Bashir Maidugu, Senior Special Assistant to the President (Legal, Research, and Compliance) in the Office of the Vice President, has urged Nigerians in the Diaspora to invest back home, especially in the country’s energy and hospitality sectors. He made the appeal while addressing a Town Hall Meeting organised by the Nigerian Diaspora Global Network (NiDGN).

Addressing the March 30, 2024 Zoom Meeting that also attracted government officials, stakeholders in agriculture and legal sectors, Barrister Maidugu revealed that the Federal Government has decentralised electricity regulation such that states and even local governments can build power systems in their respective localities without connection to the national grid. He urged the diaspora community to seek to invest in this sector and approach the relevant governments for partnerships.

Maidugu also urged the diaspora community to invest in Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality sector.

On Agriculture and Food Security, the legal and investment expert emphasised the critical importance of agriculture and food security in Nigeria. He highlighted the need for sustainable agricultural practices and policies to ensure the country’s food self sufficiency. Additionally, he underscored the role of the government in curbing food smuggling, citing successful efforts in this regard.

On Judiciary, Maidugu also stressed the significance of a viable judiciary system for upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice in the country. This, he said, explains the ongoing reforms designed to instill confidence of investors and the citizens in the judiciary and enhance its effectiveness and efficiency.

Speaking on Infrastructure Development, Maidugu noted that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration has identified infrastructure development as a priority area. He mentioned the substantial investment required, citing a figure of $35 billion annually to fill the infrastructure gap. This, according to Maidugu, “underscores the urgent need for both domestic and foreign investments in infrastructure to drive economic growth and development”. He revealed that the Tinubu administration intends to use the Public Private Partnership model to achieve substantial progress in this regard. He explained that this is the tradition in advanced societies.

Maidugu, who is an expert on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), highlighted its potential benefits for Nigeria. He emphasised “the need for strategic planning and action to leverage this agreement for economic growth and regional integration”.

Another key speaker at the meeting, Dr. Kingsley Uzoma, the Senior Special Assistant to the President for Agric Business and Productivity Enhancement, elaborated on the initiatives undertaken by the government, particularly under the Tinubu administration, to promote agribusiness and enhance productivity in the agricultural sector. He emphasised the potential opportunities available for the diaspora community to engage in projects such as AgriTech, the National Livestock Transformation Project, and IrrigateNigeria.

On the Challenges in Irrigation Infrastructure, Uzoma highlighted the minimal state of irrigation infrastructure in the country, indicating a significant gap that needs to be addressed to optimize agricultural productivity and ensure food security.

The NiDGN Town Hall Meeting provided valuable insights into the critical areas of focus for Nigeria’s development, particularly in agriculture, judiciary, and infrastructure. The discussions underscored the need for concerted efforts from both government and stakeholders to address these challenges and harness opportunities for sustainable growth and prosperity.