NISER, NiDCOM Push for Shift from Consumption to Investment in $20bn Diaspora Remittances

The Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER) and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) have called for a major policy shift in how Nigeria utilises its estimated $20 billion annual diaspora remittances, urging a transition from consumption-driven spending to investment-led growth.

The call was made during a high-level validation workshop convened to review findings from an extensive diaspora study covering Nigerians across six continents. The initiative is aimed at strengthening diaspora engagement and unlocking its full potential for national development.

‘From consumption to investment’

Speaking at the event, NiDCOM Chairman/CEO Abike Dabiri-Erewa stressed the need for a strategic rethink in the use of diaspora funds.

“Nigeria must move from remittances for consumption to remittances for investment,” she said, highlighting the importance of channeling inflows into productive sectors that can drive economic growth.

She noted that Nigerians abroad continue to excel globally, contributing significantly to sectors such as healthcare, technology, and governance. According to her, the study will help shape a structured roadmap for diaspora engagement, built on coordinated policies, improved investment frameworks, and enhanced technology transfer.

Dabiri-Erewa also emphasised the importance of data-driven policymaking, urging the country to convert the long-standing challenge of “brain drain” into opportunities for “brain gain” and “brain circulation.”

Diaspora: A strategic national asset

In her remarks, NISER Director-General Antonia Taiye Simbine described the Nigerian diaspora as a critical national resource, noting that remittances remain one of the largest in Africa.

She explained that beyond financial contributions, Nigerians abroad bring expertise, innovation, and global networks that can significantly enhance the country’s competitiveness.

However, she identified persistent barriers to effective engagement, including policy inconsistencies, weak institutional coordination, regulatory challenges, and trust deficits among stakeholders.

Healthcare gains from diaspora expertise

Contributing to the discussion, representatives of the Nigerian Medical Association highlighted the growing impact of diaspora professionals in strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system.

Speaking on behalf of the association’s president, Bala Muhammad Audu, Dr Idris Liman noted that innovations such as locally available in vitro fertilisation (IVF) services—once predominantly accessed abroad—demonstrate the benefits of knowledge transfer from Nigerians overseas.

He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to deepening collaboration with diaspora medical experts to improve healthcare delivery and reduce reliance on medical tourism.

Call for coordinated policy framework

Participants at the workshop agreed that sustained and well-structured diaspora engagement could be transformative for Nigeria’s development.

They emphasised the need for a robust and coordinated policy framework that integrates diaspora contributions into national planning, while creating an enabling environment for investment and innovation.

The validation process is expected to produce refined, evidence-based recommendations to guide government efforts in maximising diaspora contributions to economic and social growth.

The Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER) and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) have called for a major policy shift in how Nigeria utilises its estimated $20 billion annual diaspora remittances, urging a transition from consumption-driven spending to investment-led growth.

The call was made during a high-level validation workshop convened to review findings from an extensive diaspora study covering Nigerians across six continents. The initiative is aimed at strengthening diaspora engagement and unlocking its full potential for national development.

‘From consumption to investment’

Speaking at the event, NiDCOM Chairman/CEO Abike Dabiri-Erewa stressed the need for a strategic rethink in the use of diaspora funds.

“Nigeria must move from remittances for consumption to remittances for investment,” she said, highlighting the importance of channeling inflows into productive sectors that can drive economic growth.

She noted that Nigerians abroad continue to excel globally, contributing significantly to sectors such as healthcare, technology, and governance. According to her, the study will help shape a structured roadmap for diaspora engagement, built on coordinated policies, improved investment frameworks, and enhanced technology transfer.

Dabiri-Erewa also emphasised the importance of data-driven policymaking, urging the country to convert the long-standing challenge of “brain drain” into opportunities for “brain gain” and “brain circulation.”

Diaspora: A strategic national asset

In her remarks, NISER Director-General Antonia Taiye Simbine described the Nigerian diaspora as a critical national resource, noting that remittances remain one of the largest in Africa.

She explained that beyond financial contributions, Nigerians abroad bring expertise, innovation, and global networks that can significantly enhance the country’s competitiveness.

However, she identified persistent barriers to effective engagement, including policy inconsistencies, weak institutional coordination, regulatory challenges, and trust deficits among stakeholders.

Healthcare gains from diaspora expertise

Contributing to the discussion, representatives of the Nigerian Medical Association highlighted the growing impact of diaspora professionals in strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system.

Speaking on behalf of the association’s president, Bala Muhammad Audu, Dr Idris Liman noted that innovations such as locally available in vitro fertilisation (IVF) services—once predominantly accessed abroad—demonstrate the benefits of knowledge transfer from Nigerians overseas.

He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to deepening collaboration with diaspora medical experts to improve healthcare delivery and reduce reliance on medical tourism.

Call for coordinated policy framework

Participants at the workshop agreed that sustained and well-structured diaspora engagement could be transformative for Nigeria’s development.

They emphasised the need for a robust and coordinated policy framework that integrates diaspora contributions into national planning, while creating an enabling environment for investment and innovation.

The validation process is expected to produce refined, evidence-based recommendations to guide government efforts in maximising diaspora contributions to economic and social growth.