In a statement signed by NiDCOM’s Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, on Monday in Abuja, Dabiri-Erewa described the inflows from Nigerians abroad as “humongous” and crucial to strengthening the country’s economy.
According to her, “diaspora remittance inflows tripled to $600 million monthly over the past two months, based on CBN statistics.”
She credited the surge to measures introduced under the leadership of CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, including the launch of the Non-Resident Bank Verification Number (BVN) initiative and a more competitive exchange rate. These policies, she said, have encouraged Nigerians abroad to use formal channels for sending money home.
Dabiri-Erewa also expressed optimism that the figure could grow further, aligning with Cardoso’s projection that remittances might reach $1 billion monthly by 2026. She noted that NiDCOM would sustain diaspora-focused programmes such as the Nigerian Diaspora Investment Summit, National Diaspora Day, and the Diaspora Youth Summit to deepen engagement with Nigerians abroad.
Meanwhile, Cardoso, speaking at the Delta State–Brazil Business and Investment Roundtable in São Paulo, confirmed that remittance inflows had previously averaged around $200 million monthly but have now risen sharply to $600 million—a 200 per cent increase.
He linked the surge to improved remittance channels and a liberalised foreign exchange regime, which made transfers easier and more attractive through official platforms.
Both NiDCOM and the CBN stressed that continued collaboration and reform would be key to sustaining this momentum, as Nigeria seeks to harness diaspora contributions for economic growth.
