Why Nigeria Must Recognise Foreign Nationals Driving National Development: Victor Aihawu

By: Manoah Kikekon 

Nigeria must re-evaluate its approach to immigration and civil appreciation by formally celebrating the millions of foreign nationals who live, invest, and build their lives within its borders.

This call to action was made by Victor Aihawu, the Director of the Platform for Cooperation on Mixed Migration (PCMM) and Founder of the Cultural Hangout Festival (CHF), in his compelling treatise titled "THE DIASPORA WITHIN: Why Nigeria Must Recognise the Foreign Nationals Contributing to Its Development."

In his analysis, Aihawu emphasises that while Nigeria rightly champions its external diaspora for their economic remittances and global accomplishments, the country frequently overlooks the key economic and social impacts of resident foreign nationals.

"Nigeria celebrates its citizens abroad for their remittances, investments, professional achievements and contributions to national development. But how often do we celebrate citizens of other countries who have made Nigeria their home and contribute to our economy? We call them foreigners or migrants. I call them the diaspora within," Aihawu asserts.

 Redefining the Diaspora Paradigm

Globally, diaspora institutions such as the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) are designed to mobilize investment, manage cultural diplomacy, and foster development ties with citizens living overseas. However, Aihawu points out that host nations equally reap massive rewards from foreign populations residing within their borders.

"If we recognise the economic and social value of Nigerians living abroad, why do we pay comparatively little attention to foreign nationals who have chosen to live, work and invest in Nigeria?" he questions.

"Consider the Ghanaian entrepreneur operating a business in Abuja, the Indian industrialist employing Nigerians in Lagos, the Lebanese family whose business has served generations of customers, or the foreign professional transferring valuable expertise to a Nigerian institution. Some arrived as students, traders or employees. Others came seeking opportunities, married Nigerian men and women, raised families and established permanent roots in our communities... They are somebody else's diaspora, but they are also stakeholders in Nigeria's development. That is what I mean by the diaspora within."

Aihawu highlights that economic contribution is defined by impact rather than citizenship, "A Nigerian entrepreneur establishing a business in Manchester contributes to the British economy. Similarly, a Ghanaian entrepreneur establishing a business in Abuja contributes to Nigeria's economy. Both create opportunities in their host societies, irrespective of their nationality. If we celebrate the first, should we not acknowledge the second?"

Economic Competition and Policy Governance

The PCMM Director clarifies that acknowledging resident foreigners does not mean bypassing national laws or diverting focus from Nigerians abroad. Instead, it forms a vital strategy for global economic competitiveness.

"This is not an argument that diaspora institutions should abandon their responsibilities towards Nigerian citizens abroad. Neither is it a suggestion that foreign nationals should enjoy privileges outside established immigration and investment laws. Rather, it is a call for a complementary national development approach that recognises the contributions of resident migrants," he explains.

"National development should not be measured solely by the nationality of those who contribute to it. Countries compete to attract entrepreneurs, investors, skilled professionals, researchers and innovators. Nigeria cannot afford to approach this competition exclusively from the perspective of encouraging Nigerians abroad to return or invest at home."

To maximise these systemic advantages, Aihawu urges government agencies to collect precise data regarding migrant contributions and ensure transparent governance.

"Nigeria should begin to ask how effectively it understands and documents the contributions of migrant communities. What proportion of businesses are migrant-owned? How many Nigerians do they employ? What skills and international networks do they bring? How can these relationships support our economic diversification and investment ambitions?" Aihawu states, adding that "a welcoming environment must therefore be demonstrated through fair treatment, transparent procedures, respect for rights and responsible migration governance, rather than through hospitality alone."

Beyond Economics: Reciprocal Respect and Cultural Diplomacy

Aihawu further asserts that foreign nationals enrich Nigeria's social fabric through education, cuisine, music, art, and intermarriage—values that inspired the creation of the Cultural Hangout Festival in Abuja to mark the United Nations International Migrants Day.

However, he insists that honouring foreign residents must go beyond periodic events to embrace institutional synergy and reciprocal human rights standards.

"Nigeria needs stronger cooperation among institutions responsible for immigration, investment, labour, culture, tourism and international relations. Migrant contributions should become a more visible consideration in economic development discussions, while migrant communities should have opportunities to share their experiences and legitimate concerns," Aihawu stresses.

