the nation. Remittances, investments, skills, and knowledge all play an integral role in driving Nigeria’s development. However, Yakubu’s remarks underscore that the diaspora cannot afford to neglect the country of their origin.
