President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Nigerians in the Diaspora to return home and play an active role in nation-building, saying his administration is laying the foundation for a stronger and more prosperous country.
Speaking on Thursday at the Kahala Hotel and Resort in Yokohama, Japan, during an interactive session with members of the Nigerian community on the sidelines of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), the President appealed to professionals and entrepreneurs abroad to contribute their expertise and resources to Nigeria’s economic transformation.
Tinubu described Nigerians in Japan as a “vibrant representation of the country’s diversity,” assuring them that his government is committed to making Nigeria conducive for both residents and returnees.
“I am happy to listen to you. I’m happy to report that many of our people are returning home. Yes, for economic reasons, some people might decide to stay away; it’s a fundamental right. But for the economic growth and opportunity available in Nigeria, don’t stay away. Your contribution is very much needed. If you stay away, who will build it?” the President asked.
Highlighting reforms already underway, Tinubu noted improvements in passport issuance, healthcare upgrades aimed at reversing medical tourism, and economic policies that have boosted competitiveness, attracted investment, and expanded the stock market.
He stressed that development cannot be left to the government alone but requires a collective sense of responsibility from all Nigerians.
“The strength of citizenship is not only in holding a Nigerian passport but in character and commitment to the nation’s progress,” he said, urging Diaspora Nigerians to project a positive image of the country abroad.
During the event, the President invited the Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Enoh, and the Executive Vice Chairman of NASENI, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, to outline government programmes, while Wale Tinubu provided insights into the administration’s economic reforms.
Nigerians in Japan expressed satisfaction with the pace of reforms and pledged support. The President of the Nigerian Union in Japan, Emeka Ebogota, thanked Tinubu for engaging with the community, while notable attendees included John Ologbotsere, a Japanese national award winner for electrotechnical standardisation, and entrepreneur Kingsley Kabuyashi.
Also present were Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar, Solid Minerals Minister Dele Alake, Regional Development Minister Abubakar Momoh, Science and Technology Minister Uche Nnaji, Budget Minister Atiku Bagudu, Minister of State for Finance Doris Uzoka-Anite, and senior officials from government and the private sector.
