The Federal Government of Nigeria has commended the resilience and patriotism of Nigerians in the United States of America for their continued commitment to the growth and development of the country.
Speaking at a joint virtual meeting organised by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and the Nigerian Centre, Washington, the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, alongside the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, urged the Diaspora community to consistently draw attention to national issues, particularly in light of recent developments in the country.
The Chief of Staff, speaking at the webinar, acknowledged that Nigeria is currently experiencing serious security challenges in some parts of the country. However, he stressed that what is required at this time is not discordant tunes, but concerted, focused-driven efforts to stem the tide.
Gbajabiamila emphasised that cooperation, rather than blame, would be key to resolving the crisis.
He recalled how Americans united to overcome the post-9/11 crisis, urging Nigerians to similarly unite against insurgency, irrespective of ethnic or religious differences.
Speaking in the same vein, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, noted that claims of “genocide” were misleading, stressing that the nation’s challenges are largely rooted in regional conflicts.
He added that misdiagnosing the issues would inevitably lead to ineffective solutions.
Tuggar highlighted contributing factors such as the collapse of Libya under Muammar Gaddafi, the failure of the EU–Sahel strategy, and past restrictions on the sale of arms to Nigeria.
He further stressed that the Tinubu administration remains committed to the actualisation of the 4D Agenda: Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora.
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM and facilitator of the virtual conference, stated that such cooperation is essential, noting that conversations always breed better understanding.
Dabiri-Erewa, while appreciating the participants, concluded that all discussions and recommendations would be compiled, and a communiqué submitted to the President through the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Mr. Gbenga Ogunjimi of the Nigerian Centre, Washington, who moderated the event, stressed that the Nigerian Diaspora represents the nation’s global communities, and therefore diplomacy must go beyond government-to-government engagement.
He emphasised the critical role Nigerians in the United States can play, particularly in strengthening recent developments between both countries.
Representatives of key Diaspora groups urged stronger collaboration between the global Nigerian community and the government to jointly find lasting solutions to the challenges facing the nation.
They pledged their readiness to support Nigeria whenever called upon.
Stakeholders at the meeting also called for the continuity of the forum, urging clear identification of issues and recommending strategic, Nigeria-focused lobbying mechanisms.
About 15 Diaspora groups, represented by their leadership across the United States, participated in the forum.
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