President Bola Ahmed Tinubu President assures citizens abroad of reforms, stability, and renewed opportunities
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerians in the Diaspora to return home and play an active role in the country’s development, declaring that Nigeria is on the rise again under his leadership.
The President appealed on Thursday during an interactive session with the Nigerian community in Japan at the Kahala Hotel and Resort, Yokohama, on the sidelines of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9).
Tinubu stressed that the nation’s progress cannot be left in the hands of government alone but must be driven collectively by citizens at home and abroad. “Yes, for economic reasons, some people might decide to stay away; it’s their fundamental right. But for the economic growth and opportunity available in Nigeria, don’t stay away. Your contribution is very much needed. If you stay away, who will build it?” he asked.
He expressed delight that many Nigerians in the Diaspora were already returning home, attributing the trend to renewed confidence in the country’s direction. The President reminded his audience that true citizenship goes beyond holding a Nigerian passport, noting that character, commitment, and a positive projection of the country are equally vital.
“Leadership is about thinking and doing blending visionary ideas with practical actions to drive stability, unity, and growth. Nigeria is on the rise again,” Tinubu said, while urging Nigerians abroad to act as ambassadors of the nation in their respective fields.
Highlighting ongoing reforms, the President pointed to improvements in passport issuance, stabilization of key economic fundamentals, and government investments in healthcare aimed at reducing medical tourism. He also emphasized programmes designed to expand business opportunities, attract foreign investment, and boost investor confidence in the Nigerian stock market.
Tinubu cautioned against negative portrayals of the country, explaining that such narratives discourage investment and limit the opportunities required for national transformation.
Members of the Nigerian community in Japan, including entrepreneurs, professionals, and students, pledged their support for the administration’s reforms and expressed readiness to contribute to the country’s growth.
Mr. Emeka Ebogota, President of the Nigerian Union in Japan, thanked Tinubu for directly engaging with them, assuring that the Union stands firmly behind the government’s efforts to reposition Nigeria for global competitiveness.
The session was attended by key members of the Federal Executive Council, including Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar; Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake; Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh; Minister of Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji; Minister of Budget, Atiku Bagudu; and Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite. Private sector leaders also joined the event, underscoring the administration’s push for partnerships to drive development.
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