PMB Endorses Establishment of Nigerian Diaspora Investment Trust Fund

President Muhammadu Buhari has endorsed the establishment of the Nigerian Diaspora Investment Trust Fund, NDITF, to support direct investments in the country.

The President made the endorsement in Abuja at the presentation of a compendium entitled +600 Diaspora Icons at 60, published by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NIDCOM,

The President said Nigeria was open to welcoming the Diaspora Direct Investment by compatriots abroad, a private sector investment window with Nigerians in the Diaspora

He noted that the foreign exchange remittances by Nigerians in the Diaspora had helped families and enhanced the development index of Nigeria.

President Buhari described the 327-page compendium as a historical record of the worth of Nigeria’s compatriots globally, adding that the distinguished list in the publication is a reminder of what Nigerians are capable of doing to the delight of the global community.

He stressed that irrespective of the few bad eggs, which is not peculiar to Nigeria, the country remains a great nation populated by great people, living at home or abroad, making citizens proud.

The President urged Nigerians to make it a duty to celebrate and extol compatriots who have excelled in their chosen careers and professions.

He noted that no country would do that for Nigerians except themselves, emphasising that their failure in recognising their own will make other countries capitalise on the few bad eggs and characterise Nigeria in their own negative narratives.

President Buhari called on Nigerians across the world to continue to be of exemplary behaviour and with determination to offer quality services that contribute to the progress of humanity.

While congratulating those whose names have made it to the first edition, President Buhari encouraged others to work more conscientiously to make the list in the subsequent editions.

He commended the Diaspora Commission for the energy and innovative steps it put together to ensure better engagements with the Diaspora Community.

The Chairman of NIDCOM, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa had said the idea of the compendium was inspired by the regular Diaspora Presidential Town Hall meetings.

She said the Commission planned to publish the compendium at regular intervals, towards changing the negative stereotypes typified by the activities of a few bad Nigerians.

Abdullah Bello