…Nigerians abroad repatriates over $20 billion annually

Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Europe (NIDOE) has spent over N25 million on various humanitarian projects across Nigeria in 2024.

This was disclosed by the Chairman, Mr Bashir Obasekola, in a virtual news conference held on the sidelines of the NIDOE Annual General Meeting (AGM), which is currently ongoing.

Obasekola said  interventions in the health and education sector were to support Nigerians in underserved communities, effect positive change in the society and contribute to national development.

He noted that NIDOE constructed boreholes, improving clean water access across states in Nigeria.

According to him, “Access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) is a major issue in many hard-to-reach communities in Nigeria, with unsafe water posing severe health risks to the people.

“NIDOE also distributed blood pressure monitors to help with early diagnosis and reduce sudden deaths among Nigerians. “Slump and die” incidents are a growing health challenge in Nigeria and are often caused by cardiovascular or related diseases.

“We are worried by the incident and trying to reverse the trend through regular screenings. That’s why we intervened by distributing the machines to health facilities, and individuals.”

He disclosed that diasporans also donated various assistive learning devices to the Pacelli School of the Blind in Lagos and covered the West African Examination Council (WAEC) fees for Senior Secondary School students.

Obasekola reaffirmed NIDOE’s commitment to inclusive education and ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder students’ educational aspirations.

“As socially responsible citizens, we understand that the government alone cannot meet all these needs, so we are  stepping in to support national development beyond diaspora remittances,” he said.

Obasekola said NIDOE’s humanitarian projects had been ongoing for years, stressing that they would be expanded to reach more lives.

On human development and bilateral trade promotion, Obasekola said NIDOE was passionate about creating opportunities for Nigerian businesses and strengthening commercial ties to enhance economic growth.

Obasekola pointed out that data has shown that Nigerians abroad send over $20 billion back home annually.

The NIDO-Europe Chairman stressed, “Beyond sending remittances, the diasporas have been promoting trade and foreign direct investment, creating businesses and spurring up entrepreneurship and transferring new knowledge and skills.”

On the NIDOE Central Executive Committee (CEC) Election, which  holds on Nov.9, Obasekola appealed to members to embrace peace, adding that he has built the organization from 13 chapters to over 20 chapters and cannot tolerate any form of anarchy.

He regretted that, “Some disgruntled members held an emergency AGM to form a parallel government. Holding the meeting was an act of illegality and all decisions taken at that meeting were nullity.

“We would continue to engage with them and bring them on board, especially the bonafide members. We would respond to their yearnings.

“NIDOE is moving forward under my leadership, and we will be handing over the baton to new executives. We would continue to support and follow the legacy of our past leaders to promote cohesion and national development.

“I have piloted NIDO-Europe to the level of our presence is stamped everywhere. We have also moved on to focus on influencing policy making, both from the local government to the state government and to the federal government respectively.”