Tinubu to Nigerians Abroad: Return Home, Nigeria is Rising Again

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Nigerians in the Diaspora to return home and contribute to national development, declaring that the country is “on the rise again” under his leadership.

Tinubu made the appeal on Thursday at the Kahala Hotel and Resort in Yokohama, Japan, during an interactive session with Nigerians living in Japan on the sidelines of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9).

Call for Diaspora Contribution

“I am happy to listen to you. I’m happy to report that many of our people are returning home,” Tinubu said. “Yes, for economic reasons, some people might decide to stay away; it’s a fundamental right of the individual. But for the economic growth and opportunity available in Nigeria, don’t stay away. Your contribution is very much needed. If you stay away, who will build it?”

The President emphasized that nation-building cannot be left to government alone but must be a shared responsibility between citizens at home and those abroad.

“If we don’t join hands and work together, then we’ve lost the hope of being the leaders we are supposed to be,” he warned. Tinubu also called on Nigerians in the Diaspora to remain ambassadors of the country and project a positive image in their global engagements.

Citizenship Beyond a Passport

Tinubu reminded his audience that true citizenship is not just about holding a Nigerian passport but about character and commitment to national progress. He cautioned against negative portrayals of Nigeria, which, he said, discourage investment and partnerships needed for development.

Reforms and Progress

Highlighting his administration’s reforms, Tinubu pointed to improved passport issuance systems, efforts to stabilize the economy, investments in healthcare to reduce medical tourism, and initiatives to expand opportunities for businesses and attract investment.

“Leadership is about thinking and doing — blending visionary ideas with practical actions to drive stability, unity, and growth,” he said. “Nigeria is on the rise again.”

Diaspora Response

Members of the Nigerian community in Japan, including professionals, entrepreneurs, and students, pledged their support for the administration’s reforms and expressed readiness to contribute to the country’s transformation.

Mr. Emeka Ebogota, President of the Nigerian Union in Japan, thanked Tinubu for engaging directly with the community and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting government efforts.

Also present at the meeting were top government officials, including Foreign Affairs Minister Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, Solid Minerals Minister Dele Alake, Regional Development Minister Abubakar Momoh, Science and Technology Minister Uche Nnaji, Budget Minister Atiku Bagudu, and Minister of State for Finance Doris Uzoka-Anite, alongside private sector leaders.