The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) as make public this Year Diaspora Day celebration days and Programme.
Chairman/CEO NIDCOM, Hon Abike Dabiri – Erewa disclosed this yesterday during the Commission’s pre- conference world press briefing in Abuja.
“As we get set to host the 2025 National Diaspora Day (NDD) and the 3rd National Diaspora Merit Awards (NDMA), taking place from July 25-26, 2025 in Abuja, with both physical and virtual participation worldwide”
“This year’s theme: “Optimising Formidable Diaspora Potentials for National Development and Growth”, is more than a conversation starter. It is a national imperative. It challenges us to move beyond rhetoric and act with clear purpose in harnessing the full value of our over 20 million-diaspora-community globally.
” Over the years, Nigerians in the diaspora have proven themselves as resilient change-makers, solution providers, and proud ambassadors of our great nation. From medicine to education, technology to tourism, business to sports, arts to governance, our diaspora continues to influence global conversations and spearhead innovation, development and growth”.
Undeniably, they are among Nigeria’s greatest exports, yet remain one of our most underutilised assets for national development. In 2024 alone, remittances from Nigerians abroad exceeded $20 billion, surpassing foreign direct investment. But beyond these figures lies an armoury of knowledge, skills, networks, and goodwill; resources which, if strategically engaged, can catalyse transformative development across all regions of our country.
‘ Looking back, we have made tangible progress in deepening diaspora engagement. For instance, the deployment of State Diaspora Focal Point Officers ensures diaspora matters are now part of national development planning, even at the grassroots. Diaspora Nigerians are now more actively involved in areas like policy, housing, health, education and mentorship. With initiatives such as the National Diaspora Policy, Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit and the Data Mapping Project, engagement is no longer theoretical, but feasible, practical and impactful.
This year’s celebration is both a renewed commitment and an elevated platform. It is about moving beyond sentiments and statistics to sustainable frameworks. It is about building a Nigeria where our diaspora community is seen, heard and harnessed; not just celebrated occasionally, but embedded structurally. Optimising diaspora potential means creating real structures that allow Nigerians abroad to co-own our development journey, not just with remittances, but with intellectual capital, policy influence, business partnerships, Launching of the Diaspoara home and abroad housing platform and generational wealth creation through investments.
This year’s event will be held at the State Conference Centre, Presidential Villa, Abuja. As usual, it will be a hybrid event, welcoming participants from across the globe: so, whether you are joining from Lagos, London, Los Angeles, Lyon, Longjing or Lisbon–you are seen, valued and celebrated. Across the two-day event, will be thematic sessions, panel discussions, youth mentorship programmes, strategic partnership dialogues, networking opportunities, and of course…the National Diaspora Merit Awards, which is our way of recognising distinguished Nigerian diaspora who continue to uplift our nation with courage, integrity and excellence. Your stories deserve to be heard. Your contributions must be recognised. Your patriotism should be celebrated. It will also feature vibrant Nigerian cultural displays.
Registration is currently open for both physical and virtual participation. To register, please visit: www.nidcom.gov.ng/diasporaday, or you may also follow us on all official NiDCOM social media platforms for real-time updates and enquiries., On behalf of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, I extend our profound gratitude to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,GCFR for his consistent support for diaspora engagement under his administration. We also appreciate the support of government agencies, public and private sector organisations, and the media for their collaboration.
As we count down to NDD 2025, I invite you all, not just as observers but as participants in this collective national effort to reconnect, reimagine and rebuild our nation with the over 20 million Nigerians in the Diaspora. Let this event be remembered not merely for its banners and accolades, but for the bridges it builds and the futures it unlocks. ,
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