The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to harnessing the expertise and investments of Nigerians in the diaspora to drive national development while intensifying efforts to address security challenges and strengthen strategic international partnerships.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Sola Enikanolaiye, stated this at the Dinner Night of the Nigerian Diaspora Economic Conference held in Toronto, Canada, where he described Nigerians abroad as critical assets for the country’s growth rather than a consular responsibility.
He said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was working to leverage the skills, knowledge and resources of Nigerians overseas in support of key national development priorities.
“For this government, Nigerians in the diaspora are critical assets of national development. We do not see you as a basket case of consular burden responsibilities always in need of government intervention and assistance.
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“On the contrary, we see you as a vital human resource with huge capacities for Nigeria which government is trying to harness in terms of our national development priorities,” the minister said.
Enikanolaiye also acknowledged the persistent security challenges facing the country, noting that the Federal Government was intensifying efforts to address them.
He said the administration was “doing everything humanly possible” to contain the multifaceted security threats that had confronted the nation over the past decade.
The minister disclosed that Nigeria was entering a new phase of strategic engagement with key international partners, including the United States, aimed at delivering concrete benefits in security, defence, prosperity and citizens’ welfare.
“I came in from Washington only yesterday. I was privileged to have been part of the team meeting with the Americans,” he said, adding that the engagements were focused on achieving positive outcomes for Nigerians.
Enikanolaiye urged Nigerians at home and abroad to overcome divisions based on ethnicity, religion and tribe, and instead embrace cooperation that promotes economic growth and development.
“We are aware of the trust deficit that exists among Nigerians, especially those of us abroad. Let us try and break those barriers of ethnicity, barriers of religion, barriers of tribe, and let us relate on the functional aspect of cooperation that promotes production, development, growth and prosperity for Nigerians,” he said.
He also commended Canada and other international partners for supporting productive relationships founded on mutual respect and cooperation, while thanking organisers of the conference and members of the diaspora community for their contributions to Nigeria’s development.
The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s resolve to work with Nigerians abroad and international partners to advance the country’s economic and social progress.