Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, announced that Nigeria is striving to enhance the contributions of the diaspora to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Tuggar made this statement in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the President’s Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement (PAC-ADE).
“We are working diligently to change negative narratives about Nigeria and improve the GDP contributions of the diaspora,” Tuggar stated.
Deniece Laurent-Mantey, Executive Director and member of the PAC-ADE delegation, noted that Nigeria was part of their first official trip to Africa. She explained that the council, inaugurated by President Biden in 2023, aims to strengthen the African diaspora’s role in economic and social development.
“We chose Nigeria because Nigerian diasporans represent a vibrant part of the African diaspora community,” Lawrence said.
Laurent-Mantey praised the engaging and interactive discussions with Minister Tuggar and expressed optimism about future collaborations.
She added, “We talked about how we can partner with the Nigerians in diaspora, across different sectors. Our partnership should go both ways: how can the US support Nigeria, and how can Nigeria support America as well?”
The council advised the President on strengthening relationships between U.S. officials and the African diaspora in the United States.
In March, the council adopted its first set of recommendations for the President.
