Vice President Kashim Shettima has lauded the significant contributions of Nigerians abroad to the global economy, emphasising their role as economic drivers and global ambassadors excelling in various fields.
Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima’s spokesperson in a statement on his X page today said, the Vice President stated this at the 10th Annual National Migration Dialogue with theme “Beyond Borders: Celebrating Migrants’ Legacy, Protecting Their Rights” held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Shettima stressed the dual essence of migration—its benefits and associated challenges and revealed that in 2022, Nigeria accounted for $21.9 billion in diaspora remittances, representing 64 per cent of total remittances in West Africa.
“Beyond financial remittances, Nigerian migrants are excelling in technology, medicine, sports, and the creative arts. Startups founded by Nigerians in the diaspora attracted over $800 million in investments in 2022, showcasing their transformative potential,” Shettima said.
While highlighting the achievements, the Vice President also addressed irregular migration, noting that over 10,000 Nigerians detained for migration offences were repatriated in 2024.
He urged for coordinated efforts to tackle such challenges while maximizing migration’s economic potential.
Shettima reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to addressing migration challenges.
He cited President Bola Tinubu’s pledge at the United Nations General Assembly to uphold the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration (GCM).
He praised ongoing efforts such as the review of Nigeria’s National Migration Policy, enhanced border management technologies, and innovative initiatives by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), including electronic gates at airports, e-passports, and streamlined visa processes.
He also identified collaborations with international agencies, such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR),as factors advancing migration governance.
In the same vein, the federal commissioner for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons, Tijani Ahmed, emphasised the need to align policies with global standards to protect migrants’ rights.
Similarly, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, highlighted the diaspora’s contributions to global economies and urged measures to reduce irregular migration.
Mohammed Ladan, Director General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, stressed that migrants are entitled to fundamental human rights and commended Nigerians abroad for their resilience and excellence.
Nigeria is set to take leadership of the Euro-African Dialogue on Migration and Development, also known as the Rabat Process, in January 2025. This leadership position, according to Mojisola Sodeinde, representative of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development, underscores Nigeria’s growing role in global migration discourse.