President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerians living abroad to contribute their expertise and resources toward consolidating national development and building a stronger, more prosperous country.
The President made the appeal on Thursday during an interactive session with select members of the Nigerian community at the Kahala Hotel and Resort, Yokohama, on the sidelines of the ongoing Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9).
The meeting, which brought together professionals and entrepreneurs across various sectors, provided an opportunity for the President to outline his administration’s reforms and achievements while assuring the Diaspora community of his commitment to driving economic growth.
Tinubu described Nigerians in the Diaspora as a “vibrant representation” of the nation’s diversity, stressing that his government is determined to make the country conducive for citizens at home and abroad.
“I am happy to listen to you. I’m happy to report that many of our people are returning home. Yes, for economic reasons, some may decide to stay away—it’s a 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?” Tinubu asked.
The President reiterated that national development cannot be left to government alone, urging citizens abroad to remain true ambassadors of the country by projecting Nigeria positively in their engagements.
He also highlighted improvements in passport issuance and healthcare infrastructure, noting that his administration has stabilised key economic fundamentals and is implementing reforms to unlock investment opportunities and create jobs.
Inviting key government officials to shed more light on sectoral progress, Tinubu called on Senator John Enoh, Minister of State for Industry, and Khalil Suleiman Halilu, Executive Vice Chairman of NASENI, to brief the audience. His nephew, Wale Tinubu, further explained how reforms have made businesses more competitive, attracted investments, and boosted the stock market.
“Leadership is about thinking and doing — blending visionary ideas with practical actions to drive stability, unity, and growth. Nigeria is on the rise again under my leadership,” the President declared.
Members of the Nigerian community in Japan expressed satisfaction with the pace of reforms and pledged to explore ways to contribute to national progress. Mr. Emeka Ebogota, President of the Nigerian Union in Japan, thanked the President for engaging with them and reaffirmed the group’s support.
Other notable attendees included John Ologbotsere, a Japanese national award winner for electrotechnical standardisation; entrepreneur Mr. Kingsley Kabuyashi; as well as businesspeople, doctors, and students.
Also present were senior government officials, 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; Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite; and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Mohammed.
President Tinubu closed the meeting with a reminder that true citizenship goes beyond holding a passport:
“The strength of citizenship is in character and commitment to the nation’s progress. If we don’t join hands and work together, then we’ve lost the hope of being the leaders we are supposed to be.”
