The growing number of Nigerians taking up influential positions around the world is a clear sign of the country’s strong human capital, according to the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri Erewa.
Speaking on Monday in Abuja, Dabiri Erewa said the achievements of Nigerians in international organisations, leading global companies and respected academic institutions should be a source of national pride.
She noted that the success of Nigerians abroad closely reflects the Diaspora component of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 4Ds Foreign Policy Agenda, which focuses on Democracy, Development, Demography and Diaspora.
According to her, Nigerians living outside the country continue to make meaningful contributions to global development, while their achievements further demonstrate the importance of involving the diaspora in Nigeria’s own development efforts.
Dabiri Erewa pointed to several Nigerians whose work has earned recognition in different parts of the world. They include Dr Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu, known for her contributions to international cancer control, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar, who has played a role in global epidemic preparedness, and Dr Bolu Ogunyemi, who has attained a prominent position in Canadian medical leadership.
She also highlighted Ifeanyi Umunna’s student leadership role at Harvard Law School, alongside Professor Christian Harrison’s contribution to academic management, Ugwechi Amadi’s work in global corporate strategy and Dr Salamat Ahuoiza Aliu Ibrahim’s specialised work in neurosurgery.
The NiDCOM boss said Nigeria’s large, youthful and skilled population remains one of the country’s greatest resources, stressing that the expertise of Nigerians abroad should be better connected to opportunities at home.
She called for stronger and more organised channels for knowledge sharing, professional mentorship and investment partnerships between Nigerians in the diaspora and institutions within the country.
Such collaboration, she said, could make a significant difference in critical areas including healthcare, education, technology and public policy.
Dabiri Erewa reaffirmed NiDCOM’s commitment to identifying and mobilising Nigerian talent around the world, while encouraging young Nigerians to learn from the accomplishments of their compatriots abroad.
She urged them to remain committed to excellence, integrity and innovation as they build careers capable of making an impact both in Nigeria and on the global stage.
