By Milton Tella – Nigeria may be set to lead the way among other African countries in harnessing the gains of brain drain by cultivating its human resources scattered abroad to help boost productivity at home.
The High Commissioner of Nigeria to the United Kingdom, His Excellency, Ambassador Safara Tunji Isola is playing a crucial role in galvanising this valuable national asset since his assumption of duties.
At an Information Technology (ICT) Investment Summit organized by the Nigerian Diaspora Direct Investment Summit (NDDIS) in London on Friday, 15 October 2021, attended by Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, the executive Governor of Ondo State, Ambassador Isola emphasised the importance of the Diaspora Nigerians to the administration of President Buhari.
Ambassador Isola, highlighted his plans to be the necessary link with the government at home, while addressing the summit packed, mostly of Nigerians in the Diaspora at the Holiday Inn, Kensington High Street, London.
According to Ambassador Isola, President Buhari’s administration recognizes and attaches much importance to Diaspora Nigerians, as a key national resource available all over the world.
“You are considered a key national resource and available asset, given your vast knowledge, wealth of experience, expertise and exposure to the cutting edge of modern science and technology.
“With energy and speed, Mr. President on assumption of office translated his passion to action, by creating the Nigerian Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) with a committed Nigerian in person of Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa as the Chairman. Today, the commission is seized with the responsibility to directly relate, manage, cooperate, coordinate and synergize with a view to leveraging Diaspora resources for the overarching benefit and advancement of our beloved country. This event is incontrovertibly a resonance of Mr. President’s vision for the Diaspora Nigerians.
“It is in this regard that I like to commend the role and contributions of the Nigerian Diaspora Direct Investment for organizing a vehicle to mobilize Foreign Direct Investments into Nigeria and tap into the enormous potentials from the Diaspora Community as well as encourage all who heed to partake in the prosperity of our beloved country Nigeria,” He said.
He further added, “I have no doubt that many Nigerian business owners and idea generators in the Diaspora will take the advantage of this forum to participate effectively in the prosperity and divine endowment of their country. In this connection, I urge everyone present to seize the opportunity of today’s event to explore and exploit the digital sector of our economy, as the opportunities are vast.
“Nigeria’s population of about 200 million with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of about £400 billion pounds sterling, according to the World Bank, remains the largest population and economy in Africa. It stands out as the prime destination for businesses and investments in the continent of Africa and even beyond. With such an impressive economic underpinning, Nigeria’s consumer base offers limitless opportunities and infinite possibilities for broadband companies, mobile operators and content providers.
“Over the years, the demand for telecommunications services, especially through mobile connectivity, has led to the emergence of new technologies in the Nigerian telecommunications market, thus, paving the way for a strong drive towards digitization of all other Nigerian economic sectors.”
Ambassador Isola further said, “The Federal Government through its deliberate policy of economic diversification has identified the telecommunications sector as one of its key priorities for national development. It is, therefore, committed and determined to use information communication technology (ICT) not only for economic development but also for information and financial inclusivity and inclusion; a measure that potential investors in the country have increasingly encouraged.
“To continue to earn the confidence of investors in Nigeria’s economy, uphold and pursue its tripartite agenda, the current Administration remains committed to fighting corruption, ensuring security and rebuilding our economy. While the fight against corruption continues to yield positive results, the Boko Haram insurgency in north eastern part of the country is beginning to produce unprecedented positive results, as scores of the insurgents continue to surrender on daily bases, seeking to be reintegrated into the society. This is a clear testament that the present Administration is systematically winning the war against the insurgency in the northeast by encouraging disarmament, demobilization and reintegration.
“The Ease of Doing Business has without doubt served as an encouragement to potential investors and has long received international accolades and a positive rating from the World Bank, as one of the most improved countries in the world. Government has also removed many red tapes hitherto faced by investors in the effort to establish and run businesses. There are improved business conditions, including the cost of doing business in Nigeria.”
In concluding, “Let me reassure you that in spite of the perception of others about our country, the reality based on national and international capability analysis is that, Nigeria is making the most spectacular achievements in all facets of human development and growth can be realized,” He said.
An investment summit, seeking the participation of Nigerians living abroad will be held in November 2021 in Abuja according to the Nigerian Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM).
The 4th in the series, the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit is scheduled to hold from Nov. 16 to Nov. 17, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
According to Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman, Nigerian Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), the summit is a private sector initiative backed and enabled by the Federal Government of Nigeria through NIDCOM. His Excellency, Prof. Yemi Osibajo SAN, the Vice president, Federal Republic of Nigeria will be the Special Guest of Honour.
The theme of the two-day event is: ‘Diaspora Partnership and Linkages for Post-COVID Economic Growth’.
The summit would target key sectors of the economy such as agribusiness, education, healthcare, creative sector, entertainment and sport, infrastructure and real estate, manufacturing, telecommunications, ICT, FinTech and Oil and Gas.
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