Shettima Assures Nigerians in Diaspora of Stronger Engagement Under Tinubu’s Administration

Vice President Kashim Shettima has assured Nigerians living abroad that the Bola Tinubu administration will deepen engagement with the diaspora community as part of efforts to reposition Nigeria on the global stage.

Shettima made the pledge during an interactive session with Nigerians in the United States on the sidelines of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

The Vice President said the government values the expertise and resilience of Nigerians overseas and urged them to remain committed to contributing to the country’s transformation.

“Each one of you has value addition capabilities in your own way, and your experience is not something you can buy in the market. Continue to believe in Nigeria. The country is on the right track, and in the fullness of time, we will occupy our rightful place in the comity of nations,” he said.

Shettima cited positive economic indicators, including foreign reserves approaching the $40 billion mark, improved revenue inflows for states, and growing infrastructure investments. He also highlighted initiatives such as the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which he said demonstrates the government’s commitment to empowering young people.

Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, praised the administration’s policy focus on the diaspora, noting that new measures including easier access to passports and the roll-out of non-resident Bank Verification Numbers (BVN)—have simplified services for Nigerians abroad.

Several participants at the event, including professionals in artificial intelligence, healthcare, fintech, and creative industries, expressed readiness to invest in sectors such as mining, technology, and agriculture.

Earlier at UNGA 80, Shettima delivered Nigeria’s national statement, calling for reform of the United Nations, a permanent seat for Nigeria on the UN Security Council, and African control over the continent’s mineral wealth.

Following his engagements in New York, the Vice President departed for Germany, where he is scheduled to hold strategic meetings with senior officials of Deutsche Bank.