₦60 Billion Spent: Abike Dabiri Reveals Nigerians Abroad’s Massive December Homecoming Budget

The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has revealed that Nigerians living abroad spent approximately ₦60 billion during their visits to the country in December 2024.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Dabiri-Erewa made this disclosure during the 2025 budget defense session before the National Assembly Joint Committee on Diaspora in Abuja.

Highlighting the significant economic contributions of the diaspora, she stated that remittances from Nigerians abroad have exceeded $90 billion over the last five years.

She remarked, “In the last five years, we’ve demonstrated that the diaspora is a formidable force and resource that cannot be overlooked. They are the foremost ambassadors of our nation, actively helping to reshape Nigeria’s narrative globally.”

She emphasized that Nigerians are increasingly admired worldwide, stating, “People around the world now want Nigerians as friends. This is our moment to seize, and with the right momentum, we can take on the world.”

Acknowledging President Bola Tinubu’s reforms aimed at tackling insecurity, building infrastructure, and making tough decisions to advance the nation, Dabiri-Erewa called for collective support to make Nigeria a better place.

She noted the role of the diaspora in driving economic growth, saying, “We have 17 million Nigerians in the diaspora, and their contributions are immense. Over the past five years, remittances alone have surpassed $90 billion. This past December, they spent no less than ₦60 billion coming home, and this figure is just the beginning—it has the potential to grow further.”

The NIDCOM chair attributed the large turnout of diaspora Nigerians in December 2024 to sustained engagement and interaction with the community.

To further enhance this connection, Dabiri-Erewa proposed the establishment of a Diaspora Plaza, envisioned as a hub where Nigerians abroad can engage with government officials, connect with fellow citizens, and explore opportunities within the country. She also highlighted ongoing efforts to secure innovative funding solutions in collaboration with the National Assembly’s Diaspora committee to bolster the commission’s financial capacity.