…urges Nigerians in Diaspora to join hands in advancing national progress
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday affirmed that Nigeria’s ascent to its rightful place in the global community is already underway, assuring Nigerians in the Diaspora that the nation’s economy is stabilising, opportunities are widening, and ongoing reforms are delivering tangible results.
Addressing members of the Nigerian community in Japan during an interactive session on the sidelines of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), the President reiterated his administration’s resolve to reverse negative trends and transform the country into a land of prosperity for citizens both at home and abroad.
“All I want to do is assure you that things are stable, the economy is stabilised, the opportunity is immense, people are coming back, we are reversing the medical tourism in every way that we could, and I can give you the assurance we are seeing the beginning of Nigeria rising,” Tinubu said to applause.
He reminded the Diaspora audience that while it is a personal right to remain abroad, the nation still depends on their input to achieve its developmental aspirations.
He said the government’s priority is to create an environment where every citizen, at home or abroad, can feel the positive impact of change.
“I am happy to listen to you for whatever. Happy to report to you that many of our people are coming back home. Yes, for economic reasons, some people might decide to stay away; it’s a fundamental right of the individual, but for the economic growth and opportunity that is available in Nigeria, don’t stay away. Your contribution is very much needed. If you stay away, who will build it?” the President asked.
Tinubu emphasised that his government is committed to creating an environment where every Nigerian can thrive, noting that governance is about “thinking and doing,” promoting unity, stability, and progress.
He urged Nigerians abroad to remain good ambassadors of their country and to reflect positively on its image, stressing that “poor comments and negative reflections will not help the growth of Nigeria.”
The Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, John Enoh, who also addressed the gathering, highlighted the bold reforms undertaken by the Tinubu administration since its first day in office.
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He recalled that the World Trade Organisation’s Director-General, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, had recently commended Nigeria’s policy direction, describing the reforms as the foundation of future growth.
According to him, “we have a President who is undoubted, who is focused, and who is pursuing the reforms that our country deserves.”
Khalil Halilu, Executive Vice Chairman of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), reported that Nigeria is now witnessing accelerated technology transfer as a direct result of presidential policies.
He disclosed that more than 1,000 applications had been received globally for investment in Nigeria’s technology and industrial sectors, with over $2 billion already committed and factories set to be established in partnership with Japanese firms.
From the private sector, Wale Tinubu, Group Chief Executive Officer of Oando Plc, praised the administration’s economic reforms, especially the liberalisation of the exchange rate and removal of fuel subsidies.
He said these decisions had improved government revenues, boosted foreign investment, and spurred growth across sectors ranging from oil and gas to mining, telecommunications, and small enterprises.
“We’ve never experienced the closeness with the government as we do today,” he remarked.
Also speaking, Mrs. Florence Akinyemi Adeseke, Nigeria’s Chargé d’Affaires in Tokyo, commended the contributions of Nigerians in Japan, particularly academics and professionals excelling in various fields, even as she acknowledged the challenges posed by a few nationals in breach of immigration laws.
She described the meeting as a key opportunity to strengthen ties with the Diaspora community in line with Nigeria’s new foreign policy agenda.
Earlier, Emeka Egbogota, President of the Nigerian Union in Japan, welcomed President Tinubu to the “Land of the Rising Sun” on behalf of the community, noting that his presence at TICAD9 was a source of pride and unity.
Egbogota commended the President’s vision for a prosperous Nigeria driven by technology, entrepreneurship, and inclusive growth, pledging the community’s support for his administration’s initiatives.
The session concluded with a renewed sense of partnership between the government and Nigerians abroad, as President Tinubu reiterated his commitment to ensuring that every citizen plays a role in the country’s ongoing progress.
