The Enugu State Government has established diaspora desks in all local government areas to drive economic growth and development. This initiative coincides with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) launching its Sensitisation and Advocacy Programme to promote diaspora investment in the Southeast. Enugu hosted the first edition of this programme.
Governor Peter Mbah, represented by Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, highlighted the significant contributions of the diaspora through remittances, expertise, and innovation. Mbah emphasized the state’s commitment to increasing its GDP from $4.4 billion to $30 billion by creating an investor-friendly environment.
NiDCOM Chairman/CEO, Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, stressed the need to decentralize diaspora engagement to motivate Nigerians abroad to invest at home. She mentioned ongoing NiDCOM programmes like the Nigerian Diaspora Day (NDD), Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS), and the Badagry Door of Return Festival as key avenues for effective engagement.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Diaspora Matters, Barr. Olangwa Ezekwu, noted that remittances recorded by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) reached $4.22 billion between January and October 2024, with over ₦60 billion sent home last December. She emphasized the importance of effectively channeling these resources, particularly as more people look to invest at home.
AT Reporter