"We must also be prepared to apply to ourselves the standards we expect other countries to uphold. When Nigerians abroad experience discrimination, exclusion or unfair treatment, we rightly demand respect for their dignity and contributions. We should demonstrate the same commitment towards foreign nationals living among us."

Concluding his message, Aihawu reminds the nation that global integration begins at home.

"The diaspora is not always across the ocean. Sometimes, it lives next door, operates the business down the street, teaches our children, employs our young people or has become part of our families. Nigeria's future prosperity will depend partly on how successfully we mobilise the talents of our citizens, both at home and abroad. But it will also depend on our ability to attract, retain and appreciate the contributions of people from other countries who choose to participate in our development... Let us continue to celebrate Nigerians abroad. But let us not overlook the diaspora within."

Lagos Youth Commissioner Ogunlende Facilitates Empowerment for 250 Youths and Teachers

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende, the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development and founder of the Real Act of Kindness (RAK) initiative, has facilitated a comprehensive multi-sector empowerment program that equipped 250 youths and educators with practical skills, work equipment, and welfare support.

Implemented through a strategic partnership between the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and Prima Viaris Training & Consulting Nigeria, the initiative delivered three specialised training components designed to address digital innovation, renewable energy, and rural educational development across Lagos State.

Highlighting the distribution of tools and technical training across the three cohorts, Ogunlende detailing the scope of the intervention said, "The first programme provided 100 youths with intensive training in Artificial Intelligence (AI), with participants receiving laptops to support the practical application of their newly acquired digital skills. 

The second trained another 100 youths in solar technology, empowering them with solar panels and essential working tools to enable them to put their skills into practice and explore opportunities in the renewable energy sector."

He added that, "The third component focused on 50 teachers drawn from riverine and rural communities across Lagos State. Through a week-long Teachers’ Training and Welfare Initiative, the beneficiaries received professional development training alongside laptops, solar devices, safety gear, stipends and essential teaching aids to strengthen their teaching capacity and improve learning outcomes in their respective schools."

The educator-focused segment concluded with a ceremony at the Ivy Hotel on Aromire Avenue in Ikeja. The program deliberately incorporated Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWDs), reflecting a commitment to broad-based inclusion across underrepresented demographics and hard-to-reach riverine areas.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Ogunlende expressed gratitude to the executing partners while urging participants to leverage their new resources.

"I appreciate NCDMB and Prima Viaris Training & Consulting Nigeria for their commitment and investment in the development of young people and teachers across Lagos State."

"I encourage the beneficiaries to maximise the opportunities provided, deploy their newly acquired skills and resources productively, and extend the impact of the initiative through their contributions to their communities and the future of Lagos State."

Tinubu Promises Economic Revival if Re-elected

By: Manoah Kikekon

UYO, NIGERIA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians of a revitalized economy and sustainable national development while launching sharp critiques against major opposition figures during a political rally in Akwa Ibom State.

Speaking to a crowd of supporters in Uyo, the President urged citizens to back his administration's long-term economic reforms and advocated for continuity under Governor Umo Eno to sustain regional development projects.

Key Takeaways from the Presidential Address

Infrastructure Approval: President Tinubu officially granted Federal Government authorization for the long-awaited Ibom Deep Sea Port, emphasizing its potential to transform Akwa Ibom into a vital maritime economic hub.

Economic Defense: The President defended his administration's difficult fiscal policy choices including the removal of fuel subsidies arguing that structural interventions saved the nation from imminent financial collapse.

Educational Funding: Proceeds recovered from anti-corruption enforcement will henceforth be channeled directly into the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to ease the burden of higher education costs on families.

Civic Engagement Call: Urged young citizens to secure their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of upcoming elections, describing voting power as the primary democratic tool for economic stability and progress.

During his address, President Tinubu took direct aim at prominent political opponents, questioning their capacity to manage national affairs. He criticized African Democratic Congress (ADC) leader Peter Obi over his governance record in Anambra State and targeted former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over frequent political realignments.

"Will you grant an opportunity to someone who demonstrates a lack of leadership stability and organizational responsibility?" President Tinubu asked the crowd, asserting that opposition platforms lack the strategic vision required to govern Nigeria effectively.

Recalling his early career as an auditor for Mobil Oil in Eket, the President described his trip to Akwa Ibom as a professional homecoming. He highlighted the state's natural resources, advocating for aggressive investment in palm oil processing and agricultural industrialization.

Following the main event, President Tinubu visited the Ibom Palm Resort a project built on 73 acres of reclaimed gully erosion land praising Governor Eno's approach to environmental management and infrastructural continuity.

