“Nigeria Is On The Rise Again, Nigerians Abroad Should Come Home,” Tinubu Tells Diaspora

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerians living abroad to return home, saying the country is “on the rise again” and urgently needs their skills, investments, and contributions to national development.

Speaking at the Kahala Hotel and Resort in Yokohama, Japan, during an interactive session with Nigerians in the Diaspora on the sidelines of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), Tinubu said his administration is building an enabling environment for citizens to thrive and succeed.

“I am happy to listen to you. I’m happy to report that many of our people are returning home,” he said. “Yes, for economic reasons, some people might decide to stay away; it’s a fundamental right of the individual, 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?”

The President emphasized that national progress must be a joint effort between government, citizens at home, and those abroad. He urged Nigerians in the Diaspora to be active ambassadors of the country, projecting a positive image that would attract investment and strengthen partnerships.

Tinubu noted that citizenship was not just about carrying a Nigerian passport but also about character and commitment to the nation’s advancement. He cautioned against negative portrayals of Nigeria, stressing that such narratives could undermine efforts to reposition the country.

Highlighting ongoing reforms, the President pointed to improvements in passport issuance, stabilised economic fundamentals, investments in healthcare to reduce medical tourism, and government programmes aimed at expanding opportunities for businesses, attracting investment, and boosting the stock market. “Leadership is about thinking and doing — blending visionary ideas with practical actions to drive stability, unity, and growth,” he said. “Nigeria is on the rise again.”

Members of the Nigerian community in Japan, including professionals, entrepreneurs, and students, pledged support for the administration’s reforms and expressed willingness to contribute to the country’s transformation. Emeka Ebogota, President of the Nigerian Union in Japan, thanked Tinubu for directly engaging with the community and assured him of their cooperation in advancing Nigeria’s progress.

The event was attended by senior government officials, including Minister of Foreign Affairs 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, alongside private sector leaders.