The Federal Government has described the Nigerian diaspora community as one of the country’s most undervalued and underutilised assets, stating its significant economic contributions, including over $20 billion in remittances so far in 2024.

The Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, made this known at a press conference held to announce the 2025 National Diaspora Day (NDD) celebration, which will also feature the 3rd National Diaspora Merit Awards (NDMA) in Abuja on Monday.

The event was held from July 25 to July 26, in Abuja themed: ‘Optimising Formidable Diaspora Potentials for National Development and Growth.’

The Chairperson explained that the theme was not only a conversation starter but a national imperative that challenges Nigerians to move beyond rhetoric and act with clear purpose in harnessing the full value of the over 20 million-diaspora-community globally.

According to her, Nigerians in the diaspora had proven themselves as resilient change-makers, solution providers, and proud ambassadors of Nigeria over the years.

Abike said, “Undeniably, they are among Nigeria’s greatest exports, yet remain one of our most underutilised assets for national development. In 2024 alone, remittances from Nigerians abroad exceeded $20 billion, surpassing foreign direct investment.”

“But beyond these figures lies an armoury of knowledge, skills, networks, and goodwill; resources which, if strategically engaged, can catalyse transformative development across all regions of our country.”

She said, from medicine to education, technology to tourism, business to sports, arts to governance, our diaspora continues to influence global conversations and spearhead innovation, development and growth.

“Looking back, we have made tangible progress in deepening diaspora engagement. For instance, the deployment of State Diaspora Focal Point Officers ensures diaspora matters are now part of national development planning, even at the grassroots.

“Diaspora Nigerians are now more actively involved in areas like policy, housing, health, education and mentorship.

“With initiatives such as the National Diaspora Policy, Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit and the Data Mapping Project, engagement is no longer theoretical, but feasible, practical and impactful,” she said.

She added that this year’s celebration was both a renewed commitment and an elevated platform, adding that it was about moving beyond sentiments and statistics to sustainable frameworks.

She also noted that it was about building a Nigeria where the country’s diaspora community would be seen, heard and harnessed; not just celebrated occasionally, but embedded structurally.

“Optimising diaspora potential means creating real structures that allow Nigerians abroad to co-own our development journey, not just with remittances, but with intellectual capital, policy influence, and business partnerships.

“Launching of the Diaspora Home and Abroad housing platform and generational wealth creation through investments.

“This year’s event will be held at the State Conference Centre, Presidential Villa, Abuja, and it will be a hybrid event, welcoming participants from across the globe: so, whether you are joining from Lagos, London, Los Angeles, Lyon, Longjing or Lisbon, you are seen, valued and celebrated,” she stated.