 Tragic Road Incident Shadowing Event

The presidential visit was marred by a severe vehicular collision along Oron Road in Uyo. An Akwa Ibom State Transport Corporation (AKTC) bus transporting women to receive the President collided with a security patrol vehicle.

Local responders reported one fatality and several severe injuries at the scene. Representatives from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Akwa Ibom State Command confirmed that emergency response teams were deployed immediately to render assistance and clear the wreckage.

University of Ghana Directs Undergraduates with CGPA Below 1.00 to Withdraw

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

The University of Ghana (UG) has mandated the withdrawal of undergraduate students who fail to attain a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of at least 1.00 by the conclusion of the 2025/2026 academic session.

The directive was formally communicated in an official circular issued by the institution’s Academic Affairs Directorate, which referenced Section 9.26 of the 2017 University Regulations for Junior Members.

Under the existing policy framework, students must maintain a minimum CGPA threshold of 1.00 alongside fulfilling all department-specific academic criteria to qualify for advancement to subsequent levels. Notably, the policy emphasises that no academic probation period is granted to students who fail to meet this benchmark.

According to the official communication, students whose final cumulative scores drop below the required standard after all course grades are finalised will be classified as not being in good academic standing and must consequently exit their respective degree programs.

“Accordingly, students whose CGPAs fall below 1.00 upon receipt of all grades for their registered courses at the end of the 2025/2026 Academic Year are not in good academic standing and are required to withdraw from their programmes of study.”

To complete the formal exit process, affected individuals are instructed to access their portal via the university’s Management Information System (MIS Web). Students must log in using their student ID and PIN, navigate to the Student and Academic Services Portal, and select the “Withdrawal Request” option. For specific specialised programs, the withdrawal procedure will be processed directly by the respective faculty or departmental boards.

The university administration has advised students requiring further clarification to consult their respective College Academic Offices. Additionally, the Careers and Counselling Directorate has been designated to offer guidance and transitional support to affected students.

Apapa Customs Boss Murtala Mu'azu Unveils Automated Overtime Cargo System

 By: Manoah Kikekon

Muritala Mu'azu 

Comptroller Murtala Mu'azu, Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Apapa Area Command, has launched a comprehensive stakeholder sensitisation program centered on the newly automated overtime cargo clearance framework.

The interactive session, convened on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, brought together senior customs officers and vital maritime industry stakeholders including port operators and importers to transition operations away from sluggish manual approvals toward a seamless digital process.

Opening the event, Comptroller Mu'azu stressed that moving away from legacy, paper-reliant methods was imperative. Under the former structure, identifying long-standing cargo and transmitting manual reports to headquarters created severe operational lags and administrative mismatches.

"The determination of the duration of stay of cargo, as well as the compilation and referral to headquarters, were all done manually. But we realised that there were usually gaps in the processes, particularly between the period when these compilations were made and when decisions were taken," Mu'azu stated.

He further illustrated how real-time discrepancies hampered operations under the legacy framework:

"Before now, command officers might examine cargo that had stayed for 31 or 32 days and submit a report to headquarters. Before a decision was taken, the cargo might have moved into another category, thereby creating an issue with the appropriate level of clearance."

The new automated platform eliminates repetitive documentation, redundant physical submissions, and prolonged waiting periods. By digitizing tracking and authorization workflows, clearance responsibilities are streamlined without relying on multi-tiered manual referrals.

Mu'azu noted that the primary goal of the workshop was to equip command officers with immediate expertise to validate and approve overtime cargo applications swiftly. He added that broader training sessions tailored to terminal operators and other port users will follow shortly.

Concluding the session, the CAC reassured the maritime community that dedicated ICT teams and technical facilitators remain on standby to offer ongoing guidance, guaranteeing a smooth operational transition across the Apapa corridor.

2027: Layode-Led Group Inaugurates 4,120 Polling Unit Ambassadors, Unveils Badagry Campaign House

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

Members of Renewed Hope Ambassadors 

Hon. Ibrahim Layode, the Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, has inaugurated the Lagos Chapter of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors (RHA) has launched its Badagry Federation operational hub, commissioned fleet campaign vehicles, and sworn in 4,120 polling unit ambassadors to drive grassroots engagement across the zone.

The launch, held in Badagry on Friday, gathered top political heavyweights, including local government chairmen across the Badagry Division, state and national legislators, All Progressives Congress (APC) flagbearers, community leaders, traditional rulers, and youth delegations.

