Nigeria needs an investment-facing diaspora policy if she is serious about job creation

Ayo Akinfe

[1] Once a year, 500 diasporans will be invited to Abuja to rub minds with the government

[2] The presidents of the major diaspora organisations in four or five key countries will be granted observers status at Nigerian Governors' Forum meetings

[3] A diaspora desk will be established in the foreign office, to liaise with Nigerians living abroad

[4] By 2023, diasporans will be allowed to vote in presidential elections

[5] A rehabilitation agency will be established to enable diasporans who return home settle back into society

[6] More diaspora financial investment instruments will be created to make maximum use of the $20bn they send home annually

[7] Technical exchange departments will be established in six universities and technical schools across the country to enable young Nigerians benefit from the expertise of the diaspora

[8] Every year, the trade and industry minister will hold a diaspora conference in the UK and US where he will rub minds with the millions of Nigerians there

[9] Diasporans who can bring foreign investors to Nigeria will be granted direct access to the trade and industry minister

[10] The trade ministry will have an annual target of attracting at least $1bn in diaspora manufacturing investment every year

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