The President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, has given a comforting assurance of the country’s support to Nigerians living in the United States in whichever situation may arise. The president had already demonstrated his appeal by approving the rescue of Nigerians under vulnerability in Libya, South Africa, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, and India. That’s on top of the fact that he’d already expressed to them how proud he was of their conduct and their accomplishments in their professions in the US.
Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, said in a statement that the president disclosed this information during a Presidential Townhall Meeting with Nigerians in the Diaspora that took place in Washington on Friday, as he was wrapping up his participation in the US-Africa Leaders Summit. President Buhari stated that the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) was established under the same course of facilitating and promoting healthy interactions with the ambassadors.
Money sent home by Nigerians working abroad at $20 billion annually.
Muhammadu Buhari further called on the US-based Nigerians to continue to enact good behavior and be good ambassadors of the country. He said they should continue to live peacefully with themselves and with the residents of the country to foster growth. The president expressed a pleasing feeling as Nigerians in the United States continue to excel in their careers, which has led to some Nigerian origin being appointed to the cabinet of H.E. President Joe Biden.
Likewise, he stressed that many Nigerians have triumphed and been elected into various responsible and competitive positions in the United States of America. President Buhari applauds individuals who have brought fame and renown to Nigeria through their achievements as he encourages them to continue to set the bar high in their service to the United States. Official estimates put the amount of money sent home to Nigeria by Nigerians working abroad at $20 billion in 2020, or four times the value of the country’s Foreign Direct Investment.
NiDCOM acknowledged the President for his unwavering support.
Most Nigerians who have left the nation are also making significant contributions to the country’s economy by investing in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education, ICT, real estate, transportation, oil and gas, and other service industries. As the president put it, “only Nigerians, at home and abroad, can develop Nigeria,” thus, this is very praiseworthy and in our enlightened collective self-interest. As he bid his reign farewell to the gathering, President Buhari assures that the electoral process of the coming election in the country is moving in the right direction.
He goes on to say that the current election procedures are proceeding in a credible, transparent, free, and fair manner, all while being in accordance with the laws of our nation. The president believes this is the one means by which Nigeria can enhance its democracy and serve as a model for the rest of Africa. NiDCOM Chairman Abike Dabiri-Erewa acknowledged the President for his unwavering support of the organization and his willingness to meet with Nigerians whenever he travelled abroad.
The highlight and the centerpiece of the event.
There were a large number of distinguished Nigerians present, including prominent medical professionals, athletes, academics, and representatives from the aviation, media, and entertainment industries. Political figures, including those elected or appointed to office in the most recent US elections, prominent medical professionals, and athletes, also attended the event. The centerpiece of the event was the gift of a picture to President Buhari by Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States, Her Excellency Uzoma Emenike, in honor of his 80th birthday.
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