NPN, AfPC move to galvanise Nigerian diaspora for national development

On July 13th, 2024 the Nigerian Professionals Network (NPN) and Africa Policy Conversations (AfPC) convened a landmark event at Kings House in London aimed at galvanising the Nigerian diaspora for national development.

Titled “Nurturing Nigeria’s Future: Mobilising Resources for Impact Investments”, the event gathered Nigerian professionals and policymakers to explore avenues for impactful investments in Nigeria.

The event saw robust participation and engaging discussions. Olumide Lawal, President of NPN, set the stage by emphasising the diaspora’s pivotal role in fostering resilient communities and driving economic progress in Nigeria.

A highlight of the event was the dialogue with Senator Uba Sani, Governor of Kaduna State, moderated by Chinenye Uwanaka. They addressed challenges such as corruption, ethnic and religious biases in investments, policy uncertainties, and efforts by Kaduna State to create a conducive environment for investments.

Governor Sani underscored Kaduna’s reforms in business climate, removal of bureaucratic hurdles, and attracting significant investments in agriculture and solid minerals. He stated that Kaduna state has been able to attract about $ 600 million worth of investment in the state.
The session on investment opportunities showcased Plateau and Kaduna states’ potential in agriculture, mining, and renewable energy.

Whilst the Governor of Plateau state could not be present due to the devastating event in Plateau occasioned by the collapse of a school building, his representative, Mr. Manji Wilson, who is the Technical Adviser to the Governor, outlined key areas of investment in the state.
He highlighted initiatives to mechanise agriculture and develop agro-industrial hubs, and also Plateau states ongoing plans to key into the second phase of the Africa Development Bank Special Agro-Processing Development Project worth 50 -100 million dollars.

Mr Ibrahim Mohammed, Economic Adviser to the Governor of Kaduna State, detailed Kaduna’s vast agricultural resources and mining opportunities, highlighting the state’s proactive measures in establishing special economic zones and fostering partnerships to boost economic activities.

The event also featured insights from diaspora experts like Dr. Iwa Salami, the Director of Centre of Fintech at University of East London, who emphasised financial inclusion through digital innovation and crowdfunding for MSMEs. Pastor Tobi Adegboyega, Founder of The Fxmily, London stressed community empowerment as a catalyst for national progress, urging support for small businesses and professional networks.

Miss Iwuji, Former UK High Commissioner to Mozambique, echoed sentiments on the diaspora’s desire for basic infrastructure and secure environments to encourage their return to Nigeria and contribute their quota to nation-building. She also admonished the diaspora to select a sector of the economy they are passionate about or can add value to, and invest in that area.

In closing, Mr. Adejare from the Nigeria High Commission, UK, reiterated the importance of sustained diaspora engagement and investments in shaping Nigeria’s future. The event concluded with a renewed commitment among attendees to leverage their expertise and networks for Nigeria’s sustainable development.

The London gathering marked a significant step towards mobilising the Nigerian diaspora’s collective efforts to drive positive change and economic growth in their homeland. As Nigerians worldwide unite in purpose, they stand poised to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s journey towards prosperity and resilience.

This event not only fostered dialogue but also set a precedent for continued collaboration and actionable initiatives aimed at transforming Nigeria’s economic landscape through diaspora-driven investments and innovations.