Get Guardian on GoogleNigeria has been urged to recognise the contributions of foreign nationals living and working in the country, with a call for a broader national development approach that acknowledges the economic, professional and cultural value of migrant communities.
The Director of the Platform for Cooperation on Mixed Migration (PCMM) and Founder of the Cultural Hangout Festival (CHF), Victor Aihawu, said Nigeria should pay greater attention to foreigners who have made the country their home and contribute to its development.
Aihawu, in an article titled, Why Nigeria Must Recognise the Foreign Nationals Contributing to Its Development, described such residents as the diaspora within arguing that their contributions deserve greater recognition in national development discussions.
He noted that while Nigeria celebrates its citizens abroad for their remittances, investments, professional achievements and other contributions, it pays comparatively little attention to foreign nationals who live, work and invest in the country.
He cited Ghanaian entrepreneurs operating businesses in Abuja, Indian industrialists employing Nigerians in Lagos, Lebanese families whose businesses have served generations of customers, and foreign professionals transferring expertise to Nigerian institutions as examples of migrants contributing to the economy.
According to him, some foreign nationals initially arrived as students, traders or employees but eventually established permanent roots, raised families and became part of Nigerian communities.
He argued that although these individuals remain part of the diasporas of their respective countries, they are also stakeholders in Nigeria’s development.
“They are somebody else’s diaspora, but they are also stakeholders in Nigeria’s development. That is what I mean by the diaspora within,” he said.
Aihawu explained that diaspora engagement should not be viewed exclusively from the perspective of countries seeking to benefit from citizens living abroad, adding that host countries also benefit from the skills, investments, businesses and international relationships migrants bring.
He maintained that just as Nigerian entrepreneurs operating businesses in countries such as the United Kingdom contribute to their host economies, foreign entrepreneurs establishing businesses in Nigeria also create economic opportunities, irrespective of their nationality.
He stressed that recognising such contributions does not mean abandoning the responsibilities of institutions such as the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) towards Nigerians abroad or granting foreign nationals privileges outside existing immigration and investment laws.
Rather, he called for a complementary national development approach that acknowledges the contributions of resident migrants.
Aihawu said Nigeria should also broaden its strategy for attracting entrepreneurs, investors, skilled professionals, researchers and innovators from other countries, rather than focusing exclusively on encouraging Nigerians abroad to return or invest at home.
He added that foreign entrepreneurs who succeed in Nigeria could encourage further investment, while professionals and former international students could strengthen partnerships, trade, tourism and cultural diplomacy.
However, he said such benefits would depend partly on whether migrants feel respected, secure and able to participate productively in society.
He called for fair treatment, transparent procedures, respect for rights and responsible migration governance, noting that a welcoming environment must go beyond hospitality.
Aihawu also urged policymakers to improve understanding of migrant communities by documenting their economic and social contributions.
He raised questions about the proportion of businesses owned by migrants, the number of Nigerians they employ, the skills and international networks they bring, and how these relationships could support economic diversification and investment.
He said recognition should extend beyond economic activities to include migrants’ contributions to education, marriage, community service, cuisine, music, art and cultural exchange.
Aihawu said the thinking informed the Cultural Hangout Festival in Abuja, organised to commemorate the United Nations International Migrants Day.
He explained that the initiative seeks to promote music, food, fashion and cultural diversity while encouraging greater recognition of migrants as contributors to the development of their host societies.
He, however, stressed that the conversation should go beyond festivals and ceremonial celebrations, urging stronger cooperation among institutions responsible for immigration, investment, labour, culture, tourism and international relations.
He said migrant communities should also have opportunities to share their experiences and legitimate concerns, adding that the objective was not to create another government bureaucracy but to recognise an existing development resource.
Aihawu further urged Nigeria to uphold the same standards of dignity and fairness it demands for its citizens living abroad, particularly when they experience discrimination, exclusion or unfair treatment.
“The diaspora is not always across the ocean. Sometimes, it lives next door, operates the business down the street, teaches our children, employs our young people or has become part of our families,” he said.
He maintained that Nigeria’s future prosperity would depend not only on mobilising the talents of its citizens at home and abroad but also on attracting, retaining and appreciating foreign nationals who choose to contribute to the country’s development.
“They may be citizens of other nations, but they are stakeholders in Nigeria’s development,” he added.
