By Bashir Aliyu
The Nigerian diaspora plays a crucial role in the country’s development and growth. With an estimated 17 million Nigerians living outside the country, their skills, expertise, and remittances are vital to the Nigerian economy. Recognizing this, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has been actively engaging with the Nigerian diaspora to harness their potential and encourage their involvement in Nigeria’s development.
Engaging the Nigerian diaspora is vital to the growth and development of the country. The skills and expertise possessed by Nigerians living abroad can significantly contribute to various sectors such as education, healthcare, technology, and entrepreneurship. Moreover, the remittances being sent by the diaspora remains a vital lifeline for the Nigerian economy because Nigerians remit more money back home than the country earns from oil revenue. It’s against this backdrop that Yusuf Maitama Tuggar who, as a Nigerian ambassador to Germany, maintained a warm relationship with Nigerians in Europe, seeing them as an integral part of Nigerian diplomatic power around the world.
Yusuf Maitama Tuggar recognizes this potential and has been actively working to craft a workable and enduring system with which the Nigerian diaspora can actively participate in Nigeria’s development. By fostering a sense of belonging and providing avenues for collaboration and investment, Minister Tuggar aims to tap into the wealth of knowledge and resources that the Nigerian diaspora possesses, and adding piquancy to the impassioned patriotism that cleaves with them even if they have been away from their country for decades.
One of the key initiatives introduced by the Federal Government is the establishment of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission. This platform provides opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and investment. This engagement would serve as a rallying cry that would galvanise the diaspora to invest their talent and resources back home which would significantly boost President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s effort to attract Foreign Direct Investment, and by so doing, Nigerians would help build Nigeria.
Under the stewardship of Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has aware of the immense potential of the Nigerian diaspora in driving the country’s development. Minister Tuggar has been instrumental in establishing platforms for engagement and collaboration with the diaspora community.
By facilitating collaboration between the diaspora and various sectors in Nigeria, Minister Tuggar aims to harness the skills and experiences of Nigerians abroad for the benefit of the country.
Through these copacetic initiatives, Minister Tuggar is not only rallying the Nigerian diaspora but also showcasing the positive impact they can have on Nigeria’s growth and prosperity.
Yusuf Maitama Tuggar understands the importance of showcasing Nigerian culture and heritage abroad as part of his efforts to rally the Nigerian diaspora. Through cultural events and exhibitions, the Minister aims to promote Nigeria’s rich traditions and history while also fostering a sense of pride among Nigerians living abroad.
By organizing cultural festivals, art exhibits, and music performances, Minister Tuggar aims to capture the attention and interest of the diaspora community, encouraging them to actively participate in supporting and celebrating Nigerian heritage. These events provide a platform for talented Nigerian artists, musicians, and performers living abroad to showcase their skills and talents while also raising awareness about Nigeria’s diverse cultural firmament.
Cultural tourism can be a significant driver of economic growth, providing opportunities for job creation and wealth generation.
Including Diaspora as a key strategic goal of Nigerian foreign policy has not only fostered a sense of pride among Nigerians in the diaspora but has also attracted the attention and interest of foreign tourists and investors. The promotion of Nigerian culture abroad has the potential to drive economic growth and create job opportunities in the country.
As we have seen, Minister Tuggar’s dedication to showcasing Nigerian culture and heritage has not only had a positive impact on the Nigerian diaspora but has also strengthened Nigeria’s position on the global stage. Through his continued efforts, he is establishing Nigeria as a cultural powerhouse and encouraging Nigerians worldwide to actively engage in celebrating and supporting their rich cultural heritage.
