FG projects 10% increase in Diaspora remittances

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama on Tuesday, projected a 10 percent increase, in remittances from Nigerians in Diaspora.

He said through effective engagement of the federal government with members of the Diaspora Community, higher investments turnout is expected in earnest.

The Minister, informed that the ministry of foreign affairs, has in view of this target, created a portal to encourage secured contributions of diasporas in economic development.

Onyeama,disclosed these in Abuja at the ongoing Diaspora Investment Summit, where he pitched the limitless opportunities abound in the country to a large group of Nigerian diasporas.

He said the remittances are projected to grow from N22 million to over N25 million within a year.

Onyeama added that enjoys ten times more support from the Diaspora than any private sector involvement, and the government was working on exploring economic engagements.

According to him, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was aware of the challenges of credibility, insecurity and uncertainties hindering Nigerians abroad from establishing businesses back home.

“We know it is a leap of faith for you to come back, especially when you think of insecurity, poor healthcare system and unavailability of jobs,

“I am assuring you there are a lot of opportunities you can utilize, and at the ministry of foreign affairs, we have a portal to assist you with accurate and secured information to enable a protected process.

The Minister also assured them of participation in voting processes in the nearest future.

Responses from members of the Diaspora community, show readiness to partner with Nigerian government, although some expressed concerns of distrust of doing business with government.