President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians in the Diaspora to contribute their expertise and resources to national development, stressing that the country is regaining its economic footing under his leadership.
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 ongoing Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), Tinubu said national progress cannot be achieved without the involvement of citizens abroad.
“I am happy to report that many of our people are returning home. Yes, for economic reasons, some might stay away — it’s a fundamental right of the individual — but for the 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 said.
The meeting drew professionals, entrepreneurs, and students across various fields. Tinubu assured them that his administration was determined to make Nigeria conducive for all, citing reforms that have improved the economy, boosted investment, expanded the stock market, and made passport issuance more seamless.
He also said the government was working to reverse medical tourism by upgrading healthcare facilities and expanding access to quality services at home.
“Leadership is about thinking and doing — blending visionary ideas with practical actions to drive stability, unity, and growth,” he told the audience.
The President invited members of his delegation, including Minister of State for Industry Senator John Enoh and NASENI Executive Vice Chairman Khalil Suleiman Halilu, to highlight ongoing government programmes. Businessman Wale Tinubu also shared insights on how reforms have made Nigerian enterprises more competitive.
Diaspora representatives welcomed the government’s efforts. Emeka Ebogota, President of the Nigerian Union in Japan, pledged the community’s support, while other attendees — including electrotechnical standardisation award winner John Ologbotsere and entrepreneur Kingsley Kabuyashi — expressed interest in greater involvement in Nigeria’s transformation.
Tinubu reminded the audience that being Nigerian goes beyond holding a passport, stressing the need for citizens to project the country positively abroad.
“If we don’t join hands and work together, then we’ve lost the hope of being the leaders we are supposed to be,” he cautioned.
Also present at the meeting 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, State Minister for Finance Doris Uzoka-Anite, as well as senior government officials and private sector leaders.