By Tokunbo2

Copyright thesun

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

Vice President Kashim Shettima has given a reassuring message to Nigerians living in the diaspora, promising more robust engagement in the policies and programmes of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Speaking on the sidelines of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Shettima stressed that Nigeria is steadily progressing under the Renewed Hope Agenda and urged Nigerians overseas to remain confident in the country’s trajectory.

Addressing a gathering of Nigerian community members in the United States, the Vice President noted the important role Nigerians abroad play in Nigeria’s development, acknowledging their skills and commitment as vital assets.

“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,” he said.

Shettima urged the diaspora to sustain their belief in Nigeria’s potential and highlighted ongoing reforms designed to elevate the nation’s global standing. “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,” he added.

He also called on Nigerians abroad to take pride in their heritage, pointing to positive economic indicators as clear evidence of the government’s effective policies. “Our foreign reserve is crossing the $40 billion mark, the subnationals 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,” Shettima explained.

In her remarks, Chairperson and CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, introduced distinguished Nigerians excelling internationally and described enhanced efforts by the Tinubu administration to prioritise diaspora interests.

She highlighted improvements such as easier passport processing and the operationalisation of the non-resident Bank Verification Number (BVN), which now allows Nigerians abroad to manage their finances without returning home.

“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,” Dabiri-Erewa said.

Members of the Nigerian diaspora expressed readiness to contribute investments in diverse sectors, including mining, healthcare, artificial intelligence, fintech, creative industries, and agriculture.

Speakers at the meeting included Amazon AI Engineer, Adebimpe Daniels, Healthcare Specialist Saratu Garba, and Idoni Matthew, who all lauded the government for facilitating a more business-friendly environment, according to a statement by the media aide to the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha.