Dabiri-Erewa hails Diaspora contributions to national development

Washington DC, Sept. 19, 2024 – Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has commended the contributions of the Nigerian diaspora to both the Nigerian economy and their host countries. She made the commendation at the *Africa Diaspora Day on the Hill*, celebrated in the U.S. Capitol as part of the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference in Washington DC. “Nigerians continue to contribute significantly to the Nigerian economy, with annual remittances amounting to approximately $20 billion, representing 6.1% of the country’s GDP” she stated. …

September 19, 2024 2 min read

She made the commendation at the *Africa Diaspora Day on the Hill*, celebrated in the U.S. Capitol as part of the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference in Washington DC.

“Nigerians continue to contribute significantly to the Nigerian economy, with annual remittances amounting to approximately $20 billion, representing 6.1% of the country’s GDP” she stated.

Dabiri-Erewa noted their achievements across various sectors worldwide, emphasizing their role as strategic partners in the nation’s growth.

She spoke on the efforts of NiDCOM to effectively engage the Nigerian diaspora through the National Diaspora Policy intended to harness the resources and capacity of Nigerians abroad for national development.

Other NiDCOM initiatives highlighted include the Diaspora Data Mapping/Registration Portal, the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS), and the Diaspora Mortgage Scheme, all designed to enhance diaspora contributions.

During the event, Dabiri-Erewa had fruitful discussions with influential global figures like Gina Paige, President & CEO of African Ancestry, Dr. Sheila Walker, an acclaimed Anthropologist and Filmmaker, and His Royal Majesty Mouhammad-Nabil Mforifoum Mbombo Njoya, the Sultan King of Bamoun from Cameroon.

She also had meaningful interactions with Kamal Olufowobi, the CEO of MIPAD (Most Influential People of African Descent)

The forum, which also featured U.S. Representatives Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Jonathan Jackson, Troy Carter, Sydney Kamlager-Dove, and Senator Tim Kaine, served as a platform to strengthen the bond between the U.S., Africa, and the Caribbean, while acknowledging the vital role of the African diaspora in shaping a shared economic future.

Dabiri-Erewa’s participation at the high-level event further underscores Nigeria’s commitment to deepening engagement with its diaspora community and advancing collaborative efforts with global partners to drive economic growth and development.

The event, titled “The Rise of Global Africa: Forging a New U.S. Economic Partnership with Africa and the Caribbean”, brought together U.S. Congress members, African leaders, and business executives to discuss strategies for fostering stronger economic and political relationships between Africa, the Caribbean, and the United States through the global African diaspora. (GBN)