Nigeria has immense diaspora community, vast network, talented, skilled, resourceful individuals facing hindrances

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By Akanji Alowolodu, Bauchi

It has been lamented that though Nigeria, as a country has immense potential that lies within its diaspora community with millions of Nigerians living abroad having a vast network of talented, skilled, and resourceful individuals who are eager to contribute to the development of the great nation, there are hindrances that must be tackled and removed immediately.

The assertion was made by Price Jacob Momoh, the Managing Director of Stage by Stage Projects Ltd during the event of Sensitization and Advocacy on Nigeria Diaspora Investment Workshop held in Bauchi on Monday, 27th January 2025.

According to him, “However, we also recognize that there are challenges that hinder their ability to invest in Nigeria, and it is our collective responsibility to address these challenges and create an enabling environment for diaspora investment to thrive.”

He stressed that,”First and foremost, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the organizers of this event, Nigerians In the Diaspora Commission, and the Bauchi State Government, for their tireless efforts in bringing us together today.”

Represented by Mr Lawrence Akaniro (Business development manager )
Stage by stage project limited, he added that, “Your commitment to promoting diaspora investment in Nigeria is truly commendable, and we are proud to be a part of this initiative. The theme of this workshop, “Unlocking the Potential of Diaspora Investment in Nigeria,” is a call to action for all of us.”

According to him,”We must work together to identify the opportunities and challenges facing diaspora investment in Nigeria and develop strategies to overcome them. We must also create awareness about the benefits of diaspora investment and the role that each of us can play in promoting it.”

Jacob Momoh added that,”In today’s event, we will engage in robust discussions, share experiences, and learn from each other. We will explore the various sectors that are ripe for investment, including agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare, and education, among others.”

“We will also examine the policies and regulations that govern diaspora investment in Nigeria and identify areas for improvement,” he added.

He stated further that, “As the Managing Director of Stage by Stage Project Ltd, I am committed to supporting the growth and development of our nation through diaspora investment. Our organization is dedicated to providing a platform for Nigerians in the diaspora to connect with opportunities in Nigeria, and we are excited to be a part of this initiative.”

“To our diaspora community, I say that we value your contributions and recognize the sacrifices that you make to support your families and communities back home. We urge you to take advantage of the opportunities that exist in Nigeria especially in North East and to invest in our nation’s future,” he added.

The MD added that,”We are committed to creating an environment that is conducive to your investment and to supporting you every step of the way. To our government officials and policymakers, I say that we must work together to create policies and regulations that support diaspora investment.”

Jacob Momoh added that, “We must streamline our processes, reduce bureaucracy, and provide incentives that attract investment to Nigeria.”

In conclusion, he stated that, “I would like to thank you all once again for your presence here today. I am confident that this workshop will be a success and that we will emerge with a renewed commitment to promoting diaspora investment in Nigeria.”

“Let us work together to unlock the potential of our diaspora community and to build a brighter future for our nation,” he concluded.

In her welcome address, Bauchi State Diaspora Focal Point Officer, Dr. Esther Ahmed stated that, “Today, we gather to explore the vast opportunities for diaspora investment in the North East subregion, and to discuss how we can work together to unlock the full potentials of our diaspora community.”

She added that, “As we all know, the Nigerian diaspora community plays a vital role in the development of our nation, with remittances estimated to be around $20-25 billion annually. However, we believe that there is still much untapped potential for diaspora investment in the North East region, particularly in areas such as agriculture, infrastructure, and education.”

Esther Ahmed added that, ” This workshop is designed to provide a platform for diaspora investors to learn about the investment opportunities available in the North East region, and to connect with local stakeholders and policymakers. NIDCOM and its partners have assembled a team of experts who will share their insights and experiences on diaspora investment.”

She thanked the State Governor, Sen. Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed stating that, “Since the establishment of the office of the State Diaspora Focal Point Officer in January 2024, we’ve enjoyed limitless support by Bauchi State Government- a befitting office accommodation, a license to participate in all diaspora engagements home, and abroad and above all, a demonstrated willingness to sustain and improve on the momentum. For all this, we say a very big thank you to His Excellency for this high level of commitment.”

“Your Excellency sir, the Chairman/CEO of NIDCOM and her formidable team have maintained an open- door policy with a 24/7-hour service, free consultancy and always willing to do more and more just to ensure that states are carried along and believe me Bauchi state has enjoyed so much hand- holding from the NIDCOM team. For all these, we say thank you.”

She concluded stating,”Once again, I welcome you all to this important event, and I look forward to engaging fruitfully with together. Let us work together to unlock the full potential of diaspora investments in the North East region.”