Tinubu to Nigerians in Rwanda: “We Will Keep Working Until Nigeria Realises Its Full Potential”

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians in Rwanda that his administration will continue working “relentlessly” until the country achieves its full economic and developmental potential, pledging reforms that will remove barriers limiting citizens at home and abroad.

Tinubu gave the assurance on Friday in Kigali during an interactive engagement with members of the Nigerian community in Rwanda, including academics, professionals, entrepreneurs, and students.

The meeting held on the sidelines of the Africa CEO Forum, where the President also met diaspora stakeholders and development partners.

“Nigeria will take its rightful place,” Tinubu says while addressing the delegation, Bola Ahmed Tinubu said his administration remained committed to ensuring Nigeria occupies its “rightful place in the comity of nations,” adding that ongoing reforms were already stabilising the economy despite early challenges.

He praised Nigerians in Rwanda for being “good ambassadors” of the country, noting their compliance with host country laws and contributions to pan-African development.

“The reforms are working, and the economy is stable and improving. We owe every Nigerian at home and abroad the enabling environment to succeed,” he said.

Diaspora unity and national identity
The President urged Nigerians abroad to remain united and avoid ethnic divisions, stressing that national identity must supersede tribal differences.

He also reflected on the symbolism of the Nigerian flag, saying it represents shared national purpose regardless of birthplace or background.

Tinubu further told the delegation that governance under his administration would remain transparent and guided by inclusivity.

Diaspora concerns: passports, consular services
Members of the Nigerian community, led by the Director-General of the Abike Dabiri-Erewa of the Nigeria Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), presented concerns affecting Nigerians in Rwanda, particularly difficulties in passport processing.

Chairman of the Association of Nigerians in Rwanda, Prof. Umar Wali, said the absence of a passport office at the Nigerian High Commission in Kigali had created challenges for renewals and documentation, including for newborns.

In response, Tinubu directed Nigeria’s Charge d’Affaires in Rwanda, Ambassador Ibrahim Zanna, to work closely with NIDCOM to address the concerns and improve consular services.

The delegation showcased the achievements of Nigerians in Rwanda, including professionals and academics, with several members holding senior roles across multinational institutions.

A representative from the United Nations Population Fund, Dr. Olugbemi Adekakan, also expressed interest in strengthening collaboration with Nigeria in human capital development.

Officials from the United Nations Development Programme in Kigali, including Fatima Attahiru, pledged support for skills development and capacity-building initiatives involving Nigerian institutions.

NASENI, sports investment interests
The Executive Vice Chairman of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, Khalil Sulaiman Halilu, told the meeting that the agency had developed diaspora-focused programmes aimed at leveraging overseas expertise for national development.

Former basketball star and sports executive Dallas Mavericks President Michael Masai Ujiri also spoke at the engagement, expressing interest in supporting the development of Nigeria’s sports infrastructure and investment ecosystem.

Diaspora praises administration
Members of the Nigerian community commended Tinubu’s leadership and participation in continental economic engagements, including the Africa CEO Forum, while pledging continued efforts to promote Nigeria’s image abroad.

The session concluded with assurances from both the Presidency and diaspora representatives to strengthen collaboration on governance, investment, and national development goals.