BY: News Peddlers
.jpeg) |
| President Muhammadu Buhari |
Diaspora remittances of $20 billion in 2021 will outnumber Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari said on Friday in Washington.
The president made the remark during a town hall meeting with Nigerians in Washington on Friday, capping off his participation in the US-Africa leaders' summit.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, Garba Shehu, one of the president's media aides, quoted Mr Buhari as commending Nigerians in the diaspora.
"I understand that in 2021, our diaspora home remittances through official channels will total $20 billion, which is four times the value of our FDI.
"In addition, many of our diaspora compatriots are actively investing in our healthcare, agriculture, education, Information and Communication Technology, housing and real estate, transportation, oil and gas, and other services.
"I must say this is most commendable and in our enlightened collective self-interest as only Nigerians both at home and abroad can develop Nigeria.
"I am personally proud of you all," the president said, according to Mr Shehu.
Mr. Buhari stated that he had authorised the evacuation of Nigerians in danger in Libya, South Africa, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, and India.
He added that it was one of the reasons behind the establishment of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) to facilitate interactions with the "ambassadors".
The president urged Nigerians living abroad to continue to be good ambassadors and to live in peace with their hosts, saying that "there can be no progress in disunity."
President Buhari expressed satisfaction that the "ambassadors" were returning to Nigeria as expected, and urged them to do more.
"It pleases me to note that many Nigerians in the United States of America have continued to excel in their fields."
He stated that the president was also pleased with the behaviour of Nigerians who had continued to excel in their chosen fields in the United States.
He went on to say that Mr Buhari assured Nigerians living abroad that the Nigerian government would continue to keep an eye on them in whatever situation they found themselves in.
Mr. Buhari stated that he had authorised the evacuation of Nigerians in danger in Libya, South Africa, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, and India.
He added that it was one of the reasons behind the establishment of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) to facilitate interactions with the "ambassadors".
The president urged Nigerians living abroad to continue to be good ambassadors and to live in peace with their hosts, saying that "there can be no progress in disunity."
President Buhari expressed satisfaction that the "ambassadors" were returning to Nigeria as expected, and urged them to do more.
"It is gratifying for me to note that many Nigerians in the U.S.A. have continued to excel in their careers leading to some persons of Nigerian origin being appointed into the cabinet of President Joe Biden.
"In the United States of America, many people have been elected or appointed to various responsible and competitive positions.
"I congratulate those who have brought honour and pride to our country. I congratulate and thank them for their achievements.
"I equally urge them to demonstrate the highest sense of responsibility in order to continue to serve as reference points of excellence in this country," Mr Buhari was quoted as saying.
Buhari told the audience that this would be his final town hall meeting in Washington as president.
(NAN)