Global Recognition: Dabiri-Erewa Celebrates Nigerians Excelling Abroad, Says Achievements Validate Tinubu’s Diaspora Agenda

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has congratulated Nigerians living abroad who have recently secured top leadership positions in major global institutions.

In a press statement released on Sunday, October 26, 2026, in Abuja, Dabiri-Erewa said the appointments of Nigerians into international organisations, multinational companies, leading hospitals and world-class universities have once again shown the quality of Nigerian talent on the global stage.

She described the development as a proud moment for the country, stressing that Nigerians in the diaspora continue to excel through hard work, professionalism and commitment to service.

According to the NiDCOM boss, the success stories of Nigerians abroad fit perfectly into President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 4Ds foreign policy agenda of Development, Democracy, Demography and Diaspora.

She explained that the fourth pillar, which focuses on the diaspora, deliberately positions Nigerians abroad as key partners in nation building and in projecting Nigeria’s image positively across the world.

Dabiri-Erewa noted that when diaspora professionals share their knowledge, attract investments, and bring innovation back home, they directly contribute to national development. She added that their exposure to global best practices also helps to strengthen democratic values and good governance.

She further said Nigeria’s large youthful population spread across the world remains a major human capital asset that must be properly harnessed for national growth.

Listing some of the notable Nigerians, she mentioned Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, who is making impact in international cancer control, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar, recognised for his work in global epidemic preparedness, Dr. Bolu Ogunyemi, who has risen in Canadian medical leadership, Professor Christian Harrison in academic management, Ugwechi Amadi in global corporate strategy, Dr. Salamat Ahuoiza Aliu-Ibrahim in specialised neurosurgery, and Ifeanyi Umunna, who has taken a leadership role at Harvard Law School.

The NiDCOM Chairman said these individual success stories should push for deeper collaboration between professionals abroad and institutions at home, especially in critical sectors like health, education, science, technology and entrepreneurship.

She called for structured platforms that will encourage knowledge transfer, mentorship, joint research and investment partnerships between the diaspora and local institutions.

Dabiri-Erewa also urged young Nigerians to see the global achievements as motivation to pursue excellence, integrity and innovation in their chosen careers.

She assured that NiDCOM will continue to track, celebrate and engage Nigerians in the diaspora to ensure their expertise contributes to the Federal Government’s development agenda.

According to her, Nigerians abroad are not just living outside the country, they are a rich pool of talent, networks and opportunities that Nigeria must leverage to accelerate growth and enhance its global standing.

The statement was signed by Violet Nwosu of the Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit of NiDCOM in Abuja.