Vice President Kashim Shettima has assured Nigerians living abroad of active engagement in the policies and programmes of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, aimed at positioning Nigeria prominently within the global community.
He urged Nigerians overseas to maintain confidence in their country, stressing that Nigeria is on the right path under President Tinubu’s leadership.
The Vice President gave the assurance during a meeting with members of the Nigerian community in the United States on the sidelines of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
He stressed that “Nigeria is on the right path with the reforms being implemented under the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
On behalf of President Tinubu, VP Shettima commended Nigerians in the diaspora for their resilience and belief in the government, acknowledging their capacity to contribute to the country’s transformation efforts.
He said; “I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart but I will have to come back to the US again and have a more robust engagement with you. Each one of you has value addition capabilities in your own way, and your experience is not something you can buy in the market. You have earned it.
“Continue to believe in Nigeria. Nigeria is on the right track. In the fullness of time, we will occupy our rightful place in the community of nations.”
The Vice President urged Nigerians abroad to be proud of their heritage, noting that Nigeria’s positive developmental indices reflect the well-thought-out policies of the Tinubu administration.
“Our foreign reserve is crossing the $40 billion mark, the sub-nationals are raking in trillions of naira and we are seeing unprecedented infrastructural investment across the entire country. We’re investing in the Nigerian youth and students as is the case with NELFUND,” he stated.
The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa had introduced some Nigerians excelling abroad to the Vice President.
She stressed that under the Tinubu administration, the issues concerning Nigerians in the diaspora are being prioritised.
“Under this administration, it is easier for you to get your passport. Also, the non-resident Bank Verification Number (BVN) is now working under this administration. You don’t need to come home to get your BVN, and a lot of investment opportunities are now open and available. Most importantly, the economy is being transformed, and Nigeria is now a good place to invest,” she noted.
Nigerians present at the meeting declared readiness to invest in Nigeria in sectors such as mining, health, AI, fintech, the creative industry, and agriculture. They also commended government reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business.
Those who spoke at the meeting include an Amazon AI Engineer, Adebimpe Daniels; a Healthcare Specialist, Saratu Garba; and Mr Idoni Matthew, among others.
PIAK