The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has said that the federal government is looking to draw on the vast resources of its diaspora to help develop the country and also save the country from economic recession.
Dabiri-Erewa disclosed this in Abuja, yesterday, during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.
She said that the Diaspora represents a significant asset, which the government believes can transform the country’s economic fortunes.
“We are of the view that there is a value proposition that is to be derived from the alignment of the interest of the diaspora and investment opportunities that abound in the homeland, and if that alignment takes place, then we are of the view that we can transform the economic space of Nigeria.”
Mrs Dabiri-Erewa sought the partnership of the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture in building a formidable structure that will engage Nigerians in the diaspora.
While stressing the need for an accurate database of Nigerians in the diaspora, she said a diaspora policy would soon be put in place to define and facilitate the engagement with Nigerians residing abroad and harness the intellects of Nigerians in various fields in the diaspora to contribute positively to nation-building.
