President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians living abroad to channel their skills, resources, and investments back home to support national development, insisting that the country is on the rise again under his leadership.
Tinubu made the appeal on Thursday during an interactive session with members of the Nigerian community in Japan, held on the sidelines of the ongoing Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9).
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the president said his administration is focused on building an enabling environment where every citizen can feel the positive impact of change.
He outlined improvements in passport issuance, efforts to reverse medical tourism through upgraded healthcare facilities, and economic transformation initiatives as examples of progress.
“I am happy to listen to you. I’m happy to report that many of our people are returning home,” Tinubu said.
“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 stressed that the true strength of Nigerian citizenship goes beyond merely holding a passport, pointing instead to character and commitment to national progress.
“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.
Tinubu also cautioned against negative portrayals of Nigeria, warning that such narratives undermine development and discourage critical investment and partnerships.
