President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that Nigeria’s rise to its rightful place in the comity of nations has begun, assuring Nigerians in the Diaspora that the country is back on the path of stability, prosperity, and progress.
Speaking at an interactive session with members of the Nigerian community in Japan, held on the sidelines of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), President Tinubu outlined key achievements of his administration, emphasizing economic stabilization, expanding opportunities, and impactful reforms.
“All I want to do is assure you that things are stable, the economy is stabilized, the opportunity is immense, people are coming back. We are reversing medical tourism in every way that we could, and I can give you the assurance—we are seeing the beginning of Nigeria rising,” the President said to enthusiastic applause.
He noted that while remaining abroad is a personal right, Nigerians in the Diaspora have a critical role to play in the nation’s development. “If you stay away, who will build it?” he asked, calling on them to actively contribute to rebuilding and transforming Nigeria.
President Tinubu underscored his administration’s focus on creating an environment that empowers every Nigerian—whether at home or abroad—to thrive. He emphasized that governance is not just about words but about “thinking and doing,” anchored in unity, stability, and sustainable progress.
He also urged Nigerians overseas to act as responsible ambassadors, stating that negative commentary harms the country’s image and deters investment and partnerships. “Poor comments and negative reflections will not help the growth of Nigeria,” he cautioned.
Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, John Enoh, also addressed the gathering, highlighting the government’s bold reforms since Day One. He cited recent praise from World Trade Organization Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who commended Nigeria’s policy direction as laying the foundation for future growth.
“We have a President who is undoubted, who is focused, and who is pursuing the reforms that our country deserves,” the minister said.
Adding to the discussion, Khalil Halilu, Executive Vice Chairman of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), announced a significant uptick in global interest in Nigeria’s technology and industrial sectors. He revealed that over 1,000 investment applications had been received globally, with $2 billion already committed, and joint ventures with Japanese firms poised to establish new factories.
From the private sector, Wale Tinubu, CEO of Oando Plc, praised the economic policies of the Tinubu administration, particularly the liberalization of the exchange rate and the removal of fuel subsidies. He said these moves had strengthened government revenues and sparked growth across multiple sectors.
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“We’ve never experienced the closeness with government as we do today,” he said.
Nigeria’s Chargé d’Affaires in Tokyo, Mrs. Florence Akinyemi Adeseke, applauded the achievements of Nigerians living in Japan, especially in academia and professional fields. She noted the importance of tightening ties between the community and the Nigerian government under the new foreign policy thrust.
On behalf of the community, Emeka Egbogota, President of the Nigerian Union in Japan, welcomed President Tinubu to the “Land of the Rising Sun.” He praised the administration’s vision for a Nigeria driven by technology and inclusive growth, and pledged the support of Nigerians in Japan.
The session concluded with a renewed spirit of partnership between Nigeria’s leadership and its citizens abroad. President Tinubu left the gathering with a strong message of unity, resilience, and national purpose, affirming that every Nigerian, wherever they are, is an essential part of the country’s unfolding success story.