It is time to launch an ambitious investment-facing diaspora plan that will create jobs and also prevent Nigerians abroad from becoming embittered, lost and disillusioned like Kemi Badenoch

Ayo Akinfe

[1] Once a year, 500 diasporans will be invited to Abuja to rub minds with government ministers on investment, job creation and infrastructure development

[2] The presidents of the major diaspora organisations in four or five key countries worldwide will be granted observers status at Nigerian Governors' Forum meetings

[3] A dedicated diaspora desk will be established in the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja to liaise with Nigerians living abroad

[4] By 2027, diasporans will be allowed to vote in presidential elections

[5] A rehabilitation agency will be established within the Nigeria Diaspora Commission (Nidcom) to enable diasporans who return home settle back into society

[6] More diaspora financial investment instruments will be created through the Central Bank of Nigeria to make maximum use of the $20bn they send home annually

[7] Technical exchange departments will be established in six universities and technical schools across the country to enable young Nigerians benefit from the expertise of the diaspora. Formal exchange programmes will be entered into between these colleges and diaspora organisations

[8] Every year, Nigeria's trade and industry minister will hold a diaspora conference in the UK and US where he will rub minds with the millions of Nigerians who live there

[9] Diasporans who can bring foreign investors to Nigeria will be granted direct access to the trade and industry minister. They will also be granted tax holidays and land leases if their investments are substantial

[10] Nigeria's trade ministry will be set an annual target of attracting at least $1bn in diaspora manufacturing investment every year

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