As President Bola Tinubu promises economic growth and development in 2025, Nigerians in diaspora have outlined their expectations, calling for practical measures to address critical national issues.
During a nationwide broadcast, Tinubu emphasized plans to enhance food production and boost local manufacturing of medical supplies. However, diaspora professionals and community leaders have stressed the need for actionable strategies to create meaningful change at home and abroad.
Healthcare Transformation
Dr. Arinze Onwumelu, a medical practitioner in Calgary, Canada, urged the Federal Government to replicate former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s success with the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) by attracting investments in the healthcare sector.
“With supportive policies, security, and access to land, we can build state-of-the-art hospitals and attract medical tourism to Nigeria,” he said. Onwumelu added that Nigerian medical professionals abroad have the expertise to transform healthcare if given the right incentives.
Education Reform
Dr. Oyedele Ogundana, a Senior Lecturer at Nottingham Trent University, England, called for a revamp of the education sector. He advocated increased funding, improved infrastructure, better welfare for educators, and policies that would boost global competitiveness.
“Nigerians abroad want to see national unity, healthcare improvements, and educational reforms to support national development,” Ogundana noted.
Diaspora Voting and Brain Drain Prevention
Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, revealed that Nigerians abroad contribute $20 billion annually to the country’s GDP. Diaspora leaders like Doris Ikeri-Solarin have called for diaspora voting rights, emphasizing the need for their voices to be included in political and economic decision-making.
Frank Onyekwelu, President of the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa, added that policies to retain skilled workers and prevent brain drain are crucial. “Strengthening diplomatic ties and granting diaspora voting rights will enhance Nigeria’s image globally,” he said.
National Identification and Passport Issues
In Lebanon, community leader Roland Aigbovbiosa highlighted challenges faced by over 2,000 Nigerians who lack National Identification Numbers (NIN). He called on the Federal Government to set up NIN registration centers abroad to ease the renewal of passports and improve identification processes.
“Many Nigerians here are paid in cash because they lack the identification required to open bank accounts. This creates significant financial and operational challenges,” Aigbovbiosa explained.
Unity and National Development
Diaspora leaders also urged Nigerians at home to prioritize unity and community development. They encouraged citizens to promote locally manufactured products, support agriculture, and hold leaders accountable for governance.
“Nigerians at home must focus on strengthening the economy by circulating resources within communities and attracting foreign investments,” Ikeri-Solarin said.
As the Tinubu administration moves forward, Nigerians abroad hope their recommendations will foster national progress and strengthen ties between the government and the diaspora community.
