Abuja, Nigeria – Vice President Kashim Shettima praised Nigerian immigrants for their significant contributions to the global economy, highlighting their role as global ambassadors in technology, medicine, sports, and creative arts.
Speaking at the 10th Annual National Migration Dialogue, Shettima emphasized that Nigeria accounts for the highest diaspora remittances in West Africa.
“In 2022 alone, Nigeria accounted for $21.9 billion in diaspora remittances, representing 64% of all remittances in West Africa,” Shettima stated.
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“Beyond financial remittances, our migrants have become global ambassadors, excelling in fields such as technology, medicine, sports, and the creative arts.” Nigerian startups founded by migrants attracted over $800 million in investments in 2022.
Shettima acknowledged the challenges of irregular migration, noting that over 10,000 Nigerians were returned and reintegrated after being detained for immigration offenses in African and European countries in 2024.
He emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to address these challenges while harnessing migration’s potential for economic growth and resilience.
The Vice President reassured that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration remains committed to tackling migration challenges, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration (GCM) at the United Nations General Assembly.
Shettima highlighted innovations aimed at addressing migration challenges, including electronic gates at major airports, e-passports with advanced security features, and expanded online visa applications.
He also acknowledged partnerships with international organizations, such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
Other speakers, including Federal Commissioner Tijani Aliyu Ahmed and Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission Abike Dabiri-Erewa, emphasized the importance of celebrating migrants’ legacies and rights.
Professor Muhammed Tawfiq Ladan stressed that migrants are entitled to fundamental human rights, while Mojisola Sodeinde announced Nigeria’s upcoming leadership of the Euro-African Dialogue on Migration and Development in January 2025.