Nigeria Had Over $20b Diaspora Remittances In 2021- Buhari

Nigerians in the diaspora remitted more than 20 billion dollars home in 2021, President Muhammadu Buhari said in Washington on Friday.

The president made the remark at a presidential town hall meeting he held with Nigerians in the Diaspora on Friday in Washington as he rounded off his participation at the US-Africa leaders’ summit.

Malam Garba Shehu, one of the president’s media aides quoted the president as commending Nigerians in the diaspora in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja.

“I understand that in 2021, our diaspora home remittances through official channels stood at 20 billion dollars which is four times more than the value of our Foreign Direct Investment.

“In addition, many of our diaspora compatriots are actively investing in our healthcare, agriculture, education, Information and Communication Technology, housing and real estate, transportation, oil and gas, and other services.

“I must say this is most commendable and in our enlightened collective self-interest as only Nigerians both at home and abroad can develop Nigeria.

“I am personally proud of you all,’’ Shehu quoted the president as saying.

He stated that the president also expressed pleasure at the conduct of Nigerians who had continued to excel in their chosen fields in the United States of America.

He added that Buhari assured Nigerians residing abroad that the Nigerian government would continue to watch their backs in whichever situation they found themselves.