News
Shettima Calls on Nigerians in Diaspora to Invest in Nigeria’s Infrastructure
Shettima Calls on Nigerians in Diaspora to Invest in Nigeria’s Infrastructure
By: Michael Mike
Vice President Kashim Shettima has appealed to Nigerians in the Diaspora to invest in the nation’s infrastructure, small businesses, and human capital development.
The Vice President, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Ahmed, made the appeal during the opening of the 8th Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS) in Abuja.
Shettima said the Tinubu administration was creating a business environment that would enable diaspora investments to thrive under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The three-day summit, themed, “Fast-Tracking Regional and National Development by Mobilising Diaspora Investment”, gathered an assemblage of government officials, investors, and entrepreneurs with the aim of mobilising diaspora capital for national growth.
Shettima added that the platform of the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit aligns perfectly with Tinubu’s administration’s objectives of attracting investment, creating jobs, and building human capital.
He said: “To our brothers and sisters in the diaspora, I extend a heartfelt call: come home, not only physically but economically. Invest in our roads, our startups, and our people.”
He stressed that the administration’s focus on transparency, accountability, and policy consistency was meant to restore investor confidence, stating that: “We understand that investors, especially those in the diaspora, need assurance of stability, safety, and returns. This government is resolute in providing all three.”
Shettima added that the government’s reforms in the financial sector, particularly the unification of foreign exchange rates and the removal of fuel subsidies, were already yielding results that would, in time, strengthen the investment climate. “Difficult decisions are being made for sustainable growth. We are laying a foundation for a Nigeria that works — not just for today, but for generations to come,” he said.
The Vice President also disclosed that the administration was prioritising youth entrepreneurship through initiatives like the Expanded National MSME Clinics and Digital Innovation Hubs, aimed at supporting startups and fostering technology-driven growth, stating that: “We are building an economy where innovation thrives, where young Nigerians at home and abroad can transform ideas into industries,” he noted.
He also assured that security challenges were being addressed through intelligence-driven operations and regional collaboration, stating that “a secure nation is a prosperous nation, and every investment thrives best in peace.”
Speaking earlier, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, said the diversification policy of the Tinubu administration had brought in over $1.3 billion in mining investments within a year.
He said over 3,000 inactive licenses had been revoked to clean up the sector and encourage credible investors, adding that new applicants must now show plans for local mineral processing before getting approvals.
The Minister explained that Nigeria’s vast mineral resources, including lithium, gold, and nickel, were now being repositioned for export and industrial use. “Our aim is to ensure that value addition happens within Nigeria, so that we export finished products, not raw materials,” Alake said.
He said the government was finalising a Solid Minerals Development Roadmap, which would create an end-to-end system for exploration, mining, and processing. He said partnerships with diaspora professionals and investors were welcome in building refineries, training institutions, and logistics infrastructure for the mining sector.
“Mining is the new oil,” Alake declared. “And we are determined to ensure it becomes a sustainable pillar of the Nigerian economy.”
In his part, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, urged Nigerians to promote a positive image of their country, noting that “no dollar will come into a country people speak ill of.”
He said Nigeria’s recent removal from the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) grey list was proof of the administration’s credibility and the growing confidence of the international community. “It shows that reforms are working, and that Nigeria is now seen as a responsible, transparent partner in global trade,” he added.
Idris noted that image-building was not just the responsibility of government but a collective duty of all citizens, including those abroad. “Every Nigerian is an ambassador. The way we talk about our country affects how investors perceive us,” he said.
He also reaffirmed the government’s resolve to strengthen communication channels with the diaspora through structured public diplomacy and digital engagement. “We will continue to tell Nigeria’s success stories — not propaganda, but the real progress being achieved across sectors,” he assured.
On her part, the NiDCOM Chairman, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said Nigerians abroad remained one of the country’s greatest assets, contributing $25 billion in remittances in 2024, the highest in Africa.
She revealed that: “Our goal is to look beyond remittances and channel this capital, expertise, and goodwill into sustainable investments that create jobs and drive inclusive growth.”
Dabiri-Erewa explained that the Diaspora Investment Summit had become a catalyst for partnership between state governments, private investors, and the Nigerian diaspora.
She said: “Through this platform, several projects — from real estate to agriculture, renewable energy, and ICT — have received direct diaspora fundings,,” stressing that the Commission was developing a Diaspora Investment Trust Fund to pool resources for large-scale ventures, while also working with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Central Bank of Nigeria to streamline remittance channels and protect investors.
She said: “We are committed to making every Nigerian abroad feel safe and proud to invest back home.”
She praised the resilience of Nigerians in the diaspora, describing them as “ambassadors of excellence” who continue to make global impact “from healthcare to technology and academia, Nigerians abroad have distinguished themselves, and we must harness that energy for national transformation.”
Shettima Calls on Nigerians in Diaspora to Invest in Nigeria’s Infrastructure
Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Government has distributed relief materials to 434 indigenes of Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area who were recently rescued by security agencies after spending three months in Boko Haram captivity.
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum visited the victims in Pulka on Monday and directed the immediate distribution of food and non-food items to support their recovery and reintegration.
