Nigeria To Enhance Diaspora’s Economic Contribution – Foreign Minister
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
In a move to reshape Nigeria’s international image and bolster the economic impact of its diaspora, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has highlighted the country’s commitment to leveraging its overseas community.
The Minister, who disclosed this, during a courtesy visit by the U.S President’s Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement, PAC-ADE, to his office in Abuja, emphasised the need to improve the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) contributions of Nigerians abroad.
Tuggar, while drawing comparison with other countries that have smaller diaspora populations but higher economic contributions, said the country is moving closer towards changing these negative narratives and to improve on the contribution to GDP of diasporans.
The Executive Director of the PAC-ADE, Deniece Laurent-Mantey, while fielding questions from journalist explained that the council, inaugurated by President Jod Biden in 2023, aims to strengthen the African diaspora’s role in economic and social development
She noted that they chose Nigeria as part of their first official trip to Africa, because Nigerian diasporans represent a vibrant part of the African diaspora community.
Ms Laurent-Mantey praised the engaging and interactive discussions with Minister Tuggar and expressed optimism about future collaborations.
She added, “We talked about how we can partner with the Nigerians in diaspora, across different sectors. Our partnership should go both ways: how can the US support Nigeria, and how can Nigeria support America as well?”
The PAC-ADE was established by President Biden via Executive Order 14089 during the 2022 U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit and was formally inaugurated in October 2023 by Vice President Kamla Harris.
The council includes 12 members distinguished in various fields such as government, sports, creative industries, business, academia, social work, and faith-based activities.
The council advises the President on strengthening relationships between U.S. officials and the African diaspora in the United States.
In March, the council adopted its first set of recommendations for the President which included programmes focused on student exchanges between Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and African educational institutions, advocating for more U.S. Government policy support for the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), funds for climate-focused initiatives in Africa, improving visa processes for Africans traveling to the United States, and enhancing investments and collaborations in African creative industries.
The council’s visit to Nigeria underscores the significance of bilateral relations and the impact of the Nigerian diaspora.
