Dabiri-Erewa Urges Diaspora Nigerians to Support Tinubu’s ‘Nigeria First’ Policy as Key to National Transformation

Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, OON, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has issued a passionate appeal to Nigerians living abroad to align themselves with the Federal Government’s renewed vision for national development through active participation in the ‘Nigeria First’ Policy recently unveiled by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

She described the initiative as a defining moment for national development, urging diaspora Nigerians known globally for their excellence in medicine, technology, academia, entrepreneurship, and other sectors to bring their expertise and innovation back home to support the country’s rebuilding efforts.

Speaking in an official video statement released on Tuesday, the NiDCOM boss emphasized that the Nigeria First Policy instituted through an executive order marks a strategic shift toward promoting national interest in all government dealings, especially in areas such as procurement, product development, and innovation.

According to Dabiri-Erewa, the policy seeks to:

• Prioritize Nigeria-centric approaches in governance and policy execution;

• Encourage the use and patronage of locally produced goods and services;

• Foster homegrown technological and industrial solutions to socio-economic challenges;

• Ensure that Nigeria’s economic and human resources are deployed in ways that serve national interests first.

My dear brothers and sisters in the diaspora, this is your opportunity to actively contribute to Nigeria’s progress. The Nigeria First Policy is not just a government directive; it is a call to collective national action. Your knowledge, your global exposure, and your commitment to Nigeria are needed now more than ever,” she stated.

Dabiri-Erewa further noted that diaspora contributions over the years, ranging from remittances to investments, skills transfer, and humanitarian interventions have been invaluable. However, she emphasized the need for more strategic involvement in policy implementation and economic reform efforts spearheaded by the current administration.

Reiterating NiDCOM’s commitment, she assured diaspora communities of the Commission’s continued engagement through structured programs, investment facilitation, and stakeholder dialogues. She pledged that NiDCOM would remain a reliable bridge between Nigerians abroad and key government agencies.

We are proud of your achievements around the world. Now is the time to channel those successes toward building the Nigeria we all dream of,” she added, appealing for unity and sustained collaboration with President Tinubu’s administration.

The policy, recently signed into law via executive order, mandates all federal ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to prioritize Nigerian-made goods, services, and innovations in procurement decisions. It is aimed at reducing overreliance on foreign imports, strengthening local industries, and encouraging patriotism in public and private sectors.