National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Ekpenyong Emmanuel
The Nigerian government is calling on its citizens living abroad to invest in their homeland, warning that changing immigration policies in countries like the United States could lead to deportation.
Engr. Sule Yakubu, a top official of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), spoke on behalf of Chairman Abike Dabiri-Erewa at a sensitization program in Bauchi, emphasizing the importance of diaspora investment in Nigeria’s development.
“You cannot talk about people in the diaspora without reminding them that they did not just find themselves in the diaspora by accident. They have a root, they have a country of origin, and they are there as a country of destination.”
Yakubu highlighted the benefits of investing in Nigeria, noting that diaspora citizens have resources, talent, skills, global exposure, and networks that can catalyze development in Nigeria.
“One dollar is equivalent to N1,700, and by the time you have $500, if you come back here, you are already earning a million,” he said.
The NiDCOM official also warned that diaspora citizens may face deportation due to changing immigration policies. “When you are with President Trump, you better be careful. Because you could be on the next plane to Lagos or Abuja.”
Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed expressed support for diaspora investment, appointing a Diaspora Focal Point Officer to facilitate investments in the state.
The Nigerian government is keen to tap into the vast resources of its diaspora community, which has remitted over $90 billion in the last five years.
