Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has reassured potential investors worldwide of the state’s readiness to collaborate on investment opportunities by providing a conducive business environment. The governor made this pledge during the third zonal sensitisation and advocacy workshop organised by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) to promote Diaspora direct investment in the Northeast region. The event, held in Bauchi, aimed to highlight the importance of Diaspora engagement for regional development.
Represented by Hajia Amina Muhammad Katagum, Commissioner for Budget, Economic Planning, and Multilateral Coordination, Governor Mohammed commended NiDCOM for organising the workshop. He stressed the immense potential of the Diaspora community, describing them as a vital source of investment, knowledge, skills, and expertise capable of transforming Nigeria’s fortunes. He urged Northeastern states to seize this opportunity to attract investments, reduce dependence on federal allocation, and focus on boosting internal revenue generation.
In her remarks, the Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, represented by the Commission’s Secretary, Engr. Dr. Sule Yakubu Bassi, underscored the vast resources of the Northeastern region. She noted that Nigerians in the Diaspora have remitted over $90 billion in the past five years through cash, intellectual property, goods, services, and investments. She emphasised the need for continued sensitisation to enhance Diaspora participation in Nigeria’s development.
Dr. Esther Ahmed, Special Adviser on Diaspora and Multilateral, highlighted the importance of collaboration to strengthen Diaspora engagement. She called on states in the region to develop strategies that would attract investments and drive growth. The workshop also featured contributions from notable figures, including Gombe State’s Diaspora Focal Officer, Dr. Jamilu Jafaru, and Yobe State’s Diaspora Officer, Alhaji Modu.
This workshop is the third in a series aimed at promoting Diaspora investment, following previous editions held in Lagos for the Southwest region and Enugu for the Southeast. Participants at the event included state commissioners, private sector representatives, and members of the State House of Assembly, who collectively expressed optimism about the Northeast’s potential for economic transformation through Diaspora partnerships.
