'Nigeria Is On The Rise': Tinubu Appeals To Nigerians In Japan To Return Home

YOKOHAMA, JAPAN — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Nigerians living abroad not to "stay away" from their homeland, asserting that the country is on a path of growth and needs the contributions of its citizens to drive development. Speaking on Thursday at the Kahala Hotel and Resort during an interactive session with the Nigerian community, the President's appeal came on the sidelines of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9).

President Tinubu acknowledged that while individuals have the fundamental right to live anywhere, he believes that staying away from Nigeria would be a disservice to the nation’s future. "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?” he said.

A Call for Shared Responsibility

The President stressed that building a great nation is a shared responsibility, not a task for the government alone. He called on Nigerians in the diaspora to be effective ambassadors for the country, warning that negative perceptions can deter the investment and partnerships vital for economic progress.

"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 stated.

Tinubu also reminded his audience that true citizenship is defined by one's commitment to the nation's progress, not just by holding a Nigerian passport. He pointed to his administration's ongoing reforms, including improvements in passport issuance, the stabilization of economic fundamentals, and new investments in healthcare to reduce medical tourism. He also mentioned that government programs are actively expanding business opportunities and attracting investment.

In attendance at the event were top government officials, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and other key ministers, along with leaders from the Nigerian private sector in Japan. In a show of support, members of the Nigerian community pledged their readiness to contribute to the country's transformation.