…urges Nigerians in Diaspora to join hands in advancing national progress
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday declared that the rise of Nigeria to its rightful place in the comity of nations has already begun, assuring Nigerians in the Diaspora that the country’s economy is stabilising, opportunities are expanding, and reforms are yielding visible results.
Speaking at an interactive session with members of the Nigerian community in Japan, held on the sidelines of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), the President said his administration is determined to reverse negative trends and make the country a land of prosperity for its citizens 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.
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 an opportunity to strengthen bonds with the Diaspora community under Nigeria’s new foreign policy thrust.
Earlier, the President of the Nigerian Union in Japan, Emeka Egbogota, welcomed Tinubu to the “Land of the Rising Sun” on behalf of the community, describing his presence at TICAD9 as a source of pride and unity.
He praised the President’s vision for a prosperous Nigeria driven by technology, entrepreneurship, and inclusive growth, pledging the community’s support for his administration’s agenda.
The interactive meeting ended with a renewed sense of partnership between the government and its citizens abroad, with President Tinubu reiterating his commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian has a role to play in the unfolding story of the country’s progress.
