Vice President Kashim Shettima has assured Nigerians living abroad of stronger involvement in the policies and programmes of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, stressing that their contributions remain vital to the country’s transformation.
Shettima gave the assurance during an interactive session with members of the Nigerian community in the United States on the sidelines of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
He urged Nigerians overseas to maintain their confidence in the country, noting that reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda are already yielding positive outcomes.
“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 comity of nations,” Shettima said, according to a statement by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha.
The vice president pointed to improvements in the nation’s economic indices, citing foreign reserves approaching the $40 billion mark, increased revenues accruing to subnationals, and unprecedented infrastructure investments nationwide.
He also highlighted youth-focused initiatives such as the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as evidence of the administration’s commitment to inclusive growth.
Shettima further encouraged Nigerians abroad to be proud of their heritage, stressing that the government’s economic reforms are positioning the country for global relevance.
Chairman and Chief Executive of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, who introduced some Nigerians excelling abroad to the vice president, noted that diaspora matters were receiving renewed attention under the Tinubu administration.
“Under this administration, it is easier for you to get your passport. The non-resident BVN is now working, and you don’t need to come home to get it. Most importantly, Nigeria’s economy is being transformed, and the country is now a good place to invest,” she said.
Nigerians at the interactive session expressed readiness to invest back home in key sectors, including mining, healthcare, artificial intelligence, fintech, the creative industry, and agriculture.
The assurance by the vice president is part of a series of diaspora-focused engagements by the Tinubu administration.
At the 80th UN General Assembly, Shettima had delivered Nigeria’s national statement on behalf of President Tinubu, calling for reforms of the United Nations, a permanent Security Council seat for Nigeria, and Africa’s control over its $700 billion mineral wealth.
Since assuming office in May 2023, the administration has consistently sought to harness the potential of Nigerians abroad. Reforms such as easier passport processing, the rollout of non-resident Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs), and the creation of investment windows have been introduced to strengthen diaspora ties.
In 2024 and early 2025, diaspora communities across Europe and North America expressed interest in investing in sectors like mining, fintech, healthcare, and agriculture, a commitment reaffirmed at the latest New York meeting.
With Shettima’s renewed call, the government signalled that diaspora contributions remain central to the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
