NiDCOM Flags-Off Diaspora Investment Summit in South-East
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has taken its Sensitisation and Advocacy Programme to the South East as Enugu State hosting the first edition in the zone.
A statement by Abdur-Rahman Balogun Director, Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, in Abuja yesterday said the state also launched immediate creation of Diaspora Desks in all local governments.
The state Governor, Peter Mbah, represented by Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, said the Nigerian diaspora plays a crucial role in driving economic growth and development.
Mbah noted the importance of harnessing diaspora resources, including remittances, expertise, and innovation, for mutual benefit. Enugu State aims to increase its GDP from $4.4 billion to $30 billion by creating an investor-friendly environment.
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Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, highlighted the need to decentralize diaspora engagement, motivating Nigerians in the diaspora to invest in their home states. She commended Governor Mbah for his leadership in improving the socio-economic status of Enugu citizens.
Barr. Olangwa Ezekwu, Special Adviser to the Governor on Diaspora Matters, noted that remittances recorded by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) reached $4.22 billion between January and October 2024, with over ₦60 billion sent home during December.
Ezekwu stressed the need for the South-East to channel resources effectively, particularly as more people look to invest at home.
The programme, which attracted physical and virtual participants, marks a significant milestone in unlocking the economic potential of diaspora contributions to the South-East and Nigeria at large.
He said similar summit was held in Lagos for the South West zone, demonstrating NiDCOM’s commitment to promoting diaspora investment across Nigeria
