•Tuggar tasks Nigerians in the Netherlands to aid the country’s development
Maureen Okpe
In a bid to harness the potential of its diaspora community for national development, the Nigerian government has hinted at plans to launch the Diaspora Fund, aimed at mobilising resources from abroad to fuel infrastructure, healthcare, and agricultural programs back home.
The Nigerian government has taken a significant step toward engaging its diaspora community in driving economic growth and development with the launch of the Diaspora Fund. The announcement was made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, during a meeting with Nigerian professionals in the Netherlands ahead of the Nigeria-Dutch Business and Investment Forum on February 24, 2024.
Tuggar emphasised the pivotal role of the Nigerian diaspora in contributing to national development and underscored the government’s commitment to creating conducive environments for diaspora investments. The Diaspora Fund, a key initiative within the government’s framework, aims to pool resources from Nigerians living abroad to support critical sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, and agriculture.
He noted that the establishment of the Diaspora Fund aligns with the government’s broader strategy of prioritising diaspora engagement and integrating their expertise and resources into the country’s development agenda. With favourable business conditions and ongoing economic reforms, the government seeks to attract investments from Nigerians abroad, offering incentives and opportunities for diaspora members to contribute to the nation’s progress.
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The minister also highlighted the government’s commitment to exploring mechanisms for granting dual citizenship to Nigerians abroad and enabling diaspora voting in future elections. These initiatives demonstrate the government’s recognition of the diaspora as valuable stakeholders in Nigeria’s journey toward prosperity and development.
According to him, the launch of the Diaspora Fund will represent a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to leverage the skills, resources, and networks of its diaspora community for sustainable economic growth. As the government continues to strengthen its engagement with the diaspora, initiatives like the Diaspora Fund are expected to play a crucial role in driving Nigeria’s development agenda forward.
When unveiled, the Diaspora Fund will underscore Nigeria government’s commitment to fostering partnerships and collaboration with its diaspora community, signalling a new era of cooperation and shared prosperity for the country.