President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said the Nigerians in the Diaspora are indispensable assets to the nation.
The President said this in his keynote address at the seventh edition of the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit, a private sector driven initiative, with the theme: Adapting Stability Through Diaspora Investment: Navigating the Path to Prosperity at the State House Banquet Hall yesterday in Abuja.
President Tinubu also asid small businesses constitute the backbone of any economy as they are more than just sources of income but lifelines for families, communities, and the nation.
The President, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, assured Nigerians in the Diaspora of his administration’s commitment to provide an enabling environment for them to invest in the country.
He acknowledged the role of the Diasporans in the nation’s economic development, adding: “The Diaspora plays a critical role in any nation’s development. You, our brothers and sisters abroad, are an indispensable asset to our great nation. You are not only ambassadors of Nigeria in your respective countries but also torch-bearers of excellence, innovation, and resilience.
“Your achievements across the globe are a source of immense pride for all of us. Yet, beyond pride, we recognise the unique potential you hold in helping shape the future of Nigeria. We recognise that by leveraging your knowledge, expertise, and global connections, we can fuel our nation’s progress and thus bridge the developmental gap between Nigeria and the rest of the world.
“This is why the theme of this year’s summit: Adapting Stability through Diaspora Investment: Navigating the Path to Prosperity, is not only relevant but underscores the role you can play in helping us secure a brighter future for all Nigerians.”
President Tinubu assured investors that “Nigeria is open for business; we are committed to providing the support and enabling environment you need to invest with confidence. Together, let us forge partnerships that will drive progress and prosperity for our nation”.
He added: “We are here to help you navigate the journey ahead and provide the backing needed to turn your ideas into reality.
“As highlighted in the theme of this event, ‘adapting stability’ Diaspora investment is the cornerstone for navigating the path to prosperity in any nation. It is thus in recognition of this truth that from our very first day in office, we committed ourselves to a tireless pursuit of stabilisation across every key facet of our country.
“In our journey to reshape our nation, we have placed a focused lens on tackling the longstanding challenges that have so far hindered our progress, particularly within the realms of economic reforms, security enhancement, food security, transportation, energy, education, health and infrastructural development.
“These areas are not merely pillars of our policy; they are fundamental components of a stable and resilient nation.”
The President hailed the Nigerians in Disapora Commission (NiDCom) and the Nigeria Diaspora Summit Initiative (NDSI) for putting the summit together.
He said: “And by bringing together local entrepreneurs and diaspora investors, they are not just supporting individual ventures but forging collaborations that will drive our nation’s prosperity forward.
“Indeed, it is this kind of forward-thinking that aligns with our mission of stabilization and growth, thus paving the way for a brighter and more prosperous future for Nigeria.”
