Vice President Kashim Shettima has revealed that diaspora remittances have surpassed Overseas Development Assistance (ODA), with Nigerians in the diaspora contributing over $168 billion between 2015 and 2022.
This was disclosed during a high-level dialogue on delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda, where Shettima emphasized the vital role of diaspora engagement in Nigeria’s economic transformation.
According to Shettima, “The Renewed Hope Agenda is not just a policy framework; it is a statement of commitment, a covenant between us and the people.” He listed the administration’s clear roadmap, which includes bold reforms and strategic partnerships to revive the nation’s economy and enhance security.
The Renewed Hope Agenda, according to him is built on four core pillars: democracy, development, demographics, and diaspora engagement. Shettima praised the diaspora community for their significant contributions, noting that the recently announced $10 billion Diaspora Fund will also strengthen ties with the diaspora community and boost forex inflows to support national development plans.
President Tinubu’s interventions on the economy include a ₦75 billion investment initiative to revolutionize the manufacturing sector and the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund to facilitate effective infrastructure development across key economic sectors.
At the event, international partners also acknowledged Nigeria’s progress under the Tinubu administration, including the United Nations, which noted a remarkable progress in stabilizing the economy and tackling insecurity. The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, also expressed support for the Renewed Hope Agenda, commending President Tinubu’s security strategies and transparency and accountability in governance.
The event highlighted the importance of international cooperation in achieving the Renewed Hope Agenda, with ministers and stakeholders emphasizing the need for collaboration in the post-COVID-19 era.
