Nigerians in Turkey Pledge Support for National Development

The Nigerian community in Turkey says it is prepared to contribute more actively to the country’s development, following President Bola Tinubu’s recent call for citizens abroad to support nation-building.

Prince Emre Magboh, President of the Nigerian Community in Turkey (NICOT), told journalists on Monday that many in the diaspora were encouraged by the President’s appeal. He said the message had renewed a sense of belonging among Nigerians living outside the country.

According to Magboh, the diaspora community is ready to mobilise expertise, investment, and innovation to help drive economic and social progress in Nigeria. “The President’s words show that Nigeria is ready to embrace ideas, skills, and resources from her citizens across the world, whether they live in Turkey, Indonesia, or elsewhere,” he said.

NICOT, established in Istanbul in 2012, has played an active role in uniting Nigerians abroad and encouraging closer ties with home. The group has previously engaged with international organisations and Nigerian authorities to highlight opportunities for diaspora contributions.

Nigeria receives billions of dollars annually from remittances sent by its citizens abroad. According to the World Bank, Nigeria was the largest recipient of remittances in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2023, with inflows estimated at more than $24 billion. Officials say such funds are vital to households and can also be harnessed for wider development.

The Nigerian government, through the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has also sought to create channels for citizens abroad to invest in key sectors, including technology, infrastructure, and healthcare. Recent collaborations with countries such as Turkey have further emphasised diaspora engagement as a tool for development.

Magboh urged Nigerians overseas to take advantage of these initiatives, stressing that their knowledge and experiences would be critical to accelerating growth at home. He added that NICOT is ready to partner with government institutions to mobilise resources and provide a platform for investment and skills transfer.