Dabiri-Erewa Celebrates Nigerians’ Global Leadership Achievements, Links Success to Tinubu’s 4Ds Agenda
The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. (Dr.) Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has commended Nigerians in the diaspora who have attained prominent leadership positions in international organisations, global corporations, healthcare institutions and academic establishments.
Dabiri-Erewa described their achievements as a source of national pride, saying they demonstrate the talent, expertise and contributions of Nigerians to global development.
In a press statement issued in Abuja on Monday, October 26, 2026, the NiDCOM boss said the accomplishments of Nigerians abroad reflect the strategic importance of the Diaspora pillar in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 4Ds Foreign Policy Agenda.
The agenda comprises Development, Democracy, Demography and Diaspora, which she described as essential pillars for strengthening Nigeria’s international engagement and advancing national development.
According to her, the growing presence of Nigerians in influential global positions highlights the need for the Federal Government to harness their professional expertise, international networks and experience for the country’s development.
“These achievements are a source of pride to Nigeria. They demonstrate that Nigerians, wherever they may reside, continue to contribute significantly to global progress,” she stated.
Dabiri-Erewa explained that diaspora professionals could contribute to Nigeria’s development through knowledge transfer, innovation, investment and professional expertise.
She noted that democracy could be strengthened through the promotion of good governance, institutional development and democratic values, while demography recognises Nigeria’s large, youthful population as an important source of human capital.
The Diaspora pillar, she added, underscores the importance of engaging Nigerians abroad and mobilising their skills, networks and resources to support national progress.
Among the Nigerians whose reported achievements have attracted international attention are Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu in international cancer control; Professor Ibrahim Abubakar in global epidemic preparedness; Dr. Bolu Ogunyemi in Canadian medical leadership; and Professor Christian Harrison in academic management.
Others include Ugwechi Amadi in global corporate strategy, Dr. Salamat Ahuoiza Aliu-Ibrahim in specialised neurosurgery, and Ifeanyi Umunna in student leadership at Harvard Law School.
The NiDCOM chief executive called for stronger collaboration between diaspora professionals and Nigerian institutions, particularly in healthcare, education, research, technology, entrepreneurship and public policy.
She advocated deliberate initiatives to promote knowledge exchange, professional mentorship, investment partnerships and institutional cooperation, noting that Nigeria could benefit significantly from the expertise of its citizens abroad.
Dabiri-Erewa also encouraged young Nigerians to draw inspiration from the achievements of their compatriots internationally, stressing the importance of excellence, integrity, innovation and dedication.
She reaffirmed NiDCOM’s commitment to identifying, documenting, celebrating and engaging Nigerians in the diaspora in support of the Federal Government’s development objectives.
“Our diaspora is not merely a community living beyond Nigeria’s sovereign boundaries; it is an invaluable reservoir of talent, experience, innovation, and opportunity,” she said.
She added that stronger engagement with Nigerians abroad would help translate individual achievements into broader national benefits while improving Nigeria’s global image and international partnerships.
