President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians living abroad to contribute their knowledge, skills, and resources towards strengthening national development and ensuring a more prosperous country for all.
Speaking on Thursday at the Kahala Hotel and Resort in Yokohama, Japan, during a meeting with selected members of the Nigerian community, the President emphasized that his administration is laying down reforms that require the involvement of citizens both at home and abroad. The gathering took place on the sidelines of the ongoing Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9).
During the session, which included professionals and entrepreneurs from diverse sectors, President Tinubu highlighted his government’s achievements and reassured the audience of his administration’s commitment to building an economy that can generate opportunities for all Nigerians. He particularly pointed out that his government has taken concrete steps to reverse medical tourism by upgrading health infrastructure and widening access to quality healthcare within Nigeria.
According to a statement released by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the President expressed joy in meeting what he described as a vibrant representation of Nigeria’s diversity abroad. He assured the Diaspora community that his administration is working tirelessly to make the country a place where citizens, irrespective of their location, can enjoy the benefits of reform-driven change.
The statement read in part: “The President invited the Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Enoh, and the executive vice chairman of NASENI, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, to speak on the government’s programmes and achievements. Wale Tinubu, the President’s nephew, provided insight into how the government’s reforms have impacted the economy positively by making businesses more competitive, attracting investment, and expanding the stock market.
“President Tinubu said Nigeria is on the rise again under his leadership. He reiterated that leadership is about ‘thinking and ’doing’—blending visionary ideas with practical actions to drive stability, unity, and growth.”
The President also cited improvements in passport issuance, explaining that the process has now become more efficient for both Nigerians at home and those abroad. He reaffirmed his government’s priority of building an enabling environment where citizens can truly experience positive transformation.
“I am happy to listen to you. I’m happy to report that many of our people are returning home. 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 remarked.
President Tinubu underscored that the responsibility of national progress cannot rest solely on government efforts. Instead, it must be a shared responsibility, with citizens abroad also playing an active role in nation-building. He encouraged them to serve as ambassadors by presenting Nigeria positively in their various engagements.
“If we don’t join hands and work together, then we’ve lost the hope of being the leaders we are supposed to be,” he said.
The President further reminded his audience that being a Nigerian goes beyond merely holding a passport—it is reflected in character, values, and dedication to the nation’s development. He added that negative portrayals of Nigeria abroad do little to help the country attract investments and meaningful partnerships.
On the economy, Tinubu assured his audience that his administration has taken steps to stabilize major fundamentals and introduce reforms that will open the door for greater investments, job creation, and growth. “He said the government has also reversed the trend of medical tourism by upgrading healthcare infrastructure and expanding access to quality services at home,” the statement added.
Members of the Nigerian community in Japan expressed satisfaction with the pace of reforms, affirming their support for the government. They pledged to look for opportunities to play a bigger role in Nigeria’s economic and social advancement.
Mr. Emeka Ebogota, President of the Nigerian Union in Japan, thanked Tinubu for meeting with them and assured him of the union’s backing in efforts to reposition the nation.
Other distinguished participants included John Ologbotsere, who received a Japanese national award for his contributions to electrotechnical standardisation; Mr. Kingsley Kabuyashi, an entrepreneur and investor; as well as doctors, students, and business leaders.
Also in attendance were senior government officials and ministers, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar; Charge d’Affaires, Mrs. Florence Akinyemi Adeseke; Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake; Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh; Minister of Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji; Minister of Budget, Atiku Bagudu; Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite; Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Mohammed; along with prominent private sector leaders.
What you should know
President Bola Tinubu has consistently urged Nigerians abroad to contribute to nation-building by sharing their expertise and investments back home.
His latest remarks in Japan reflect his administration’s focus on reversing medical tourism, streamlining passport services, and stabilizing the economy.
His call highlights the need for collective responsibility between citizens and the government to foster sustainable development.