In compliance with the Governor’s directive, the Director General of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Alhaji Ali Abdullahi Isa, promptly supervised the distribution exercise.
Each rescued person received a bag of rice, a bag of maize grits, a mattress, a wrapper, and a shadda, while children received two pairs of clothing.
In addition, 208 heads of households received N50,000 each, fulfilling Governor Zulum’s earlier pledge of financial assistance.
Speaking during the distribution, the SEMA Director General said the intervention was part of the government’s immediate response to ease the hardship faced by the rescued victims.
“I am here at the instance of His Excellency, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, who was here some few days ago, and to deliver the items he directed that it should be given to you as emergency relief,” Ali stated.
The rescued individuals are currently receiving medical care and psychosocial support at a government facility. Upon completion of the rehabilitation process, they will be reintegrated into their respective communities.
The exercise was carried out alongside the Chairman of Gwoza local government, representatives of the Ngoshe community, and other officials.
Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram
Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs
By: Michael Mike
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, marked Democracy Day with the handover of two Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and critical logistics to the Nigerian Army, after joining internally displaced persons (IDPs) for a symbolic celebration and distribution of food items to 2,500 beneficiaries.
The armoured MRAPs delivered to the Theatre Command of Operation Hadin Kai on Friday are intended to enhance troop protection against improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and ambushes which remain a persistent threat in the fight against insurgents. Additional logistics include operational Hilux vehicles and motorcycles for frontline soldiers in difficult terrains.
Zulum also marked Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebration with Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at the Madinatu camp where he distributed food supplies, non-food items, and cash gifts to thousands of beneficiaries.
The distribution, held at the Madinatu IDP camp, served to consolidate Zulum’s resettlement gains. Over the past seven years, Borno State Government has successfully resettled more than 2 million IDPs in their ancestral communities in a dignified and voluntary manner.
“It gladdens my heart today, the 12th of June, 2026, to celebrate June 12th, Democracy Day, here in Madinatu Camp, the only formal camp that is standing inside Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, today, to the glory of God and the benefit of mankind, for the distribution of food and non-food items. Inshallah, this camp will be closed this year. This will be our last distribution exercise in this camp, or the second to the last,” Zulum said.
However, Governor Zulum used the occasion to announce a timeline for the camp’s closure. The governor ordered that Madinatu camp be shut down within one month, vowing to similarly close most IDP camps across various Local Government Areas in the coming phase of his administration’s resettlement strategy.
“Democracy must translate into restoring the dignity of our people,” Zulum told the IDPs. “Living in camps is not a permanent solution. Our goal remains to return every displaced person to their ancestral homes with security and means of livelihood.”
In addition to the food items, Zulum approved N50,000 each for the 2,500 beneficiaries present at the event.
“Each of the 500 beneficiaries mentioned will receive a 25kg bag of rice and a 25kg bag of sorghum. Women will receive wrappers. I also promise to provide 50,000 naira to each beneficiary. This amount can be credited into their own individual accounts, inshallah,” Zulum said.
The exercise was attended by the APC’s State Deputy Chairman, Garba Mulima, APC State Vice Chairman (Central) Abdur Rahman Abdulkarim, Acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mallumbe, Member representing Jere at the State Assembly, Abba Kyari Kolo, commissioners and commissioner designates and several other senior government officials.
Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs
Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano
By: Michael Mike
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for the arrest of a suspected gun courier intercepted while allegedly transporting weapons believed to be destined for criminal elements in Katsina State.
The commendation was contained in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Thursday, June 12, 2026.
Governor Yusuf described the operation as a major breakthrough in the ongoing fight against banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes threatening communities across Northern Nigeria.
According to information provided by the DSS, the suspect, identified as Muhammad Abubakar, 30, was apprehended in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State while allegedly transporting four rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) tubes, three AK-47 rifles and two empty magazines to Funtua in Katsina State.
Preliminary investigations reportedly revealed that the suspect collected the weapons from an individual identified as Bello in the Maigatari border area of Jigawa State and was expected to receive N450,000 upon successful delivery of the arms.
Governor Yusuf praised the professionalism, vigilance and intelligence-driven approach of DSS operatives, noting that the timely interception prevented the weapons from falling into the hands of bandits and other criminal groups.
He said the operation underscored the critical role of intelligence gathering and effective collaboration among security agencies in tackling emerging security threats across the country.
The governor reaffirmed the commitment of the Kano State Government to supporting security agencies through sustained cooperation, logistics assistance and policies aimed at strengthening public safety throughout the state.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to security agencies to aid efforts to combat crime and maintain peace.
Governor Yusuf expressed confidence that ongoing investigations would lead to the arrest and prosecution of all individuals connected to the alleged arms trafficking network.
The statement was signed by Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Director General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano.
Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano
Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram
DEMOCRACY AND THE COURAGE TO BELIEVE
Army Distributes Fertiliser to Farmers in Jigawa Under Civil-Military Cooperation Programme
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News1 year agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Politics1 year ago2027: Why Hon. Midala Balami Must Go, as Youths in Hawul and Asikira/Uba Federal Constituency Reject ₦500,000 as Sallah Gift