The party leaders in attendance included Cardinal James Odunmbaku, RHA Lagos Chairman and Governance Advisory Council (GAC) member; Princess Damilola Sonayon James, Lagos APC Deputy Governorship Candidate; Mr. Tayo Ayinde, Chief of Staff to the Lagos State Governor and RHA State Coordinator; and Fatai Ayoola, Vice Director-General for PBAT/KOH in Lagos West.

Delivering the keynote message on behalf of Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, the Lagos APC governorship candidate, Princess James-Sonayon guaranteed that the commitments outlined in Hamzat’s policy document, The Lagos Promise, will be systematically implemented upon victory in 2027.

She emphasized that the incoming administration plans to entrench grassroots-oriented governance, ensuring every zone in Lagos benefits from balanced infrastructure distribution and effective public service delivery.

Furthermore, she outlined plans to decentralize state administrative services and establish periodic town hall sessions, allowing citizens to directly channel their feedback and influence governance priorities.

Addressing the newly inducted polling unit reps, she urged them to maintain high-voltage mobilization across local wards, stressing that internal party cohesion remains vital as election preparations escalate.

Echoing these sentiments, Tayo Ayinde tasked the field coordinators with maintaining continuous dialogue with community residents to build trust and strengthen grassroots support.

Ayinde, who joined Princess James-Sonayon in officially opening the new secretariat and unveiling the campaign fleet, reiterated RHA’s focus on delivering total electoral success for all APC candidates across Lagos State.

Detailing the organizational architecture, Hon. Ibrahim Layode RHA Coordinator for the Badagry Federation and Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs announced that the initiative has deployed 10 dedicated ambassadors to each of the 412 polling units across the division, totaling 4,120 field agents.

"Our ambassadors have been fully oriented on their operational guidelines and are holding structured briefings with their directorates to ensure seamless coordination and voter outreach across every neighborhood," Layode stated.

Layode voiced high confidence in the deployed structure, highlighting that the operational hub and dedicated mobility assets will dramatically expand RHA’s capacity to execute targeted political outreach throughout the Badagry Federation.

This extensive activation signals a key milestone in APC’s campaign strategy for 2027, as the Renewed Hope Ambassadors systematically organize local networks to rally voters behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, and party flagbearers across Lagos.

Badagry Chairman Hunpe Breaks Ground on Historic Badagry Heritage Estate Housing Project

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

In a step toward urban renewal and affordable homeownership, the Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, has officially flagged off Phase I of the Badagry Heritage Estate Housing Scheme in Ajara-Agamathen.

Executed under the administration’s overarching Greater Badagry Rising Agenda, the pioneering development is being brought to life through a strategic Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with developer Sall Properties Limited. Upon completion, Phase I will feature 14 modern two-bedroom apartments structured across three dedicated residential blocks (Blocks A, B, and C).

The housing layout is designed with top-tier security and sustainable amenities, including 24/7 CCTV surveillance, perimeter gatehouses, automated remotely operated access gates, dedicated resident parking, and an independent solar-powered lighting infrastructure.

Speaking at the ground-breaking ceremony, Hon. Hunpe celebrated the venture as a historic milestone for the local government area, highlighting the power of collaborative development models to spur local economy and urban development.

“This initiative represents an innovative public-private partnership model aimed at promoting homeownership, attracting vital private investment, creating jobs, and substantially improving the overall quality of life for our residents,” Hunpe stated, adding that success in this initial pilot phase will unlock future estate expansions across Badagry.

The project has garnered widespread approval from local governance leaders, administrative heads, and traditional institutions who gathered to witness the unveiling.

The Council Manager, Mrs. Ogundiran Aderonke, underscored the management's role in seeing the commercial agreement through to completion while ensuring strict oversight.

“This project is simply a promise becoming reality,” Mrs. Ogundiran remarked, reaffirming the administration’s unyielding commitment to operational transparency and rigorous project execution.

Echoing her sentiments, the immediate past Council Chairman, Hon. Onilude Segun Adeniran, praised the initiative as an exemplary display of administrative continuity, recalling that the project site was initially identified and secured for residential development during his term.

The flag-off ceremony drew a distinguished delegation of political leaders, Executive Cabinet members, local councillors, and community stakeholders headlined by the host monarch, HRM Aholu Agano Toniyon I all of whom pledged their continued support toward driving sustainable development and infrastructure growth across Badagry.