President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians in the diaspora not to abandon their homeland, stressing that their expertise and resources are vital to building a stronger nation.
He made the call on Thursday during an interactive session with Nigerians in Japan at the Kahala Hotel, Yokohama, on the sidelines of TICAD9.
Presidential spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement on the event.
The meeting brought together professionals and entrepreneurs from diverse fields, giving the President an opportunity to highlight his administration’s achievements and reaffirm his commitment to economic growth.
Tinubu expressed delight at meeting what he described as “a vibrant representation of Nigeria’s diversity” in the diaspora community.
He assured them that his government remains determined to create a nation where citizens can thrive and prosper.
The Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Enoh, and Mr Khalil Halilu, Executive Vice-Chairman of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), were invited to outline ongoing reforms.
Also speaking, Mr Wale Tinubu, CEO of Oando PLC and the President’s nephew, noted that reforms are improving Nigeria’s business environment, attracting investment, and expanding capital markets.
President Tinubu declared that Nigeria is “back on the rise”, driven by strategic thinking and decisive action.
He stressed that true leadership combines vision with practical solutions to achieve stability and unity.
The President pointed to improvements in passport processing as part of wider reforms to serve citizens both at home and abroad. He reiterated his administration’s resolve to ensure all Nigerians feel tangible benefits from reforms and good governance.
“I’m happy to listen to you. I’m happy to report that many of our people are returning home,” Tinubu told the gathering.
He acknowledged that some Nigerians may remain abroad for economic reasons but urged them to consider opportunities at home, insisting that their contributions are crucial to national development.
Tinubu emphasised that development is a shared responsibility involving both the government and diaspora citizens.
He encouraged them to serve as ambassadors, promoting Nigeria positively in global engagements.
“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.
He reminded attendees that true citizenship lies in commitment, integrity, and support for national progress, not merely holding a passport.
Tinubu warned that negative portrayals of Nigeria undermine development efforts, discouraging investment and global partnerships.
He assured the diaspora community that economic fundamentals have been stabilised and reforms are underway to spur investment and create jobs.
Healthcare upgrades, he said, are also helping to reverse medical tourism by providing quality services within Nigeria.
Several Nigerians in Japan expressed support for his administration’s agenda.
Mr Emeka Ebogota, President of the Nigerian Union in Japan, thanked Tinubu for directly engaging with the diaspora community. He pledged his members’ support in repositioning Nigeria for greater global relevance and domestic progress.
Notable attendees included John Ologbotsere, a Japanese award-winner for electrotechnical standardisation, entrepreneur Kingsley Kabuyashi, as well as students, doctors, and business leaders.
Also present were Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar, Chargé d’Affaires Florence Adeseke, Solid Minerals Minister Dele Alake, and Budget Minister Atiku Bagudu.
Others included the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite, NIA Director-General Amb. Mohammed Mohammed, senior government officials, and private sector stakeholders.
