Vice-President Kashim Shettima has pledged stronger engagement of Nigerians in the diaspora in shaping the policies and programmes of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking to members of the Nigerian community in the United States during the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Shettima said the government is determined to place Nigeria in its rightful position globally.
He urged Nigerians abroad to maintain faith in their homeland, stressing that Tinubu’s reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda were steering the nation on the right course.
“Each one of you has value to add, and your experience is priceless. Continue to believe in Nigeria. In time, we will take our rightful place in the comity of nations,” Shettima said.
The Vice-President highlighted positive developments, including rising foreign reserves crossing the $40 billion mark, record sub-national revenues, and increased infrastructure investments. He also pointed to initiatives like NELFUND as evidence of government’s commitment to youth and students.
Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said Tinubu’s administration has prioritised the needs of Nigerians abroad, easing access to passports, non-resident Bank Verification Numbers, and investment opportunities.
Several diaspora professionals including AI engineer Adebimpe Daniels, healthcare expert Saratu Garba, and fintech entrepreneur Idoni Matthew—expressed readiness to invest in Nigeria’s mining, health, creative, agriculture, and technology sectors.
Shettima, representing President Tinubu at UNGA 80, also delivered Nigeria’s national statement, pushing for UN reforms, a permanent Security Council seat for Nigeria, Africa’s control of its $700 billion mineral wealth, and digital inclusion.
After UNGA, he departed for Germany to meet with Deutsche Bank officials for strategic discussions.
