The chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Organizations (NIDO) Africa, Professor Jude Osakwe, says the organization is committed to creating opportunities for Nigerians in diaspora to invest in Nigeria.
Prof. Osakwe who stated this while addressing a press conference in Abuja on Monday, said NIDO Africa recognizes the potential for diasporans to be a powerful force for change.
“NIDO Africa will be dedicated to fostering connections between Nigerians living abroad and their home country.
“By creating a network of investment opportunities, NIDO Africa will aim to empower individuals to not only increase their financial wealth, but also to make a meaningful impact in their home country.
“The organization recognizes the potential for diasporans to be a powerful force for change, and is committed to providing the tools and resources necessary to facilitate this transformation,” he said.
According to him, the expertise, talents, and skills of Nigerians living abroad have made them great ambassadors for the country.
This he said can be used to contribute to the growth and progress of Nigeria, adding that it aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration.
“Today, Africa remains a top priority for Nigeria’s foreign policy, aligning with the present administration’s Renewed Hope agenda.
“One of the key pillars of Nigeria’s foreign policy is the Diaspora, which plays a pivotal role in the development of our nation,” he said.
Osakwe said NIDO Africa will also push for better tax rebates and exemptions for Nigerian entrepreneurs, particularly those involved in the exportation of Made in Nigeria goods.
He said: “By making it more financially feasible for entrepreneurs to do business in Nigeria and promote Nigerian products on the global stage, we hope to stimulate economic growth and create more opportunities for Nigerians both at home and abroad,” he said.
Speaking further, he NIDO Africa, will aim to address the passport renewal challenges faced by diasporans.
“We will engage with the Nigeria Immigration Service to streamline the process and make it easier for Nigerians living abroad to renew their passports.
“By working closely with the Nigeria Immigration Service, we will advocate for further improvements in the passport renewal system, including faster processing times, clearer application guidelines, and better communication with applicants.
“It is hoped that every Nigerian living abroad will have access to a valid passport without much stress,” he said.
Also speaking, the first black chairman of the conservative Party in the United Kingdom, Ms. Mercy Gilbert, has restated her desire to attract investments in tourism, infrastructure and agriculture, and renewable energy to Nigeria.
“Africa is ripe for business and the best place to start is Nigeria. When Nigeria sneezes the rest of Africa catches a cold.
“Nigeria has a lot of resources and I represent a lot of investors in America and Europe and they are willing to invest in Nigeria.
“Over the last seven years I have hosted trade missions to the UK from Nigeria and in parliament and there have been a lot of interest in investing in Nigeria; from tourism to infrastructure, to agriculture, to renewable energy.
“During those periods there were a lot interest but not much progress have been made and I felt for progress to be made, I have to come on ground and interact with politicians and those that the investors wants to meet,” she said.
She also said expressed desire to advocate for women empowerment and fight against trafficking.
“I also started a project in Delta state to promote women empowerment. It is basically to stop women trafficking and encourage enterprise because women are the bedrock of the society and if you educate a women, you educate a village,” she said.
