NIDCOM, Bauchi Government Partner to Boost Diaspora Investment in North-East

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NIDCOM, Bauchi Government Partner to Boost Diaspora Investment in North-East

By, Abdulwahab Muhammad Bauchi 

Bauchi, Nigeria – The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has launched a sensitization and advocacy program to promote diaspora investment in the North-East, urging Nigerians abroad to contribute to economic development back home.

The event, held in Bauchi, emphasized the vast but untapped investment opportunities in the region and the need to harness the skills, resources, and expertise of Nigerians living abroad.

Diaspora Investment Crucial for National Growth – NIDCOM

Speaking at the event, NIDCOM Chairperson/CEO, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, represented by the Commission’s Secretary, Engr. Dr. Sule Yakubu Bassi, stressed the importance of engaging Nigerians in the diaspora in national development.

“You cannot talk about people in the diaspora without reminding them that they did not just find themselves there by accident,” she said. “They have a root, a country of origin. No matter how long they stay abroad, home remains home, and Nigeria needs them.”

She highlighted five key contributions that Nigerians abroad can make to the country’s development: financial resources, talent, skills, global exposure, and international networks. According to her, remittances from the diaspora have exceeded $90 billion in the past five years, contributing to economic growth through cash inflows, intellectual property, and goods and services.

Dabiri-Erewa also urged both the government and citizens to foster better relations with the diaspora community, stressing that collaboration is essential for sustainable development.

Bauchi State to Strengthen Partnership with NIDCOM

Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, represented by Commissioner for Budget, Economic Planning, and Multilateral Coordination, Amina Mohammed Katagum, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to working with NIDCOM to attract diaspora investment.

“I am indeed pleased that this event is holding in Bauchi because our state is committed to ensuring that we remain open to investors,” he said. “Nigerians in the diaspora are a vital source of investment, knowledge, and expertise that can help turn around our fortunes and create opportunities for our unemployed youth and women.”

He noted that despite the North-East’s vast human and material resources, the region remains largely dependent on federal allocations, a situation worsened by insurgency and economic challenges. The governor stressed that prioritizing revenue generation through diaspora investment is critical for economic sustainability, especially in light of Nigeria’s evolving tax policies that favor states with higher GDPs.

Bauchi’s Economic Growth Strategy

Governor Mohammed highlighted efforts made by his administration to improve the state's financial stability since assuming office in 2019. He noted that prior to his tenure, Bauchi State struggled with financial management, including difficulties in salary payments and infrastructure development.

To address these challenges, the state government introduced reforms such as tax incentives, the establishment of a one-stop investment facilitation center, and initiatives to improve its ease of doing business ranking. These measures have attracted investors and created a more favorable business environment.

As part of its long-term development strategy, the state launched "My Bauchi Project 2.0", a ten-year strategic plan aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to further enhance investment inflows and economic growth.

The governor concluded by urging participants to maximize the workshop's opportunities, emphasizing that effective engagement with the diaspora community could significantly contribute to the long-term development of Bauchi State and the North-East region.

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