The chairman/chief executive officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, says Nigeria has enormous economic potential capable of driving national prosperity.

Ms Dabiri-Erewa said this on Wednesday in Abuja in a goodwill message at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Week lecture.

She was represented by the Director of Media and Public Relations and Protocol, NiDCOM, Abdul-Rahman Balogun.

Ms Dabiri-Erewa said the country’s abundant natural resources and enterprising citizens and diaspora contributions offered significant opportunities for economic growth.

She said the major challenge facing the country was harnessing those opportunities to create wealth, generate employment and improve citizens’ living conditions.

Ms Dabiri-Erewa said the theme of the event, “Harnessing Nigeria’s Economic Potential for Greater Prosperity,” underscored the need for collective commitment to national development.

According to her, national prosperity requires productive utilisation of available resources, and the government, the private sector, the media, and citizens have important roles.

“The media has a responsibility to inform the public, promote investment opportunities, spotlight innovation and patriotic trailblazers, and hold institutions accountable.

“Responsible reporting and effective communication could shape public understanding, encourage enterprise and highlight opportunities capable of driving economic growth,” she said.

The NiDCOM boss described Nigerians in the diaspora as strategic partners in the country’s development efforts.

She said diaspora contributions extended beyond financial remittances to professional expertise, international connections, innovative ideas and investment opportunities.

Ms Dabiri-Erewa said NiDCOM remained committed to strengthening diaspora connections and encouraging greater participation in Nigeria’s economic growth.

She said that her professional journey was closely linked to NAN, where she served during her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme.

“My journalism background reflected the enduring relationship between credible communication, public service and national development,” she said.

The NiDCOM chairman said Nigeria’s prosperity depended on transforming its resources and human potential into tangible development outcomes.

She said collaboration, prudent investment and creating opportunities for citizens to thrive would bring the country closer to its desired future.

Ms Dabiri-Erewa commended the NUJ, NAN Chapel, for its contributions to journalism and national development. 

(NAN)