FG targets Nigerians in diaspora for economic development

The Federal Government has expressed willingness to involve Nigerians in the diaspora in its strides to develop the country’s economy.

The effort, which is aimed at ensuring the realisation of the objectives of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), was contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday by the Head, Press and Public Relations Unit, AbdulGaniyu Aminu.

The ERGP is a four-year medium term strategic blueprint of the Federal Government covering 2017 to 2020 and focusing on human capital investment, restoration of economic growth, and building a competitive economy.

According to the statement, the Minister of Science and Technology, Ogbonnaya Onu, is expected to begin a tour of the United States on Monday to this effect.

Amino said the tour would serve as an avenue to meet and discuss with Nigerians living abroad and advance a case for returning home and exploring opportunities in the country.

The statement also noted that the minister would travel to Cuba to sign a Memorandum of Understanding on science and technology.

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“The visit to the United States of America which is from August 27 to September 4 will afford the minister the opportunity to meet with Nigerians in the United States to sensitise them to the numerous advantages of the Executive Order Five, which is to ensure the realisation of the objectives of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, 2017-2020.

“In accordance with section five (capacity building) of the Executive Order Five, the ministry is expected to take steps to encourage indigenous professionals in the Diaspora to return home and use their experience to develop Nigeria. Onu is expected to visit New York, Washington-DC and Florida.

“The minister will, at the end of the visit to the US, proceed to Cuba on September 5 to honour the invitation of the Government of Cuba to enable both countries to evaluate the possibilities of cooperation in the areas of science, technology and innovation.

“The two countries are expected to sign cooperation agreement in science, technology, and innovation, under the auspices of Ministries of Science and Technology of both countries,” he added

Amino pointed out that, Nigeria could domesticate some of Cuba’s technologies to reduce importation in line with the Executive Order Five since the country had advanced it’s technologies.

 

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