The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has urged Nigerians in the Diaspora to deploy their expertise, investments, networks and global experience towards advancing Nigeria’s development.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu made the call at a Town Hall Meeting with Nigerians in the Diaspora in New York on Wednesday evening, held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly and attended by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima.
The minister said the presence of the Vice President at the engagement underscored the importance the Federal Government attaches to Nigerians living abroad, their welfare, concerns and contributions to national development, a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja and signed by the Special Assistant on Communication and new media to the minister, Magnus Eze, said.
The statement said she described the Diaspora as an important pillar of Nigeria’s foreign policy, stressing that Nigerians abroad should be regarded as strategic partners rather than solely as contributors to the country’s economy through 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,” the Minister said.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ commitment to Citizens Diplomacy, which places the Nigerian citizen at the centre of the country’s diplomatic engagements.
She also directed Nigeria’s Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates to remain accessible and responsive to Nigerians within their respective jurisdictions, particularly when citizens 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,” she stated.
The minister, however, urged Nigerians in the Diaspora to reciprocate by respecting the laws of their host countries and conducting themselves in ways that uphold the dignity and good name of Nigeria.
She called for stronger collaboration between the Federal Government and the Nigerian Diaspora in investment, innovation, knowledge transfer, mentorship and international business linkages.
“Your knowledge and international exposure are invaluable assets to our country. We want a stronger partnership with our Diaspora,” Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.
She encouraged Nigerians abroad to mentor young Nigerians, support innovation, establish partnerships with Nigerian institutions and connect Nigerian businesses and entrepreneurs to opportunities in international markets.
The minister described the town hall meeting as an important component of the government’s continuing dialogue with Nigerians abroad, noting that effective Diaspora engagement must be based on trust, openness and sustained communication.
She assured the gathering that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would continue to work closely with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Nigeria’s diplomatic missions and other relevant institutions to strengthen engagement with Nigerians overseas and advance their legitimate interests.
“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 further noted that Nigeria’s representation on the international stage extends beyond its diplomats, pointing to the millions of Nigerians whose achievements, professionalism and conduct contribute to the country’s global standing.
“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.
The minister assured Nigerians in the Diaspora that the Federal Government would continue to strengthen mechanisms for engagement, consular support and collaboration while creating opportunities for them 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.
